Big Brothers Big Sisters Experience

[happybratpack]

I have applied with Big Brothers Big Sisters to be a Big Sister. I've completed the app, reference check, background check and my interview is next week. I was wondering if any DISers were Bigs and what your experiences have been? I'm excited but a bit nervous too. Tips, warnings, hints, I'd like to hear it all.

Thanks!

 

[starrzone]

Good for you for volunteering to do this!!! I'm a female Big who has had a "Little" brother for over 4 years now. Big Sister/ Little Brother matches aren't all that common, but I said I'd take whoever needed me most, so we were matched

Tips, warnings, hints...hmmm...I guess the most important thing is that having a good time does not always equal spending money! If you do that at the beginning, you'll soon be broke . We save the movies, theme parks, restaurants (not McD's, but mid-range places like the Olive Garden), etc., for special occasions like birthdays and back-to-school. Most of the time we go to the park, hang out at my house, or just run around town doing errands. That can be like a day at Disney for a kid who rarely leaves his/her neighborhood.

Take time to get to know Mom (it's usually JUST Mom, but not always!). I don't mean be "BFFs", but good communication makes things MUCH easier for you, her, and your caseworker. Make sure Mom knows where you're going, how long you'll be gone, and when you'll be back. Remember, though, you are there for your Little; you're not the family taxi service (not saying all parents are like this, but it could easily happen).

Do lots of BB/BS-sponsored activities; it lets your Little meet new people his/her own age that also have Bigs, and may foster better relationships for the Little at school, daycare, etc.

I'll close by sharing when I REALLY knew that what I was doing was making a difference. This past spring, I drive my little about 30 minutes out to his cousin's house for a long weekend. He asked me what I had been up to that day, and I said "Oh, just doing X, Y, and Z". He then said, "Wow, it sounds like you're busy...I feel important." My heart just melted; this 16-year old kid felt IMPORTANT because I was driving him to his cousin's. He made my day .

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to post or PM me! I love talking about BB/BS!

 

[happybratpack]

Thanks for sharing with me! I had read that somewhere else too about trying to avoid costly activities, especially at the beginning. I hadn't even thought about it but that's a good point.

Good idea about getting to know Mom, if I were in her shoes I'd definitely want to get to know the person taking my child places. I can't wait to be matched, I'm so excited!

Thanks again!

 

[starrzone]

No problem . I'd love to hear an unpdate when you're matched!