All parents have experienced the ups and downs of parenting. We relish those early morning cuddles in bed. We live for the little I love yous that always come at just the right moment. But weve also had to deal with the temper tantrums, the troubles in school, and the worrying that goes along with our teens late-night adventures. How often have we second guessed out decisions about whats best for our kids or how to handles a specific problem? How many times have we turned to those around us for suggestions, only to get a hurried answer or an unwanted opinion? Parents today face many more challenges than even those a generation ago had to deal with. Many families are separated by thousands of miles. Often times, both parents have to work, so nannies and day care centers are responsible for taking care of our children. Popular culture and the media play a huge role in what our children are exposed to, including adult themes and violence. We have to be even more deliberate and diligent as parents in todays society, but doing this alone can be a formidable task. Now, we dont have to do it along - the new vocation of Parent Coaching is filling the gap for todays parents.

What is Parent Coaching?
Parent Coaching supports parents by providing a shoulder-to-shoulder relationship where the parental ideals and priorities are identified and realized through a personalized couching process. A Parent Coach listens intently to discover the parents strengths and what is working in the family. A Coach asks authentic, hope filled questions while offering useful information and specific suggestions to help the parent implement new attitudes and strategies. Since parenting issues are varied, the reasons that parents seek out Parent Coaches are varied as well. A Parent Coach can:

? Assist with discipline issues at any stage of development

? Help parents navigate the school system and become a more effective advocate for their children

? Address sibling rivalry, behavioral issues, and peer-related challenges

? Support new parents with all of the changes that a baby brings

? Encourage parents to set priorities and make clear decisions based on what is most important to them and best for their children

? Address how to sustain parental energy and involvement as the children get older

? Guide parents in developing motivation techniques for homework, identifying their childs strengths, celebrating their own attributes, and everything between

What Can You Expect?
During coaching phone conversations, the coach helps you discover constructive ways to address a situation that may be causing you some concern. A Coach will also assist you in identifying your goals, and help you design action steps to attain those goals and dreams. The parent will be encouraged to discover and address stresses and challenges which may be impacting the family, helping the parent to evaluate the systems in place which are supportive, and guiding the parent to tap into them more efficiently. Usually, the phone conversations are 45 to 60 minutes in length. They are either weekly or bi-monthly for an agreed upon period of time, such as three months. One or both parents can be on the call which is scheduled at a time most convenient for the parent. For some, this might be in their pajamas after a long day when their kids are asleep. After Parent Coaching, parents can expect to laugh more and find deeper satisfaction in their role as a parent. They can expect lots of understanding, compassion, and support as well as practical resources and information tailored to fit their individual situation and family.

Parent Coaching is filling the gap for parents who need support for the everyday challenges they face while raising their kids. Coaches are not therapists who deal with heavy issues such as domestic violence or healing associated with trauma. Instead, they allow parents to get in touch with the parents they want to become and have the family theyve always dreamed of. When finding a Parent Coach, parents need to make sure that the Coach has the proper education and credentials. There are a few programs in the country where specific coach training if offered. For example, the Parent Coaching Institute (www.thepci.com) in Seattle, Washington, which is affiliated with Seattle Pacific University, is the only program in the country to offering a graduate level certification in Parent Coaching consisting of a 12-18 month course of study as well as a practicum. Other programs offer a 3 month course while others only require a weekend workshop. Parent Coaching is an investment and commitment to you and your family. Parents will reap the benefits and rewards of a professionally trained listener and advisor, who can support and encourage them on your their parenting journey. You and your family are worth every penny of it.

Copywrite Alexandra Blumencranz, 2005. All rights reserved.