Advice on younger friend.

[penguin13]

Well, I'm just looking for some advice please.
In my school, I am one of the students responsible for building relationships with the younger students and establishing them a good atitude towards education etc.
But I am having a slight bit of trouble with one particular boy. He's 12 and I'm 16. We get on really well together. However, he doesn't have many friends. He has a bit of an attitude problem and makes fun of a lot of people. Everyone, understandly, takes this the wrong way. But they must see this is a way for him to feel less self-concious and deflect attention from himself.
This boy only talks to me, and I am really fond of him. I'm trying to help him develop a friendships with his peers and grow more confident. I am just wondering is it really appropiate for me to do this. He will be 13 in April but all the kids look very weird at us when we're talking. All the teachers our very supportive of this concept though.
What would you do if you were in my situation? If you are around 12/13 - how would you feel being this boy and am I doing the right thing?

[Perseus]

It's not weird, first of all, one of my best friends is 19. He was 16 and 17 when I was 13. You are doing the right thing because I don't think he sees that what he is doing wrong. Like you said, make him less self-conscious.

[Hollywood]

You are doing a good thing for the boy. He needs your help, and if he wants to have more friends, he'll listen to you. It's not wrong to be friends with someone younger, I was friends with teenagers when I was younger.

[PuppetPrince]

I do not find it awkward nor weird. But if ANYONE is alone out there, it's obvious that someone needs to be there right beside them. :] I think you are doing a fantastic job, just keep it up . Try talking stuff that you are in common or what ever happened that day. Just converse and share stuff. I support this all the way~ Well if i was that 13 yr old, i would be pretty happy. haha. i would have at least someone to talk to .

[pontiacdriver]

Well, I'm just looking for some advice please.
In my school, I am one of the students responsible for building relationships with the younger students and establishing them a good atitude towards education etc.
But I am having a slight bit of trouble with one particular boy. He's 12 and I'm 16. We get on really well together. However, he doesn't have many friends. He has a bit of an attitude problem and makes fun of a lot of people. Everyone, understandly, takes this the wrong way. But they must see this is a way for him to feel less self-concious and deflect attention from himself.
This boy only talks to me, and I am really fond of him. I'm trying to help him develop a friendships with his peers and grow more confident. I am just wondering is it really appropiate for me to do this. He will be 13 in April but all the kids look very weird at us when we're talking. All the teachers our very supportive of this concept though.
What would you do if you were in my situation? If you are around 12/13 - how would you feel being this boy and am I doing the right thing?

Firstly, I do not see any problem with your hanging out with this fellow as the reality is that the age difference between you both is not all that great in the bigger scheme of things. Chances are you are more like an older sibling to this fellow which is fine, and I do not see an issue with your hanging out with him.

I think what you should do is very gently but firmly let him know about how his attitude can turn people off. However, you have to do that in combination about talking about what he is doing right. I would pay attention to how his parents are like as many times the apple does not fall far from the tree. What I mean is that if his parents are kind of not nice people, then he might simply be mirroring their behaviour. Especially at your friend's age I am sure his behaviour might either be a reflection of the way one of his parents act, or he might genuinely feel insecure about himself and feel that by attacking others he can deflect attention from himself. In either case you should be careful in pointing out his issue as your friend might get defensive. With that being said your friend needs to know the truth as he has to build up a network of friends beyond you especially as you are probably going to be entering college soon and cannot hang out with him as much. The best way to approach your friend's situation is that when you see him doing something not good, then take him to the side and let him know why what he is doing is not proper so that he can learn gradually. However, reassure the guy that he is not bad but that he does have to make changes to be able to interact well with others.

[Kaya]

Im 13...if I had trouble making friends then I would like having somebody to talk to, and help me make friends.

[Contra]

I don't think it's awkward or wrong. You are being a good friend, so you should go on. If others think it's weird, you just ignore them. If you feel good about it, then carry on. :)
Btw, I think what you are doing is very noble, since not all 16-year old would do what you are doing... So, kudos!

[penguin13]

Thanks for all the support given to me! You'll be glad to know that I am going to continue to endeavour to help my young friend.

[pixie1234]

i think this is perfectly fine. there is nothing wrong with what you are doing :) xx

[Fruit_Tart.]

i think your doing the right thing making friends with him... i have friends that are purdy older than me and lots younger as well... im 13 but i know that if i didn't have any friends i would be really sad and if you came and at least talked to me i think that i would be happy to be your friend at least jus to talk to... but thats me...