https://imperfectfamilies.com/2016/01/25/50-simple-ways-to-connect-with-your-kids/

You feel alone as a Mom.

You can’t be honest about the difficult parts of parenting.

You try to put on a happy face, but inside you dread what’s coming next - the meltdowns, the eye rolls, having to play another board game.

You've read blogs and have a stack of parenting books on your nightstand, but putting these strategies into words is much harder in real life.

You know you don’t want to spank, and time-outs don’t work, but you're not sure what to do next.

In fact, you worry that it might be too late.

Parenting feels like a never-ending struggle.

You need support.

You need to know you are not alone.

You've come to the right place!

With Group Parent Coaching, you'll benefit from support, community and connection with other Moms.

You don’t need to parent alone.

Even with endless parenting blogs and overwhelming social media feeds, most of us walk through our parenting days feeling disconnected. It’s not easy to share openly about parenting challenges without the risk of being judged, shamed, or having your experiences minimized.

Joining a Group Parent Coaching session gives you a place to belong. A place where you can be yourself. A safe place to ask questions, vent, and complain. A place where you can find support, encouragement, and accountability.

We’re a group of imperfect Moms, doing imperfect parenting. We’re not here to judge, but to laugh together, cry together, and celebrate each other along the way!

The group experience has been great. I was a little uncomfortable sharing my parental struggles with people I don’t know. As the meeting progressed, I started to learn that I am not alone. I felt heard and supported in group discussions. Nicole did an amazing job leading the group. She was compassionate and provided helpful guidance.”

- Kelly, Group Parent Coaching client

Hi! I’m Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach, Licensed Therapist, and Author.

My parenting philosophy is influenced by the work of others who encourage the use of positive/gentle/respectful parenting strategies.

I strive to provide non-judgemental, shame-free support. And I’m always ready to celebrate small steps in a positive direction!

Rather than striving for perfection, let's embrace imperfection as part of the process.

Join the Waitlist

About Group Parent Coaching

The curriculum for Parent Coaching is based on my book, It Starts With You. Reading the book is not required, but it will help you go deeper into the topics we discuss each week. You can learn more and purchase the book here.

If you're tired of being an angry parent, here are 5 steps to head you in a positive direction.

A positive, practical approach to parenting

Straightforward, realistic strategies, backed by the latest research

Calm, confident discipline (without timeouts, threats, spanking, or grounding)

A focus on connection and respectful communication

Perfect for Moms with children 18 months - 12 years old

Life-changing benefits for you

Feel supported and encouraged by other parents.

Embrace your parenting story and define what matters most to you as a parent.

Learn to identify your triggers and move through your stress cycle.

Notice and label your experiences without shame or judgement.

Practice communication and other parenting skills in a safe environment.

How to repair your relationship with your child.

Perhaps the hardest part of parenting is orienting all of the unknowns, often feeling alone while doing it. This group was so wonderful because it allows the participants to learn effective tools to address parenting their kids while providing a community in which to share questions, hardships, frustrations and successes. Nicole does an excellent job balancing between teaching content from her amazing book and also facilitating dialogue that lets the parent come into answers to their questions organically. I learned a lot from the group, and the comradery and validation by all of these other amazing parents who are working through the same thing made it so worth the time and expense. I highly recommend this group to anyone considering it!”

-Deborah, Group Parent Coaching client

Instead of being overwhelmed by the parenting information out there, become the parent your child needs you to be!

Life-changing benefits for the whole family

Feel more confident in your parenting decisions.

Know which strategies work (and which don't!)

Build a stronger relationship with your kids.

Discipline without yelling or spanking.

Make and stick to your parenting goals.

Have a safe place to return when things get off track.

Get Started Now

Why Choose Group Parent Coaching?

It Starts With You

Before we can expect our kids to learn how to manage their big feelings and express their desires without whining, we need to work on ourselves. We are the adults. We are the models.

But, it’s hard to guide our kids through something we haven’t practiced yet!

Group Parent Coaching makes space for you to take a break from the chaos of parenting to pause and breathe. It gives you a chance to think about what makes you unique as a parent - the challenges and the joys. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to learn and practice parenting skills with the support of other adults before you try them on your whiny toddler or your eye-rolling tween.

Professional support and encouragement from someone who's been there.

I am a mom to 3 kids, so I know chaos. I also know how it feels to parent through aggression, anxiety, sibling rivalry, and meltdowns. Like you, I love my kids fiercely, but also experience times of frustration, confusion, isolation, and worry. We are all imperfect parents!

I’m also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Since 2004, I’ve helped hundreds of children, teens, and parents around the world manage mental health concerns, improve communication, and find positive, respectful solutions to the ups and downs of living in a family.

How Group Parent Coaching Works

Group Parent Coaching

6 sessions, $400
Weekly sessions
Each session is 1.5 hours in length
Limited to 6 families per 6-week session
We will meet "face-to-face" online using Zoom
Unlimited email or Voxer support for 6 weeks

Interested? Join the waitlist.

Interested? Join the Waitlist.

If you're interested in Group Parent Coaching, I invite you to join the waitlist below. I will send you more details when the next session is available.

Common Questions

What is group parent coaching?

Group Parent Coaching is a professional relationship focused on helping you grow more confidently into the parent you want to be. You will learn, process, and share with a group of 5 other parents. Sessions will be moderated by Nicole Schwarz, LMFT, Parent Coach.

Some people seek Group Parent Coaching for a specific struggle, such as bedtime battles, toddler challenges or difficulty getting their kids to listen. And some people want to feel less stressed, calmer, or learn to create a respectful atmosphere in their home.

As a group, we will talk through the struggles and challenges of raising children. We will listen, empathize, and encourage each group member as they learn more about themselves as parents and work on making small progress toward their parenting goals.

These coaching sessions are designed for caregivers with children 18 months to 12 years old.

What are my qualifications?

I have a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and am a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Missouri, USA.

Since 2004, I have worked with families, children, tweens, teens, and parents in hospitals, homes, group and private mental health practices. During this time, I focused on helping people manage concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, aggression, negative self-esteem, communication challenges, and family conflict.

In 2014, I closed my therapy practice to focus exclusively on helping parents find their calm confidence as leaders in their homes through parent coaching. Since that time I have worked with hundreds of parents from around the world.

My parenting book, It Starts With You, was published by Broadleaf Books in 2022. It is available anywhere books are sold. You can learn more here.

My license requires that I complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years, plus I am an avid reader and researcher, so I stay up to date on the current parenting, brain, and child development research.

Last, but absolutely not least, I am a mom to 3 girls. I am practicing the tools and strategies right along with you!

Who can participate in parent coaching?

What do you charge?

The cost is $900 for a 4-session Parent Coaching Package and $400 for the 6-week Group Coaching Package paid via PayPal or credit card prior to our first meeting.

I do not accept insurance and my services do not qualify for a billable code that is required by most insurance companies. However, I am happy to provide you with a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Your Health Savings Accounts may reimburse Parent Coaching and/or Group Coaching sessions. Please inquire with your HSA/FSA before scheduling a coaching session.

I realize that the cost of Parent Coaching/Group Coaching may make it impossible for you to participate. I am committed to helping parents be successful and I am willing to work with you to make it possible. Reduced fees are available on a limited basis. Please contact me to discuss this in more detail.

What should I expect during a group parent coaching session?

Group parent coaching is offered a few times each year. If a session is full or already in progress, you can be added to the waitlist.

If there are spots available, you will receive an email confirmation confirming the date of our first group session.

Everything you need for your session will be included in this confirmation email: A link to a Parent Coaching Agreement and Parent Information (that must be completed prior to our session) and a link for our online meeting (via Zoom). You will click on this link when it's time for our appointment.

Once we're all online, we will spend a few minutes talking about the coaching process and getting to know one another. You can ask any questions or get clarification at this time. Then, we will discuss your current challenges as well as hopes and goals for the future.

Meetings last 1.5 hours.

Do I need to live in the United States?

Does my child/children need to be present?

Parent Coaching sessions are for caregivers only. With the exception of nursing/sleeping babies, I recommend scheduling meetings when your kids are occupied elsewhere. Your time and money are valuable and I want you to have quality time to vent, think, and process without interruptions. I know it is challenging to find time without the kids around, and a parent being on a video call can peak a child’s interest, so of course, we will be flexible.

Can we talk on the phone instead?

Do you offer in-person group parent coaching?

What is the difference between Parent coaching and therapy?

Parent Coaching is a relationship focused on helping you become the parent you want to be for your children. My role is to provide education, support, and encouragement as you begin to implement new strategies and techniques in your home. While my background as a mental health therapist and my continuing education in the field of positive parenting provide me with an expertise in this area, you are the expert on your child. We will work as a team to find the solutions that work for you and your family.

Therapy is a relationship based on overcoming obstacles due to a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Therapy is often focused on dealing with issues and challenges from your past and how these impact your current mental health. When you seek help from a therapist, you are not part of a "team." The therapist is the professional and is expected to guide you to a deeper understanding and management of your mental health concerns.

As a parent coach, I do not provide therapy. If during our conversations I feel that you, your spouse or child would benefit from therapy, I will encourage you to seek therapy from a qualified mental health provider in your area. If you are currently working with a therapist, I am happy to support that relationship and will coordinate care as requested.

I have struggled with settling into my role as a parent for a long time. With that comes a lot of shame, guilt, and difficult emotions that I have to navigate while still trying to be the best parent I can be. Nicole held space for my difficult emotions while giving me very solid tips and information I could use to better understand and improve my situation. I have benefitted so much from the sessions and my relationship with my children improved considerably by using the tips she suggested.”

-Erin, parent coaching client

You do not have to do this alone. I will hold your hand the whole time. Parenting requires a community of support. And I am thrilled to be on your team!