How the Mentor Mindset Can Help Adults Show Up Better for Tweens and Teens
Oct 8, 2024
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David Yeager, a behavioral science expert and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into how adults can foster a supportive environment for adolescents. He highlights the importance of empathy in understanding the emotional needs of tweens and teens, emphasizing their quest for respect. The conversation shifts to the vital role of mentorship, advocating for a 'mentor mindset' that contrasts with traditional authority. Yeager shares practical strategies like transparency and questioning to engage young people, ultimately guiding them towards self-motivation.
Understanding adolescents' emotional needs for status and respect is essential for fostering healthy adult-teen interactions.
Adopting a mentor mindset helps adults balance support with high expectations, empowering teens to face challenges and grow.
Deep dives
Understanding Adolescent Needs
Adolescents experience significant brain development, leading to vital emotional needs that differ from younger children. During this period, young people crave status and respect, which are akin to fundamental needs, similar to how babies require food and sleep. This need for social validation affects their motivation and behavior, as they seek to be taken seriously by peers and adults. Recognizing these needs can transform the way adults interact with adolescents, fostering connections that encourage healthy development.
The Role of Adults as Mentors
Adults play a crucial role in guiding adolescents, and adopting a mentor mindset is essential for fostering growth. This mindset involves being both demanding and supportive, helping young people navigate their challenges while maintaining high expectations. Instead of adopting an enforcer or protector mentality, adults should focus on facilitating opportunities for adolescents to demonstrate their capabilities. By embodying the mentor approach, adults can promote positive interactions and empower the next generation.
Implementing Effective Mentorship Practices
To cultivate a mentor mindset, adults can utilize three practical strategies: transparency, questioning, and selling a vision. Transparency involves clearly communicating intentions when providing feedback, ensuring young people understand the rationale behind expectations. Asking thoughtful questions instead of providing immediate answers encourages adolescents to engage in problem-solving collaboratively. Lastly, framing difficulties as opportunities for making a meaningful impact in the world helps tap into young people's motivations, reinforcing their desire to succeed.
David Yeager is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and an expert in behavioral science. He just published a book titled “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.” He joins KQED's Ki Sung in conversation to share strategies adults can use to get into the best mindset for helping adolescents be their best selves.
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