Understanding Your Mentee’s Development

This module describes the three stages of development that correspond to most mentees: middle childhood, early adolescence, and adolescence. When children and adolescents experience traumatic events or challenging circumstances, they may develop at a different pace from their peers or have difficulty forming healthy relationships. This module can help you to promote your mentee’s healthy development. By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify the stages of youth development
• Explain the various social, intellectual, physical, and emotional characteristics experienced during each stage
• List potential activities to do with mentees at each stage of development

This training module is designed to complement the in-person mentor training that your mentoring program provides. We strongly encourage you to work closely with your mentoring program coordinator to understand your mentee’s experiences and to contact program staff whenever you have questions or concerns about the mentoring relationship.