Your Role
The success of the match friendship depends greatly on the efforts of the Big and the Little, with the support of the Parent and/or Teacher and Agency Staff. Each one plays an important role in helping build a meaningful friendship.
What is a "Big"?
It won't be long before you meet your Little Brother or Little Sister for the first time. And, when you do, it will help for you to understand your role as a Big.
What makes a successful "Big"?
Successful Bigs...
- Emphasize friendship over changing the behavior of the child.
- Are not authoritarian.
- Decide activities together with Littles.
- Are consistent & dependable.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Are patient.
- Focus on having fun.
- Set boundaries and limits.
- Acknowledge that positive impact on the child comes after the relationship is built.
- Put a child's safety and well-being first.
What a "Big" Is Not
- Parent
- Teacher
- Tutor
- Babysitter
- Peer
- Therapist
- ATM
What Will I Do? - Expectations
We all had someone in our lives, other than a parent, who made a difference to us. This is what you can do for a child in our program. It's really pretty simple - it's a matter of making yourself available on a consistent basis. It's showing you care. It's having fun with a child. It's listening to them talk about whatever is going on in their lives. It's a series of small, teachable moments that, in the end, make a BIG difference.
Changes in your Little tend to occur slowly. Your Little may not, for example, suggest activities for you to do. This is normal behavior. Often Littles won't say "thank you" – but this doesn't mean they aren't enjoying the time with you. It just takes time for the relationship to form.
|
