What is parent coaching?
Parent Coaching is a professional relationship focused on helping you become the parent you want to be. Maybe you want to feel less stressed, more confident or relate to your kids more respectfully.
Some people seek Parent Coaching for a specific struggle, such as bedtime battles, toddler challenges or difficulty getting their kids to listen. As a parent coach, I walk with you through the struggles and challenges of raising children. We work together to create individualized solutions that will work for your kids and in your family.
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.
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.
Who can participate in parent coaching?
Parent Coaching is open to anyone who is caring for a child or children. That means, parents, foster parents, grandparents, married, co-parenting or single parents. You may attend alone, or you may attend with another adult who cares for your children.
What do you charge?
The cost is $130 per session, paid via PayPal or credit card prior to our meeting time. This cost includes unlimited email support between meetings.
I realize that the cost of Parent 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 ask for details
- Health Saving Accounts/Flexible Spending Accounts may reimburse Parent Coaching sessions, check with your provider prior to scheduling a meeting.
- Meetings can be scheduled on an as-needed basis
- Meeting frequency can depend on your budget for the month
Please contact me if you would like to discuss a discounted fee.
What should I expect during a parent coaching session?
Check my calendar and find a time that works for you. When you click "book it" you will be asked to enter your information as well as a payment. Then, watch your inbox for a confirmation email.
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 both 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 hour. At the end of the meeting, we will schedule a follow-up meeting 2 weeks later (or at a time that is convenient for you). You will also receive an email summary covering the suggestions and recommendations we discussed.
Free email support is provided between meetings. You are encouraged to email with success stories, questions, concerns or clarification at any time between meetings.
What is your availability?
I attempt to accommodate your schedule as much as possible, even if that means early morning or late evening appointments. If you don't see a time that works for you, send me an email and we can discuss alternative arrangements. Check my schedule here.
Do I need to live in the United States?
No! Parent Coaching is an international service. As long as you have a phone or internet access, and a desire to work on your parenting, we can work together! I have an international booking program, so you can see my availability in your time zone.
Does My Child/Children Need to Be Present?
I am happy to work with any family member who is present during our call. These are family issues, after all. However, your time and money are valuable and I would encourage you to consider trying to have at least one or two meetings without the children. This will give you time to vent, think and process without interruption. I know it is challenging to find time without the kids around, so let's talk about scheduling a time works best for you.
Can We Talk on the Phone Instead?
I prefer video sessions whenever possible so we can see each other face-to-face. However, if you do not have access to a webcam or if you have limited internet service, we can meet for coaching over the phone. Please request this specifically when making your appointment.
Can we meet in person?
Yes! I offer in-person sessions for parents in the St. Louis, Missouri area. We can meet at a neutral location (such as Starbucks) or in your home. A travel fee of $.57/mile will be added to the cost of our sessions.
Parent Coaching vs. 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.
Hi! I'm Nicole Schwarz. Thanks for checking out these parent coaching FAQ's. If you're not quite ready to set up a coaching session, make sure you're on my newsletter list, so you can get helpful parenting posts right to your inbox.
I look forward to talking with you soon!
