Listen to their world.
Ask what belonging feels like to them. Make space for their account of friendships and expectations before offering an adult interpretation.
Explore what matters.
A mentoring conversation can help a young person recognise their values, strengths and interests. Their identity deserves more room than a comparison with someone else’s life.
Practise a response.
Talk through a situation they want to handle differently. Consider a way to express a preference, ask for support or respond to pressure while respecting the relationships involved.
From the ECNM journal
This reading edition adapts our published work. Explore the original articles below.