Where is your parenting village?

Do you feel like you're parenting alone? Do you have people you can turn to when you have parenting challenges? It's time to start building a parenting village.

My parents live 5 hours away.

My best friends live 30 minutes away. In two different directions.

I’m a transplant to the area, so I still don’t know the best playgrounds, the popular mommy-and-me groups or the sought-after babysitters.

In other words, if I want support, I have to create my own parenting village.

Do you even want a parenting village?

Parenting “villages” aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be unfortunately.

Unsolicited advice from strangers. Criticism from nosy mother-in-laws. Clicky moms at the PTA meetings.

Who needs them?

Parenting is hard enough without the “burden” of a village.

What are your options?

Seeking out support has its risks.

Maybe you won’t be compatible. Maybe your parenting styles will be different. Maybe your kids won’t get along.

Getting connected online has its place.

You can “meet” new people. Enjoy the freedom of anonymity of the computer screen. But, it can still feel very lonely.

Of course, staying isolated could be an option.

But anyone who’s had kids home from school for summer break knows how close you can come to the possibility of a mental breakdown.

How about Parent Coaching?

You may have never even heard of Parent Coaching. And even if you have, you’ve probably never considered adding it to your village.

It seems too rigid. Too personal. Like paying someone to be your friend.

Why on earth would you add a total stranger to your village?

Because it works.

You can read blog posts until you can’t see clearly and still have no idea what to do with your kids. You don’t want to ask your (unhelpful) “village” for suggestions. And you live too far away from any other supports.

You need to start somewhere.

Once you get over the awkwardness of talking into a webcam, it’s only a matter of minutes before you will start to pour out your heart.

Your challenges with your kids.

Your feelings of loss and uncertainty.

Your overwhelming desire to be the parent you want to be, but for some reason, just can’t accomplish.

It’s only the beginning.

Of course, you’ll need more than one person to build a strong, supportive village for you and your kids.

But, as you build a physical village around you, we will continue our coaching sessions together.

You may find yourself emailing an excited announcement that your son finally completed his homework without a meltdown.

Or when you’ve had a horrible day, but somehow managed to stop yourself before you yelled.

Or maybe, you’ll ask for a meeting asap because your toddler has refused to sleep the past few nights, and you are exhausted.

And in these moments, you will start to realize what it feels like to have a “village.”

Let’s talk.

If you’re interested  in parent coaching, I can’t wait to talk with you. I’m passionate about helping parents overcome challenges.

And, I’m also interested in supporting you and encouraging you through the ups and downs of parenting.

You need a village!

Let’s get started.

Parent Coaching with logo

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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