WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL BIG

Successful Bigs…

• Put a child’s safety and well-being first.

• Are consistent and dependable.

• Emphasize friendship instead of changing the child’s behavior.

• Initiate phone contact and activity planning with their Little.

• Decide activities together with their Little.

• Are not authoritarian.

• Have realistic expectations.

• Are patient.

• Focus on having fun.

• Set boundaries and limits with Littles and parents/guardians.

• Know that the positive impact on the child starts to show after the relationship is already built.

• Contact their Match Support Specialist monthly.

Bigs ARE NOT…

• Parent substitutes.

• Financial support.

• “Taxi” services.

• Babysitters.

• Peers.

• Therapists.