I’m Nicole Schwarz, MA, LMFT, Parent Coach, and owner of ImperfectFamilies.com
I am a mom to 3 girls (10, 8 and 4) and a transplant to the St. Louis area. Since 2004, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, providing mental health services to children, teens, and their families in a variety of settings. In 2014, I closed my therapy practice to focus on my true passion – Parent Coaching, where I help parents around the world feel confident as they tackle parenting challenges with their kids.
My positive parenting philosophy focuses on a three-part system: calming brains/bodies, connection before correction, and teaching rather than punishing. The strategies are mindfulness-based and in line with trauma-informed practices.
If you are a professional who works with children, I would love to learn more about the work you are doing with families, the parenting challenges you see most often, and discuss ways I can partner with you to support the parents in our area. nicole@imperfectfamilies.com
Online Resources
Families are busy. Getting to a class or workshop can be impossible for some parents. I offer many options to support parents from the comfort of their own home.
Parent Coaching
Parent Coaching gives parents the opportunity to use their computer webcam and meet “face to face” with me to discuss their current parenting challenges. We will talk through their concerns, discuss triggers, explore what is driving their child’s behavior, and create solutions.
This is an ongoing service – parents are welcome to meet for coaching as often as necessary. Some parents meet every other week for a few months, others take a break and return when a new challenge comes up or their child reaches a new stage.
Coaching sessions are $120/hour
Find answers to common questions here.
Courses & Ebooks
Some parents prefer to read and learn on their own time. I have created a variety of resources for families including general information about Positive Parenting, communication and toddlers. Visit the store here.
I realize some people cannot afford coaching or a course, I also offer a free resource “25 Alternatives to Timeouts, Grounding, and Taking Things Away.” When parents sign up, they will receive a free parenting tip emailed every Tuesday. (You’re welcome to sign up too!)
In-Person Classes/Workshops
While online resources can provide education and support, it can also fuel isolation for parents who are struggling through parenting challenges alone.
My goal is to provide in-person events to teach positive parenting strategies and also to create a safe space for parents to be honest about their parenting challenges. Classes always include time for Q&A and parents are always encouraged to ask questions and add their personal experience to the discussion.
Local classes are listed here.
Class options include: Introduction to Positive Parenting, Communication for Imperfect Families, Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers, Parenting Angry & Aggressive Kids, Parenting Anxious & Worried Kids, and Parenting Support/Discussion groups.
I am happy to create a class or workshop that addresses the concerns of parents in your care.