Someone Who Shows Up: The Quiet Power of Being There for a Young Person

Written by Tinne Holly Larenas Foundation Inc.

Be the person who keeps showing up

Offer a young person something simple and powerful: your steady presence.

Show up for the conversation, the school event, the practice, the difficult afternoon, or the ordinary moment when nothing seems especially important. Build trust through small acts of reliability. Keep your word. Remember what they tell you. Ask how they are doing, and give them room to answer honestly.

Young people do not always need an adult to solve everything. Often, they need someone who will listen without rushing, judging, or turning every concern into a lesson.

Public health guidance and child-development evidence consistently point to the protective value of caring adult relationships. A trusted adult can help a young person feel less alone, notice changes in their well-being, and take the next step toward support when life becomes too heavy.

Listen before you try to fix

Start with attention.

Put your phone away. Make eye contact when appropriate. Let silence happen. Ask open questions such as:

• “What has been on your mind?”
• “How have things felt lately?”
• “What would help you feel supported right now?”
• “Would you like me to listen, help you think through options, or help you find support?”

Avoid minimizing their experience. Do not say, “It could be worse,” or “You will get over it.” Do not make promises you cannot keep.

Say, “That sounds hard,” or “I am glad you told me.” Validate the feeling without pretending to have every answer. Make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Choose consistency over grand gestures

Make steady contact part of your care.

Check in at a regular time. Arrive when you say you will. Follow up after a difficult conversation. Celebrate effort instead of focusing only on results. Offer encouragement when progress feels small.

Consistency does not require perfection. Apologize when you miss something. Communicate clearly. Keep learning how to be dependable.

A caring adult might be a mentor, neighbor, coach, teacher, relative, faith community member, board member, or service participant. Different adults can offer different kinds of support. One may listen well. Another may help with practical questions. Another may encourage a young person to speak with a qualified counselor or health professional.

Build a circle of care instead of placing the full responsibility on one person.

Help a young person seek qualified support

Recognize your limits.

Everyday connection can offer comfort and encouragement, but it is not clinical care. Do not diagnose a young person or promise that conversation alone will resolve serious concerns. When distress continues, interferes with daily life, or raises concerns about safety, encourage the young person to connect with a qualified mental health professional, doctor, school counselor, or other appropriate support.

Offer practical help. Ask whether they would like support making a call, finding a provider, speaking with a trusted caregiver, or preparing what they want to say.

If a young person may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or call or text 988 in the United States for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Take urgent concerns seriously.

Make room for intergenerational connection

Share time across generations.

Invite young people into safe, respectful community settings where they can contribute, learn, create, and be heard. Let older adults share wisdom while remaining open to what younger people bring. Give each person a meaningful role without expecting one age group to teach or serve the other all the time.

If you are exploring youth volunteer opportunities, begin by learning what support and supervision each role requires. Possible activities may include helping with age-appropriate events, welcoming families, supporting creative projects, assisting with outreach, or contributing practical skills when an opportunity is confirmed.

Choose roles that protect privacy, respect boundaries, and follow clear conduct expectations. Ask questions before participating. Confirm the schedule, responsibilities, and supervision arrangements.

Find a starting point through volunteer opportunities near me, community service opportunities, youth volunteer opportunities, senior volunteer opportunities, or family volunteer opportunities. Learn how to start volunteering, or explore volunteer programs for students.

Take one caring step

Do not wait for a perfect plan.

Send a message. Ask a thoughtful question. Attend the event. Offer a listening ear. Follow through on a small promise. If you want to learn more about ways to take part, create a volunteer profile or contact the foundation. Call +1 (404) 334-5782 with questions.

Help create a community where young people know they matter, and where someone will keep showing up.

"Tinne Holly Larenas Foundation Inc. empowers compassionate people to create lasting impact through service — connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities today, and working toward a future where every young person has a safe place to call home."

Disclaimer

This article provides general informational and inspirational content and is not professional or medical advice. Tinne Holly Larenas Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Opportunities, schedules, and roles may change and require confirmation.