The answer to this question will vary by coach. Parenting Coaches come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are parents, teachers, or therapists. They all have different backgrounds, approaches, and philosophies that they operate from. It is for this reason that I encourage you to look around for a coach that is the right fit for you. So, what follows is what I am (and am not) as a parenting coach.
I realized after talking to a friend a while back that it there are some expectations of what a coach is. During the conversation, I was commenting to my friend about how I am feeling the impact of my kids being home all summer, of course I had just posted about ways in which to manage the transition to summer (many of my posts are inspired by own experiences as well as of those around me). I realized during this short exchange that there seems to be the impression that a parenting coach never has parenting struggles. Let me just say that while I have a lot training, knowledge, and experience, this does not mean that I am super human and that I do not feel the effects of summer and a loss of our routine any less than anyone else. I have buttons that get pushed and I make mistakes. Just like therapists are not immune to having their own life challenges, I am not immune to parenting challenges.
This leads me to highlighting what a parenting coach isn’t. It isn’t someone who is superhuman. By this I mean that I cannot magically fix all of the challenges that we have as parents. I have no “instant cure”. Like most things in life, making changes and improving our relationship with our children and parenting takes work.
I am not someone who has perfect parenting days every day. I too have moments where I am tired, impatient, or just stuck. My house looks a lot like yours on some days. My husband and I discuss and strategize how to handle various situations. I vent to my friends when I have tough days or when I feel like I need a break. Again, I am human, I am a mom, and I am much like the parents I work with in many ways.
Now you are asking yourselves, if I am just like you why work with a coach? Well, I am like you but I also offer a unique skill set. What I do have is over 13 years of experience as a therapist working with children and families. I have the ability will collaborate with you to help you solve and work through whatever difficulties you are facing. I have an understanding about what children need to grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults. I know the important role that parents play in their children’s lives and the pressure that this can create for us. I am here to partner with you so that you can work through these challenges and come out on the other side. I offer guidance, strategies, support, and some cheer-leading if needed. Being a parent myself, I understand the day to day struggle. I understand being tired, I understand being frustrated, I understand wanting to be the best parent you can be.
Our job as parents is hard. There is no break, there is no manual, but there is support.
For more information about me you can go to www.mightyoakparenting.com