Building Connections Between Generations is More Crucial Than You Realize - Now More Than Ever
Nothing changes the human spirit like human relationships.
Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems.
Often, our social connections fall by the wayside.
Especially when pandemics force people to stay home and distance themselves from other humans. Meaning now, more than ever, connecting with others is more important than you might think.
Children and adults of all ages have felt the sting of isolation in some capacity in the wake of 2020’s social distancing.
Kids haven’t been able to interact with their peers physically at school
Playdates have been postponed
Religious congregations have been meeting virtually rather than in person
Coworkers communicate via email instead chatting by the coffee pot
Grandparents have had limited, if any, physical interactions with their family
Group events have been canceled, leaving you to celebrate life events in the solidarity of your own home
And that’s just the beginning of it.
All children are born with the same potential. Not all children are born with the same resources, opportunities, or playing field.
The fortunate few, tight-knit families with healthy familial relations at least have the privilege of engaging with one another at home. In other words, they have a built-in support system.
But what about the widower who sits alone at home?
Or the child of a single parent who has no access to a caring adult or friend?
In every way, both children and adults from various walks of life are longing to connect with other humans.
And those with limited support are in need of just as much social connection as anyone else.
Actually, scratch that . . . They are in need of more.
The Bridge Builder
If only there was a way to build connections and relationships between those groups …
Adults mentoring children and passing along invaluable wisdom, experience and insight.
Children experiencing the freedom to learn, grow, and wrestle with the challenges associated with growing up.
Both opening themselves up to one other and receiving the benefits of a gratifying, mutually beneficial relationship.
Both lavishing in the richness of human connection and mentorship.
But it’s more than just the warm and fuzzies.
Statistics show that adults who invest in the younger generations have:
better physical and psychological health
increased well being and life satisfaction
lower levels of depression
increased self-worth by feeling useful and productive through the utilization of their talents and wisdom.
Likewise, youths with mentors:
have higher rates of high school graduation
find more self-confidence and self-esteem
hold healthy relationships
are more likely to hold positions of leadership and influence
But how do the young and the old find each other? Who builds the bridge
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lonestar Tarrant County (BBBS) is an organization completely dedicated to the pairing of adult mentors with children of all ages. And this nationwide agency is building many bridges throughout the Denton County area.
Whether it's a child seeking a mentor, or an adult seeking to pour into the younger generation, BBBS matches both young and old based on preferences, interests, location, and age to ensure genuine and authentic connections are made.
As COVID-19 has been on the rise, so have the mental health concerns regarding isolation, anxiety, and depression among children stuck at home. Additionally, social justice issues coming to the forefront of our communities that are personal and relevant to many of the kids BBBS serves. It has produced one of the most stressful environments for children in modern times.
Now more than ever, it is crucial that kids have someone in their corner they can talk to.
The idea? No child can have too many people who care for them. A true, “it takes a village,” mentality dedicated to providing wrap-around services for children.
All children are born with the same potential. Not all children are born with the same resources, opportunities, or playing field. Everyone’s life experiences are different, and all need support and encouragement. No child should be overlooked because they grow up differently. Big Brothers Big Sisters is here to be the bridge builder between generations.
Many caregivers are relieved and grateful for the opportunity for their children.
BBBS does this through 3 programs
Community Based Program
Traditional School Based Program
Mentor 2.0 Program
Community Based Program
Children (or parents of children) who are desiring a connection with a mentor can self-initiate a match by signing up online or calling their local Big Brothers Big Sisters. The most understood program by the community of BBBS, Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees) of all ages meet in the community together for various activities. Whether it be sporting events, lunch dates, or simply walking around a park talking about life, children are given the opportunity to build relationships with an adult who is in their corner.
Even through social distancing, BBBS has ensured these relationships can continue on without a hitch. By coordinating with the national Big Brothers Big Sisters office, virtual programs are now launching the 4th subset of programming, allowing Bigs and Littles to meet online on a secure platform so matches don’t have to close, and relationships can stay connected even when apart.
2. Traditional School Based Program
School counselors or teachers refer certain students to this BBBS program when they believe the child would benefit from the intentional mentoring relationship of a caring adult. When this occurs, Big Brothers Big Sisters reaches out to the child’s parents or guardians and partners with them to create wrap-around services for the child.
With the too-well-known hustle and bustle of parenting, many caregivers are relieved and grateful for the opportunity for their children and understand the benefit of such programs.
3. Mentor 2.0 Program
This program is all about the e-mentoring world. Where some services were already offered online pre-COVID, Mentor 2.0 serves kids in Denton County through partnerships with various high schools. BBBS aligns with district policies to provide curriculum focused on college and career readiness, FAFSA, interviewing skills, resumes, and even balancing checkbooks—life skills not exclusively taught in the school system.
Offered during the school year, Mentor 2.0 also coordinates once-a-month dinners for Bigs and Littles to connect and spend quality time together. And although the last physical fellowship was in February of this year, BBBS has been able to keep both mentors and mentees connected through virtual activities like going together online through the Dallas Zoo portal for animal education, entertainment, and ultimately building experiences together.
And the growth continues
Just a few weeks ago, Bigs Outdoor Program (a program focused on getting kids outside through nature days, fishing days, and firearm safety classes for hunting) had a socially distanced outdoor event dedicated to building that human connection between Bigs and Littles. The first in-person event since February (where everyone was presented with face masks and hand sanitizer), it had a successful turnout.
Bigs and Littles, whether already matched with one other, or still waiting to be paired, came together to laugh, learn, and connect.
One Little in particular who at this time does not currently have a mentor, found himself connecting with another adult. When he asked this mentor if he would be attending BBBS’s next fundraising event, he ended the conversation with, “Okay, well if I still don’t have a Big, at least you will be there for me.”
And that is what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about.
Whether you’re a kiddo, college student, or grown-up fully adulting, BBBS is still making matches for Bigs and Littles. Learn more about what it takes to be a mentor in Denton County, or arm your child with another awesome adult.
Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking to expand its presence in the community. If you are part of a corporation, civic, or religious organization looking to grow your involvement in the community, learn how you can partner with BBBS and engage as a company.
There’s no time like the present to start building relationships within the community. Both children and adults are waiting.
Will you help build the bridge?