Mentorship for Military Youth: How Connecting with Role Models Helps
Like their families in the military, military youth often make sacrifices for the betterment of their country. Constantly moving from place to place, never knowing where your family’s orders will take you, and not being able to make steady connections are all issues unique to military youth. For this reason, military teen mentorship programs play a big role in helping adolescents cope with the challenges of military life.
At Mission Prep, we’ve seen how children of military family members are impacted by the work of their loved ones. We also know that military mentorship and mental health improvement go hand in hand, but how? This guide can help answer this question for parents and loved ones of military youths, and includes information on:
- What mentorship programs for military youth are
- The benefits of mentoring teens in military families
- How to help your child find a mentor
- Mentor matching for military kids: what works best
- Military support for adolescents at mission prep
What Are Mentorship Programs for Military Youth?
Peer mentoring for youth can take on many shapes and forms. Yet, it usually involves having a trusted adult who is outside of the immediate family provide guidance, encouragement, and support to youth.
Many types of mentorship programs have been shown to provide benefits like improved self-esteem and a sense of stability for teens, including:1
- Natural mentors: Such as a close uncle, aunt, or other older, more experienced relative, or person in close contact
- Community-based mentoring programs: Which include volunteers who interact with at-risk youth and other vulnerable teen populations
- School-based mentoring programs: Which can help build academic strengths and are integrated into schools
- Teen mentor programs combined with other youth services: Such as Mission Prep’s mental health treatment program.
Whether your teen chooses to enroll in a school- or community-based program, they will have the opportunity to form a meaningful connection with a mentor who can provide guidance and support.
Benefits of Mentoring Teens in Military Families
Youth mentorship programs for military teens offer unique benefits for adolescents. Mentors who have personal experience with military lifestyle and culture can better relate to the issues that these teens may face. Plus, with a mentor’s guidance and leadership, teens can learn how to navigate the often complex and challenging aspects of being a military youth.
The following information covers how guidance for military youth can change their lives for the better.
Military Mentorship and Mental Health
One of the biggest benefits of military teen mentorship programs is their ability to help improve the lives of children with mental health issues. Unfortunately, the uncertainty and stress of military life can take a toll on the children of military members. For instance, research shows that children of parents in the military are often diagnosed with issues such as:2
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use
- Suicidal ideation
If your teen is diagnosed with a mental health issue or experiences any of these problems, mentorship programs might act as a beacon of hope. For example, evidence suggests that mentorship programs for youth with ADHD can help improve mental health and social-emotional issues.3
It’s important to understand that mentors aren’t mental health counselors. But, for teens with issues like depression and anxiety, they can help bridge the gap between professional therapy and everyday life.
Preventing Violent Behavior Through Mentorship
Having access to a positive adult influence can help reduce the risk of violence in military youth. For instance, a review of 39 studies showed that mentorship for youth helped reduce rates of delinquency, bullying, and fighting.4
Additionally, the University of Chicago showed that youth in community-based youth mentorship programs were 54% less likely to have been arrested. They were also 41% less likely to have engaged in substance use than their peers.5 This same study also found improvements for youths in:
- School engagement
- Self-control
- Social skills
- Resilience
- Self-advocacy
For military youths, these benefits are monumental, since surveys show military children are more likely than non-military children to experience substance issues, bullying, and violence.6 Yet, through the help of military teen mentorship programs, these youths are better able to overcome these issues and thrive in their personal and academic lives.
Leadership Development in Military Teens Through Mentorship
Most higher-education scholars view mentoring as an essential part of the leadership process. Therefore, when it comes to leadership development, military teens can almost certainly benefit from having a trusted mentor by their side. For instance, research shows that mentoring can provide several benefits, including:7
- Leadership self-efficacy
- Political skills
- Socially responsible leadership
For military youth who spend their formative pre-college years constantly adapting to new environments, having a mentor can provide stability and guidance for the next step in their lives. Whether a teen chooses to follow in the footsteps of loved ones, enroll in higher education, or enter the workforce, mentorship can help them navigate their options. This way, they can learn how to be a leader before they step out into the world.
Identity Formation From Adult Guidance
The obvious choice for teen role models is their loved ones in uniform. But what if military children want to choose another career path? How can they learn their identity without their loved ones’ guidance?
This is where having a mentor outside of the military can be beneficial for teen identity formation. Mentors provide a different perspective and experience, giving teens the opportunity to explore other career paths and interests that may not have been introduced within their military community.
In addition, research shows that cultural mentoring can help teens feel validated and develop a stronger sense of identity.8 For military teens who might feel like outcasts, having a mentor who understands their unique experiences and challenges can be incredibly valuable.
Mentoring Can Be Protective Against Challenges
Military teen mentorship programs add a layer of positive adult influence that can serve as a protective factor against the challenges teens face. For instance, research has shown that strong relationships with caring adults protect adolescents from poor health-related outcomes and promote positive development.9
Moreover, it isn’t just military teens that can benefit from mentorship. Survivors of childhood sexual trauma and abuse have also been shown to have higher rates of socio-emotional well-being if they encounter a mentor early on.10 Therefore, whether a military child is dealing with the deployment of a parent, trauma, or any other challenging life event, building resilience through mentorship can help them thrive.
Improving Academic Performance Through Mentorship
Military support for adolescent growth also underpins academic ability. Military children may face unique challenges when it comes to education, such as frequently moving and changing schools. This can lead to disruptions in their learning and make it difficult for them to build stable relationships with teachers and peers. Fortunately, military teen mentorship programs can help improve academic performance. For instance, teens who participate in peer-mentoring programs experience several benefits, including:11- Improved grade average
- Better attendance rates
- Higher retention levels
These benefits are critical for military children, who often face increased stress and a lack of support in civilian-based schools.12 Having a mentor to support them in their academic development can make all the difference in positively influencing their higher education.
Support for Fostered and Disadvantaged Youth
With 1.6 million children currently living with one or more parents in the military, not all will have the same level of advantages.13 Disadvantaged children with more socioeconomic issues may particularly benefit from military teen mentorship programs.14 In addition, with a mentor by their side, they may attain better GPAs, have an improved chance of attending college, and lower the risk of facing legal trouble.15
All of these benefits can translate to success in the future. For example, research shows that youth mentorship can have a positive impact on someone’s earning potential in adulthood.16 Even for foster military children or children with a single parent, mentorship can offer invaluable support and guidance that may not be available in their immediate family or community.
How to Help Your Child Find a Mentor
Helping teens thrive with mentors doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many ways families can connect their children to a mentor, including through:
- Online research for local mentorship programs
- School-based mentorship opportunities
- Community organizations and youth groups
- Places of worship or spiritual centers
- Mental health treatment centers
- Professional networks and clubs (for example, Rotary and Kiwanis)
- Family and friends who have found successful role models
It’s important for parents to make sure they are involved in the mentoring process, especially if their child is a minor. This involvement can include attending meetings between the mentor and child, discussing goals and boundaries with the mentor, and being available for support and guidance throughout the mentoring relationship.
Mentor Matching for Military Kids: 5 Tips for Finding the Best Fit
Mentor matching for military kids is an essential part of supporting the development and well-being of children in military families. However, finding the right mentor for your child may seem like a daunting task, especially for military families who constantly uproot and move.
Here are some tips to help you find the best military teen mentorship programs for your child:
- Start with your child’s interests: Consider your child’s interests and hobbies when looking for a potential mentor. Whether it’s sports, getting into college, art, or music, finding a mentor who shares similar interests can help establish a strong connection.
- Look into military-specific programs: There are many programs specifically designed for military families, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters Military Mentoring Program or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. These programs cater to the unique challenges that military families face and can connect meaningfully with your child.
- Involve your child: What does your child think about their mentor? Do they like a community-based program, or would they rather have a peer mentor? Involve your child in the decision-making process and let them choose which type of mentoring program they feel most comfortable with.
- Set goals together: Sit down with your child and their mentor to discuss specific goals that your child would like to achieve through the mentoring relationship. This could be improving academic performance, building self-confidence, or learning a new skill.
- Be open to feedback: It’s important to remember that mentoring is a two-way street, and your child may receive constructive criticism from their mentor. Find a mentor who can provide criticism but also positive feedback as often as possible.
Military Support for Adolescents at Mission Prep
At Mission Prep, we understand that military families face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing support for adolescents in these situations. Our mission is to help prepare civilian and military teens for success in school, their careers, and personal well-being.
We encourage parent involvement in every step of the mental health recovery journey for teens. This is why we provide military families with tools and resources to support their child’s mental health. For instance, we offer individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy options, among others, to help military children find support for issues like depression, anxiety, and more.
Get Guidance for Military Youth Today
As a military youth, life can feel uncertain. But, what is certain is that all youths deserve to have a stable, supportive, and judgement-free environment where they can thrive. If you’re looking for military teen mentorship programs in California or Virginia, Mission Prep is here to help.
We emphasize flexibility in mental health treatment, which is why we offer a range of services, including residential, outpatient, summer programs, and more. Contact our team today to learn more about our treatment packages and how we can support your military teen’s mental health journey.
References
- Schwartz, S. E. O., Lowe, S. R., & Rhodes, J. E. (2012). Mentoring relationships and adolescent self-esteem. The Prevention Researcher, 19(2), 17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3873158/
- Wooten, N. R., Brittingham, J. A., Sumi, N. S., Pitner, R. O., & Moore, K. D. (2019). Behavioral health service use by military children during Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 46(4), 549–569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-018-09646-0
- Haft, S. L., Chen, T., LeBlanc, C., Tencza, F., & Hoeft, F. (2019). Impact of mentoring on socio‐emotional and mental health outcomes of youth with learning disabilities and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 24(4), 318–328. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12331
- Mentor National. (2021). Mentoring & youth violence prevention. https://www.mentoring.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Mentoring-and-Youth-Violence-Prevention.pdf
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. (2022, October 17). New study finds mentorship lowers rates of youth crime and delinquency. https://publichealth.uic.edu/news-stories/new-study-finds-mentorship-lowers-rates-of-youth-crime-and-delinquency/
- Sullivan, K., Capp, G., Gilreath, T. D., Benbenishty, R., Roziner, I., & Astor, R. A. (2015). Substance abuse and other adverse outcomes for military-connected youth in California. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(10), 922. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.1413
- Hastings, L. J., & Sunderman, H. M. (2020). Evidence‐based practices in mentoring for leadership development. New Directions for Student Leadership, 2020(168), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20410
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Dahlberg, M. L., & Byars-Winston, A. (2019, October 30). Mentoring underrepresented students in STEMM: Why do identities matter? National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552781/
- Sieving, R. E., McRee, A.-L., McMorris, B. J., Shlafer, R. J., Gower, A. L., Kapa, H. M., Beckman, K. J., Doty, J. L., Plowman, S. L., & Resnick, M. D. (2017). Youth–adult connectedness. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(3), S275–S278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2016.07.037
- Ervin, A. (2021, August 10). Can mentoring relationships serve as a protective factor for survivors of childhood sexual abuse? – The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. https://www.evidencebasedmentoring.org/can-mentoring-relationships-serve-as-a-protective-factor-for-survivors-of-childhood-sexual-abuse/
- Venegas-Muggli, J. I., Barrientos, C., & Álvarez, F. (2022, January 6). The impact of peer-mentoring on the academic success of underrepresented college students. – The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. https://www.evidencebasedmentoring.org/the-impact-of-peer-mentoring-on-the-academic-success-of-underrepresented-college-students/
- Frederick, J., & Siebler, P. (2022). Military children: Unique risks for mental health and wellbeing and implications for school-based social work support. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 92(4), 219–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2023.2189469
- U.S. Department of Defense. (n.d.). Month of the Military Child. https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Month-of-the-Military-Child/
- Rhodes, J. (2016, February 10). New study suggests that disadvantaged youth gain the most from mentoring. The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring. https://www.evidencebasedmentoring.org/new-study-shows-how-disadvantaged-youth-gain-the-most-from-mentoring/:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Jekielek, S., Moore, K., Hair, E., & Scarupa, H. (2002). Mentoring: A promising strategy for youth development. https://cms.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2002/02/MentoringRB.pdf
- Timpe, Z. C., & Lunkenheimer, E. (2015). The long-term economic benefits of natural mentoring relationships for youth. American Journal of Community Psychology, 56(1–2), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-015-9735-x
