Parent coaching is completely judgement-free, confidential support to help you parent at your best -- even when things are at their worst.

Hi! I’m Nicole Schwarz, Parent Coach, Licensed Therapist, and Author of the book, It Starts With You.

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

Recent parenting research shows that treating kids with respect and kindness, connecting with them on an emotional level, and managing our own stress and anger can create positive changes in a child’s brain.

The results? Fewer meltdowns, better problem-solving skills, higher emotional intelligence, and a (generally) more peaceful home.

If you're tired of repeating yourself a thousand times a day...

If you've tried timeouts, bribes, and threats to get your children to behave, but nothing works...

If you're not sure what to do next, and you constantly worry that it's only going to get worse...

If it feels like a never-ending struggle...

If you're ready for an outside perspective; someone to talk to instead of relying on Google searches and advice from family...

Then you're in the right place!

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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About 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.

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 caregivers with children 18 months - 12 years old

How to eliminate the word "should" from your parenting vocabulary.

Obedience is important. But these 3 things matter more than your child's obedience.

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.

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Nicole cares! She genuinely wants to see you succeed at this parenting thing, and she is so gracious in her advice and how she constructively listens. She helped me gain the confidence I needed to get some of my own stuff in check and really make the effort to connect with my daughter. Teeth-brushing time used to be a set-up for me losing it and yelling at my kids. Now, we have fun and sing, and I am learning to be okay with them not being professional teeth-brushers. Haha! I'm choosing connection. Nicole taught me so much!”

-Lindsey, parent coaching client

Why Choose Parent Coaching?

A peaceful home is possible.

You don’t have to hope that “someday” things will magically improve on their own or panic that you’ve waited too long. If you’re ready to do the work, you can start heading in a new direction today. Respectful parenting strategies build strong relationships with your kids and help you respond with confidence - even when things are challenging.

Discover the blind spots in your parenting goals.

If you knew how to create change in your family, you would do it! Even if you’ve read tons of parenting books and tried every suggestion, sometimes it takes a personal connection to help you identify your triggers, work through the options, and make your parenting hopes and dreams a reality.

Receive 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!

Parent Coaching Options

1:1 Parent Coaching Package

4 sessions, $900
Sessions are every other week
Each session is 1-hour in length
We meet "face-to-face" online using Zoom
Unlimited email or Voxer support for 8 weeks
*Initial "Get To Know Me" Session is required

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Voxer Coaching

Voxer is a voice memo app. You can leave voicemails up to 15 minutes in length. Listen to my reply at a time that works for you.

$149 per month
Unlimited Voxer support

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Getting Started Is Easy

If you're interested in 1:1 Parent Coaching, I invite you to book a "Get To Know Me" Session. During this no-obligation session, I will give you a brief introduction to me, my parenting philosophy, and the parent coaching process.

You will have time to share an overview of your family, your current parenting challenges and ask any questions. If we have time, we can start exploring your goals for the parent coaching process.

The cost of this session is $30 and will be applied to any parent coaching packages booked with me.

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Common Questions

What is parent coaching?

Parent Coaching is a professional relationship focused on helping you grow more confidently into the parent you want to be.

Some people seek Parent Coaching for a specific struggle, such as bedtime battles, toddler challenges or difficulty getting their kids to listen. Other people want to feel less stressed, more confident or relate to your kids more respectfully.

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. I am more concerned about you feeling comfortable in your role as a parent than I am about finding the “perfect” strategy. Chances are, there isn’t a magic bullet. But by learning about yourself, your kids, your interactions, and by making small changes, practicing, and being patient, I believe you can head in a positive direction!

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?

Can I get a single session? Or can I just buy 2 sessions?

I realize the cost of the coaching package may be out of your price range. I do offer pay-as-you-go sessions, but please keep these things in mind:

A one hour session is not long enough to make significant changes to your parenting. The first session is learning more about you, your family, and your history. Identifying patterns and talking through challenging situations. It doesn’t leave much time for strategies.
Parents who meet consistently see better results. It may be because they’ve finally prioritized making time to talk about parenting. Or it may be because they have more accountability. Or it may just be that making significant changes to patterns that have been around for years takes some time to undo.

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.

Do I need to live in the United States?

What do you charge?

The cost of a "Get to Know Me" session is $30. This cost can be applied to the purchase of a coaching package or group. A Parent Coaching Package is $900 for a 4-session Parent Coaching Package and $149/month for Voxer Coaching 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 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.

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?

Can we meet in person?

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.

When I first reached out to Nicole it was at a time when I thought, “This can’t hurt and I’ll just try a session.” I had no idea how much talking with her would help! She’s like your mom-friend who gets exactly what you’re dealing with, but her advice is MUCH better! There has been a cohesive theme to her suggestions, all of which help me to see the situation from another view point and I am becoming the voice of calm and reason I aspire to as a parent. I have never felt judged. And I’ve often been surprised by the insight she is able project about my family, having only our conversations, occasional emails, and my perspective to go on.”

-Eliza, parent coaching client

I want you to parent from a place of calm confidence. It can happen and I'd love to support you on the journey.

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