Making a difference in a young person’s life sounds like a noble pursuit, right? It conjures images of grand, cinematic moments—changing lives, inspiring minds, and maybe even a slow clap at the end. But in reality, it’s often messy, unpredictable, and involves a lot of patience (and snacks).
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or just someone who wants to leave a positive mark, here’s your crash course on how to truly make an impact—with a mix of wisdom, humor, and a fair warning about potential eye-rolls from the young ones in your life.
1. Listen (Even When It’s About Minecraft or TikTok Trends)
Young people want to be heard—sometimes about profound fears, sometimes about why a certain YouTuber is “literally the best.” The trick is to listen actively. Even if the topic feels trivial, being present in those small conversations makes space for the big ones later.
Pro Tip:
If they ask, “Have you ever played [insert trendy game]?” responding with “Tell me about it!” will earn you way more respect than pretending you’re a pro.
2. Encourage, but Don’t Force
We all want to see kids succeed, but there’s a fine line between encouragement and turning into a motivational speaker they never asked for. The key? Support their interests, not just yours. If they want to be a chef, buy them a cookbook. If they love music, let them play (yes, even if it’s drums).
What Not to Say:
- “Back in my day, we didn’t have all these fancy gadgets.”
- “You’ll understand when you’re older.”
- “This will look great on your college application!” (Nothing kills passion faster than turning it into a resume builder.)
3. Be the Safe Space
Young people need at least one adult in their life who doesn’t judge, freak out, or immediately try to “fix” things. Being that person is powerful. If they know they can tell you things without an instant lecture, they’ll trust you more.
How to Build Trust:
- Keep their secrets (unless it’s a safety issue).
- Admit when you’re wrong.
- Laugh at their bad jokes—because one day, they’ll be laughing at yours.
4. Teach Life Skills (Because the Real World is Brutal)
Sure, algebra is important, but so is knowing how to make a doctor’s appointment or change a tire. Teaching practical skills early saves them from future panicked Google searches.
Essential Life Lessons to Pass On:
- How to Budget: Because money doesn’t grow on Venmo.
- Basic Cooking: So they don’t survive solely on instant ramen.
- Conflict Resolution: AKA, how to disagree without burning bridges (or group chats).
5. Model What You Preach
Kids don’t just listen to what you say—they watch what you do. If you want them to be kind, resilient, and hardworking, show them what that looks like in action.
Real Talk:
You can’t tell them to limit screen time while binge-watching Netflix for five hours. They’ll notice.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Not every victory is a championship trophy or straight A’s. Sometimes, it’s as simple as trying something new, standing up for themselves, or making it through a tough day. Recognizing these moments builds confidence and resilience.
Example of a Big Deal Moment:
- They spoke up in class when they usually don’t? That’s a win.
- They attempted laundry and only shrank one sweater? Progress.
- They texted you back? Frame it.
7. Laugh (A Lot) and Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
The best relationships with young people are built on shared laughter and a little self-deprecation. Let them see you as a real person, not just an authority figure.
How to Instantly Lose Cool Points:
- Using outdated slang (“That’s totally lit, my dude!”).
- Trying to dance like them (unless they insist—then own it).
- Saying, “I was young once, too!” (They will not believe you.)
Final Thought: Keep Showing Up
Making a difference isn’t about one grand gesture—it’s about consistency. Keep showing up, keep listening, and keep being the steady presence they need. Even if they don’t say it now, they’ll remember it later.
And if all else fails? Bribery with pizza works wonders.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (or wish you had) as a young person? Drop it in the comments! 🚀
True 2 Your Body 
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