Parenting is the most important thing we will ever do in our lives, as well as the most difficult. Parenting will bring us great joy along with self-doubt and confusion. The implications of our parenting journey and our children's upbringing will likely last for at least two generations. Our relationship with our children will either greatly enhance or detract from our sense of well being and satisfaction in life as we age.

Yet in many ways we have very little preparation or support for this tremendous, though ordinary, undertaking. Many parents in the United States, from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, experience difficulty in parenting either over the entire course of their child rearing years, or for select periods of time, such as toddler or teen years.

Parenting should be a joy, not a struggle. The parent-child relationship has the capacity to be rich and full. It should be the most satisfying undertaking in your life

What is a Parent Coach?
A Parent Coach is a professional dedicated to working collaboratively with parents towards being the best possible parents they can be and experiencing the greatest possible amount of joy and satisfaction in their roles as parents and in their relationship with their children.

Why Do Parents Work with a Parent Coach?
There are a wide variety of reasons parents seek the help and support of a Parent Coach including:

• Understanding your child's needs and behaviors in an individualized developmental context.
• Addressing challenging situations or areas of concern.
• Choosing guidance and discipline strategies that will support your child's development and build on his or her strengths.
• Negotiating transitions such as moves and family structural changes including divorce or blended families.
• Choosing the most appropriate educational settings and programs for your child.
• Managing the influences of media and pop culture.
• Enhancing family life through strengthening relationships.
• Proactive education to prepare for and adjust to developmental changes.
• Exploring ways to best assist your child's growth and development regarding social interactions, choices of play materials and activities, or family scheduling.
• New and expectant parents who want help with the adjustment phase for themselves and their infant.
• Help with infant communication such as interpreting cries and cues.
• Increasing well-being and balance in your family life.
• Facilitating your growth process as a parent.
• Parenting more confidently with less stress.

How Does Parent Coaching Work?
Parent Coaching works through the development of a trusting relationship between the Parents and the Coach. At Heart In Mind Parent Coaching the focus is on understanding the implications of your child's developmental needs, temperament and learning styles, and how this interacts with your parenting styles, expectations, modeling and family life. The goal is to guide your interactions with your child to help best meet the needs of both you and your child in a way that builds positive, nurturing relationships and supports each person in their uniqueness.

What Does Heart In Mind Parent Coaching Provide?
Heart In Mind Parent Coaching Provides:

• A forum for addressing parenting situations in a supportive, collaborative relationship.
• An open-minded frame of reference to understanding your individualized parent-child needs and family situation.
• Information on human development, and specific suggestions for assisting your child in particular developmental arenas.
• A framework for approaching parenting issues and concerns using developmental context and reflective management.
• Assistance in developing effective tools to work through parenting issues in productive, non-judgmental ways.
• Methods to preserve children's sense of self--help them to be empowered and feel supported as they make behavioral changes.
• Help in finding effective ways to handle issues as they arise, personally developing tools that will be appropriate for you and your child.
• A perspective on understanding root causes of undesirable behaviors.

What Can I Expect From the Parent Coaching Experience?

• Expect to understand your child better, and what drives his or her behaviors.
• Expect to become a more reflective parent.
• Expect to develop a deeper relationship with your child and become partners in growth.
• Expect to celebrate yours and your child's successes.
• Expect to become more relaxed and confident.
• Expect to laugh more.
• Expect to expand your capacity for love, compassion, and joy.
• Expect to increase your satisfaction with parenting.
• Expect to embrace the parenting journey with a greater sense of fullness.