Creating a Communication Plan
Setting clear and realistic expectations around scheduling and ongoing communication is key to a successful match. We recommend:
Scheduling the next outing (or a tentative plan/date) at the end of each outing.
Bigs and guardians should determine the best way to confirm outings (texting, calls or email leading up to the next outing).
For Littles with cell phones, starting a group chat between guardian, Big, and Little is a great way to keep everyone up to date and involved.
We all lead busy lives and juggle a lot, so it’s not uncommon to need to reach out 2-3 times to schedule an outing or get in contact. Generally speaking, Bigs often take the lead in terms of reaching out given their role as volunteer and mentor.
If you’re finding that the strategies you’ve tried are not working, communicating these concerns to your Match Support Coordinator is highly recommended. Match Support can help start additional outreach, propose additional ideas, and may even have new contact information for you to try.
Maintaining a Communication Plan
It’s possible that the style and mode of communication will change throughout the life of your match. One natural inclination is to encourage older Littles to take more of a lead or become more involved in the planning process. As this transition happens, it is very important that Bigs and guardians still maintain contact regarding outing plans and approval for outings. Maintaining rapport between Bigs and guardians will remain useful in supporting the Little.
Littles of varying ages can be hit or miss in terms of their response to texts or ability to finalize plans. Remember, many kids in the pre-teen to teen ages are learning social etiquette and how to manage responsibility. It’s also not uncommon for cell phone access to change for kids and families. Good practice is after 2-3 unanswered attempts, Bigs should be reaching out to their Little’s guardian. Establishing this plan at the start may help eliminate any worry of tattling on the Little.
If you’re finding that the strategies you’ve tried are not working, communicating these concerns to your Match Support Coordinator is highly recommended. Match Support can help start additional outreach, propose additional ideas, and may even have new contact information for you to try.