As our children grow into their teenage years, a natural shift happens.
They become more independent.
They begin to develop their own identities.
This is exactly what we want!
In my homeschool, I’ve found it crucial to honor this development.
That means shifting from the role of teacher to facilitator.
One of the best ways to do this?
Incorporate outside mentors into their education.
Why Mentors?
Mentors provide real-world insight and personalized learning.
They help teens explore their passions in ways that textbooks simply can’t.
Think about it—
What if your teen could learn from someone who’s actually done what they dream of doing?
The benefits are incredible:
- Learning life skills directly from experts.
- Inspiration from someone who’s walked a similar path.
- Accountability and motivation from a new role model.
Where to Find Mentors
Start with your teen’s interests.
What do they love? What do they want to learn more about?
Here’s where to look:
Leverage your network:
- Ask friends, homeschool groups, and church communities.
- Post what you’re looking for on social media.
Don’t overlook retired professionals.
They have experience and the time to share.
And don’t forget: virtual mentors are a great option too!
There are so many ways mentors can get involved.
They can:
- Meet regularly for accountability.
- Guide project-based learning.
- Provide shadowing experiences.
- Teach specific skills with regular feedback.
Making Mentorship Work
To make the most of a mentorship:
- Set clear goals:
Sit down with your teen and outline what they want to achieve. - Encourage responsibility:
Let your teen take charge of scheduling and preparation.
- Trade time for skills:
Your teen can help the mentor in exchange for their guidance. - Work for payment:
Sometimes, I’ll have my teens work for me to cover the cost of a mentor.
Challenge for the Week
This week, I challenge you to:
- Sit down with your teen and brainstorm what they’d like to learn.
- Identify at least one potential mentor—someone local or online.
- Start the conversation!
Mentorship is a beautiful way to enrich your homeschool.
It opens doors for lifelong learning and inspiration.
