Let’s face it, mentoring can be scary. But it’s something you may be called to do. Sometimes to those your own age.

But how do you give advice to someone at the same life stage as you? Are you really capable of speaking into their life and giving sound, godly advice?

In short, the answer is yes. And chances are much of what you need to be a good mentor you already possess. This has been true in my own experience.

If you’re called to mentor someone your own age, if there’s someone in your life who could use sound counsel or if you’re just curious about being a mentor, here are 5 ways you can mentor someone your own age.

How to mentor someone your own age

1. Realize your thoughts and experiences are worthwhile: Honestly, this is the biggest hump to get over when mentoring anyone. You think how can I give wisdom on something they’ve probably already thought about? But that’s nothing more than downplaying your own life and wisdom. You are important to God. I’ll say that again: you-are-important-to-God. Which means your thoughts matter. Realize that and start acting like it. The person you’re mentoring certainly thinks they matter.
2. Set clear boundaries: It’s easy to want to kick back and talk about movies or sports. But keep in mind the focus is mentoring. You want to speak wisdom into the life of another. To do so, you need to be clear about what you’ll discuss, how you’ll discuss it and when and where you will do so. It sounds a bit rigid, but it’s important. Without these clear boundaries, you’ll just be another friend.
3. Understand you’re speaking from a place of authority: Whether you like it or not, if you’re a mentor you’re speaking from a place of authority. Sometimes we make too much of this. All I’m referring to is that you are leading the relationship and speaking to the mentee’s life through your own wisdom and experience. Think of it this way: you are the authority when it comes to your own heart, knowledge and past. Speak into your mentee’s life in a way that leverages these things and helps them move forward.
4. Show respect to your mentee: This is paramount. To move past the initial point of awkwardness stemming from being the same age, show your mentee you give the relationship a great deal of respect. This includes being prepared for your meetings, sticking to your meeting schedule and showing them your value the relationship and time together.
5. Stop thinking so much about your age: Really, it’s not that big of a deal. Our culture gives way too much weight to this sometimes. Others might think it’s weird, but that’s fine. Move past it. It’s like getting married young and people asking you if you aren’t too young to be doing that. You know it’s what you want. And you know in your heart this is where God’s calling you. Give more weight to God’s opinion than you do other people’s. {tweet that}

If you remember your thoughts and experiences are worthwhile, you set clear boundaries, understand you’re speaking from a place of authority, show respect to the other person and stop thinking so much about your age, you can successfully mentor someone your own age.

Have you ever mentored someone your age? How did it go? What advice would you give to someone interested in doing the same?

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