Tips for Tuesday: What to do when Littles say "I don't know"

"Help!  I ask my Little what he would like to do during our visits and he always answers with,  I don't know."   "What should I do?!"

This is just one example of several questions we receive from Bigs over the course of a match span.  Since it is so common amongst matches, we thought we'd offer some suggestions to help guide you along the way of developing a lasting friendship with your Little.

First, as difficult as it may be, please do not take it personally.  It can be a fear for some Bigs that this means their Little doesn't like hanging out or isn't having fun.  Rest assured this is not the case.  Often times, Littles simply just don't know how to respond or may not feel fully comfortable yet in the friendship to offer suggestions.

Many of the children in our program have not had the opportunity to see what the community has to offer or what ideas to suggest.  To help your Little through this process and empower them to make decisions we've outlined a few tips to try...

1.  Always give options when deciding what to do during visits.  Depending on the age of your Little you may want to suggest 2-4 options.  Instead of simply asking Littles what they want to do, come up with a few activity ideas for Littles to pick from each time.  With time, they will feel more comfortable with making the decision and might get to the point of coming up with activities on their own.
*Remember, when giving options choose ideas you are prepared to do if chosen.  Keep ideas simple and inexpensive

2.  Create a list of ideas with your Little that you think you would like to do together.  Be prepared to come up with your own ideas to get the process started.  Utilize your Match Coordinator in this process for activity suggestions.

3.  Choose ideas listed on the E-Update.  For those of you who aren't familiar, this is a bi-weekly newsletter that your Match Coordinator emails to you providing community events and activity ideas.  If you're not receiving the E-Update, please let your Match Coordinator know!

4.  Drive or walk around the community and show your Little what opportunities are available.

5.  Take turns, depending on the age of your Little (the older the better for this tip), discuss during your match visits how you would like he/she to have more say in determining how you'll spend your time together.  Alternate visit by visit and take turns deciding what to do. 
*Remember to set boundaries around money spending

6.  Utilize the Resource Room located in the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.  Bring your Little along to choose an item to check out or check out several items yourself and let your Little decide during your visit. 
*Remember, the Resource Room can be made available to you after office hours if necessary


Developing a friendship is not always easy, but hard work does pay off!  Continue to remain consistent with your visits and praise your Littles as they begin to gain a sense of empowerment throughout this process! 

October Matches and November Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in October:

Alexandria McNamee and Ryan
Karen Schmitt and Anna




CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of November:

One Year:
Emily Rogers and Jamilei
Laura Cross and Keeasia
Lydia Sink and Madison
Ashley Shaw and Trevor
Blakely Gardner and Nadine
Stephanie Ehlers and Serenity
Kelly Brown and Colton
Jenny Hagarty and Sarah
Margaret Delaney and Kamarion
Eric Johnson and Mondre
Michael Moorhead and Dante
Marcie Sharp and Jazmyn

Two Years:
Justin Tolan and Zion
Caitlin Bielenberg and Kylee
Lisa Frank and Elizabeth
Tom Taiber and Caleb
Karelyn Pohl and Alyssa
Cory Berkenes and Grant
Grace Rogers and Chalea

Three Years:
Vern Byl and Michael

Five Years:
Dave Vandeventer and Aaron

Six Years:
Mary Ann Hinders and Veronica
Ruth Mick and Jayden
Ellen Vanderloo and Nashalet

Seven Years:
Dewitt Jones and Todd

Eight Years:
Erick Mandt and Tom

Little Sisters Needed!

Do you know a child who would benefit from time spent with a

Big Sister?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa is currently recruiting Little Sisters for the Community Based program.  In this program, Bigs and Littles would spend time out in the community doing different activities they both enjoy.  For example, visits might consist of playing board games, going to a movie, visiting the library or community museums.  Most importantly, Bigs and Littles have fun together developing a lasting impact and friendship.

If you or someone you know would be interested in enrolling a child or would like more information please contact
319-235-9397 or visit www.iowabigs.org.

 

Halloween Party Pics!

Bigs and Littles had a spooky good time this year at the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual Halloween party! Featuring a costume contest, pumpkin painting, marshmallow roasting and trick-or-treating on the trails with ghosts and goblins galore!

October Anniversaries

CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of October:


One Year
Matt Buzynski and Mikael
Brian Crow and Connor
Sydni Fenner and Annie
Carol Hoffman and Matt
Jesse Knight and Tucker
Bob Quinlan and Sam
Matt Ray and Kadyn
Julie Wilharm and Hailey

Two Years
Courtney Bauer and Jachise
Joey Boyer and Tyrell
Matt Brady and Blake
Dan Daly and Jake
Dewitt Jones and Jaden
Lorrie Kingen and Serina
Jerrilu Leach and Briana
Jordan Richards and Colin
Steve Schmitt and Quinton

Four Years
Andrea Blanchard and Lakyah

Five Years
Bob Claassen and Antonio

Seven Years
John Mardis and Mitchell
Frank Thompson and Ashanti

Eight Years
Sherry Etringer and Tru
Joanne Koweil and Quaynisha

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

The Fall 2013 newsletter is here!  Read up on all the Big Brothers Big Sisters happenings:

Fall 2013 Newsletter

September Anniversaries

CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of September:

Two Years:
Ashley Coleman and Lacey
Scott Kinter and Ivan
Charlie Metcalf and Kaiden
Monica Severson and Amity

Three Years:
Kathleen Sallee and Dysis
Amie Steffen and Haley

Four Years:
Brittany Davis and Emily

Five Years:
Jim Grandon and Damarius

Six Years:
Amy Hunzelman and Craig