FAQ'S FOR BIGS
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING A BIG?
WHO ARE THE BIGS IN THE PROGRAM?
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit.
WHEN CAN I SEE MY LITTLE?
As a Big/Little team, you decide together what you want to do and then your Little gets approval from his or her parent. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and get together on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide more guidance on this. The outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I SPEND?
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD IDEAS FOR OUTINGS WITH MY LITTLE?
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!
CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE, A FRIEND, OR A FAMILY MEMBER ON OUTINGS?
In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT FROM BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ONCE I GET MATCHED?
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
WILL I BECOME A REPLACEMENT PARENT?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!
THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A BIG?
We know mentoring can come with questions. Here are a few things people often ask before getting started.
01
What kinds of people become Bigs?
Bigs come from all kinds of backgrounds, careers, and life experiences. Some are parents. Some aren’t. Some had mentors growing up, while others simply want to make a difference in their community.
You don’t need any special experience to become a mentor. You just need to care, show up consistently, and be willing to build a meaningful connection with a young person.
02
How often do Bigs and Littles spend time together?
Every match is a little different, but most Bigs and Littles spend time together a few times each month.
Scheduling is flexible and based on what works best for you, your Little, and their parent or guardian. The goal is consistency—not perfection.
03
How much time does mentoring take?
Most Bigs spend around 4–8 hours a month with their Little.
That time can look different for every match, whether it’s grabbing lunch, attending an event, going for a walk, or simply spending time talking and building a connection.
04
Do I need to spend a lot of money?
Not at all.
The relationship matters far more than expensive activities. Some of the best outings are simple:
-
grabbing food
-
going to the park
-
attending a local event
-
playing a game
-
talking and spending time together
-
BBBS also offers group activities and occasional free event opportunities throughout the year.