Who Hires Parent Coaches?

From new parents to single parents to parents of teens, parents from many different backgrounds hire parent coaches. And with parent coaching being offered by some employee assistance and government programs, the reach of parent coaches is wider than ever. Some parent coaching arrangements are long-term for those who want more intensive support, while others are on a short-term basis. Parents who use coaching services are generally very concerned about providing the best possible family environment for their children. Some parents may have questions or concerns and no one else that they can turn to. Most parents seeking coaches are willing to invest the time and money into improving their parenting skills, just as a singer with raw musical talent will hire a vocal coach to help her improve her singing.

What Does a Coaching Session Involve?

Generally, coaches work with families in 30-minute sessions, once a week. Meetings are held either by phone or in person. Because coaching can be done by phone, parents are not limited to a particular geographic area when choosing a coach. An initial phone session is usually free and is used to determine if you and the coach are a good fit, and if the coach is offering exactly what you need. If the initial session is satisfactory, the coach will then spend some time getting to know about your questions and concerns and what answers you hope to take away from your sessions. The coach will also set basic ground rules, such as encouraging you to be a very active participant and always let the coach know if you disagree with something that is being said.

It should be noted that coaching is not mental-health treatment or therapy. There is no diagnosis of disorders (such as Attention-Deficit Disorder), and there is no emphasis on exploring the past. Coaching is solution-focused and not meant to substitute for any mental health treatment. However, a good coach should be able to recognize problems that are too serious or complex to respond to coaching and will refer you to mental-health professionals if needed.

Coaching for parents can certainly be a useful addition to any parent's toolbox—especially if you are seeking success at one of the toughest, most gratifying jobs around.