Invite parents to participate in mentor training to meet mentors and learn about the mentoring relationship; invite the parents to ask questions and to sit next to the individuals who may serve as mentors to their children.
Hold meetings for both mentors and parents on a quarterly or semiannual basis, or whenever it is convenient. Provide food and babysitting for those parents who attend these sessions.
Encourage mentors to invite parents to participate, along with their children, in mentoring activities --- such as a visit to a museum or a sporting event.
Ask mentors to visit children in their homes and neighborhoods to speak with their parents and learn about the children's home life and any challenges they may face --- for instance, physical, mental, social and emotional. Encourage mentors to speak with children about the importance of treating parents with respect and to discuss neighborhood safety concerns, if any.
Suggest that mentors ask parents for advice in mentoring their children and that they report back to the parents; the purpose of this communication is to establish a firm rapport between mentors and parents. Advise parents to thank mentors for their time and to share successes to facilitate the mentoring relationship.