Description
52 Mentor Musings offers short, user-friendly weekly messages (musings) of encouragement for anyone guiding a young person to reach their potential. Robin Cox equips readers with knowledge, skills, and strategies for the mentoring journey. Topics include understanding the world of youth; self-image; the impact of technology and social media on youth; resiliency; goal-setting; effective communication; values; how to resolve conflicts using a positive mindset; the role of the family and other networks in the lives of youth. Robin Cox weaves true stories into the messages to give credibility to the content. Anyone working with young people will have the confidence to take the spirit of mentoring concepts, strategies, and ideas to develop positive and meaningful relationships with them.
Endorsements
These weekly lessons, stories, and case studies offer a wealth of information and inspiration for anyone who is mentoring a young person in their life. I found the advice offered here to be both deeply moving and energizing, reminding us that the act of mentoring can benefit us adults as much as the young people we care for. These lessons will help all mentors show up better for our kids and will keep their work grounded in love, respect, and kindness.
Mike Garringer, Senior Director of Research and Quality, MENTOR (USA)
In a society grappling with disconnection, Robin Cox’s book is a much-needed resource for mentors, parents, educators, and others supporting young people in uncertain times. Each weekly reflection feels like a personal mentoring session—blending relatable stories, actionable insights, and genuine encouragement. I loved Cox’s metaphor of the mentor as a parachutist guiding a mentee through turbulent skies; it powerfully illustrates the responsibility of mentors to remain calm, empathetic, and steady, while speaking into a future the mentee cannot yet see. Accessible and deeply inspiring, Cox’s book is a must-read for anyone committed to creating lasting change in young people’s lives.
Jenny Horst, CEO, Upside Youth Mentoring Aotearoa, New Zealand
I highly recommend Robin Cox’s 52 Mentor Musings as a rich source of encouragement, insight and inspiration to all who care about young people—teachers, coaches, parents and even employers of young workers. As our social media dependance increasingly draws us away from core values, core relationships, committed support systems, we need a warm book like this that offers wise counsel shaped by personal experiences in many different contexts, offering insight and proven approaches—and challenging questions! These nurture positive relations for which all people—young and old—are hankering.
Rudi Pakendorf, educator and business consultant, Minnesota, USA
If the definition of ‘Teenager’ is taken as meaning ‘Between Ages’—i.e., the period of time between childhood and adulthood—then it would be true to say that Robin Cox’s latest book, 52 Mentor Musings, builds a bridge ‘over the troubled water’ of adolescence (thanks Simon and Garfunkel), and links the two ages of youth together. With the sincerity of his personal experiences, Robin continually emphasizes that the guide over this bridge needs to build up a wealth of compassion, trust and understanding if a true connection is to be made…. Building bridges for teenagers is a huge privilege rewarded when the mentor sees blossoming of confidence in the young person. This leads to self-awareness which is essential if the dragons and denizens of the troubled waters are to be avoided. The mentor carries an awesome responsibility in sharing this journey over the bridge but, as comes through in so many of the musings, patience and a tolerance of mistakes (together with the inevitable backsliding), can lead to special rewards. The Latin derivative of inspire literally means to ‘breathe life into…’ These musings will breathe life into all who are privileged to work with young people.
Keith Richardson, former Principal, currently CEO of the Principals Academy Trust, South Africa
I highly recommend Robin Cox’s latest book for those who seek to mentor, parent, and teach young men and women. We often talk of a holistic approach to education and mentoring, and we draw upon our own storehouse of experiences to enhance what we aim to teach. Mostly, we do so in a haphazard way. Robin’s neatly packaged and purposeful weekly offerings draw upon his wide reading and considerable life experience to inspire us to order our own thoughts. He offers vital information about body, mind and spirit in an accessible, practical, and often deeply moving way. He emphasizes that successful mentorship, like any other meaningful relationship, is built upon trust tested over time. He speaks with authority on the practical aspects of mentorship, and with humility on the gracious gifts and rewards of developing careful and caring relationships with young people.
Andrew Cook, retired teacher, housemaster and Principal, Cape Town, South Africa
Wearing my senior’s hat, I highly recommend 52 Mentor Musings as an insightful and inspiring resource—one to regularly ‘dip into.’ Packed with wisdom, it empowers young people to reach their potential and become compassionate contributors in an ever-changing world. Key takeaways for me: failure is a learning tool and the incumbent vulnerability a strength; give youth what helps them grow independently, and never quit on them! Robin thank you for sharing such sage guidance—not only for nurturing adolescents but for reminding readers of their own stepping-stones to becoming their best selves. A truly valuable read.
Karen Mackay, retired teacher and deputy Principal, grandmother, New Zealand
This timely offering by Robin Cox illuminates the power of human connection at the ‘best’ and ‘the worst of times’ for our youth. The weekly musings will embolden and inspire parents, grandparents, volunteer adult mentors, teachers, and anyone working with youth to foster genuine relationships with young people and guide them as they navigate life. The vignette style of this book, interspersed with proven strategies, current research, true stories and analogies kept me engaged and while I found it hard to put down, it is essentially, a ‘read it when you need it’, must-have resource for all who journey with young people.
Caro Emslie, educator, parent, and former communications/business consultant, Australia
In his book 52 Mentor Musings Robin shares experience-based deeply personal stories as well as mentoring journeys. Included are tips, strategies and key learnings, divided into easily-digestible weekly chapters, including life mantras, quotes, and notes of appreciation from former mentees. Chapters often winding up leaving a question to peruse. Also touched on are examples of where the teenager is likely to be emotionally, or from a brain development point of view. These musings are for everyone, mentors, teachers, employers included. Having two teenage children, and being a leader and mentor in a corporate workplace I have found them invaluable.
Emma Huggett, South Africa
A special offer in New Zealand only. BUY NOW! This book can be ordered for NZ$27.50 (includes NZ Post charges). If you live in New Zealand, contact me and I will send an Invoice for online banking. All other orders go through Amazon or Wipf and Stock or other major online book sellers. The book is also available on Kindle.
