5 Things I’ve Learned from My Parent Coaching Clients

5 things I've learned from my parent coaching clients.

We say “good bye” and I close my computer.

Once you get comfortable talking with someone via webcam, it can feel like you’re sitting in the same room together (Bonus: no one even knows you’re still wearing pajama pants!).

Online parent coaching has introduced me to an amazing group of parents from around the world.

Parents who are doing so many things right, but realize that with a little support and encouragement, they can make even more positive changes in their family.

Parents who are so tired and weary from trying to fight against generational patterns and habits, and are eager to learn new parenting strategies and techniques.

They hire me as their parent coach, but the relationship and the learning go two ways. I am constantly learning and growing as a parent and a coach by listening to the stories and the knowledge they share with me.

And now, I want to share their wise words of wisdom with you!

5 things I’ve learned from my coaching clients:

  • “I saw that going differently” – This is one of my all-time favorite quotes because it highlights our own imperfections and how even with good intentions, things may still not work out how we planned. I’ve learned to say this in a light-hearted tone, rather than seeing it as something shameful. Humor is healing. Pick up, learn from your mistakes, and move forward.
  • Sometimes it goes better than you hoped – Parents spend a lot of time dreading the next stage, preparing for what’s to come, and fearing the worst. Then, when the big day arrives, your child handles it like a pro and you’re left wondering why you spent so much time worrying about it. Planning is good, but remember to try to balance it out with a hopeful outlook!
  • The 80/20 Rule – When you’re in the heat of the moment, battling it out with your kids again, it’s hard to think of anything positive. All you see is this challenge – the argument, the tantrum, the uncontrollable anxiety. It’s not until you step back and think about the bigger picture that you realize, this behavior only happens 20% of the time. The majority of the time, things actually go quite well! Focus on the 80%!
  • It feels good just to talk to someone – Not every coaching appointment is full of problem-solving strategies and solutions. Sometimes, we just talk. Parents vent, talk about what’s going on in their life, meetings they’ve had with teachers or doctors, or things they’ve discovered over the past weeks. We all need support to make it through parenting ups and downs!
  • We are the parents that our kids need – It is easy to doubt our abilities, worry that we’re screwing things up, or panic when things go off course. But, it’s important to remember that even though we are not perfect, we are the perfect parents for our kids. We will mess up, make mistakes, but that doesn’t change the fact that your kids need you! This job is a privilege, and your kids love you because you are YOU!

Smart parents, eh?

And this is just the short list!

Want to learn more about parent coaching?

Seeking support from a parent coach doesn’t mean you’re a horrible parent or you’ve screwed up your kids. It doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re doing or you are doing everything wrong.

It means you’ll learn new strategies to try.

You’ll have someone to celebrate with when these new strategies actually work.

And you’ll have support when things get a little off track again.

If you’re interested in parent coaching, I’d love to talk with you. You can see my schedule and book a time that works for you. 

I can’t wait to talk to you soon!

(Pajama pants are optional.)

Nicole Schwarz (couch 3)

Welcome! I'm Nicole Schwarz.

I'm a Parent Coach, Licensed Therapist and Author of It Starts with You. I help stressed, overwhelmed, confused parents find calm, confidence and connection with their kids. No one is expecting perfection here. But, if you’re willing to examine your parenting, find encouragement, or try something new, this is the place for you.

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