George and Amal Clooney. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. What is the common denominator among these famous parents? They’ve all enlisted the services of parenting coaches to support them in nurturing their children.
The practice of parents and caregivers seeking professional advice to improve their parenting abilities has gained significant acceptance and popularity in the past twenty years. This trend is particularly noticeable among celebrities and parents who aim to establish a solid foundation for their families and have the resources to pursue this goal.
Chelsea Kunde, a professional coach and the founder of Building Blocks Family in Scottsdale, Arizona, emphasizes the value of gaining an external perspective. She states, “We often believe we should have everything under control, but sometimes, a fresh outlook can make a world of difference.”
While parenting coaches are commonly utilized by celebrities, their beneficial influence can extend to ordinary families as well.
The Role of a Parenting Coach
Kunde collaborates with parents or caregivers to address challenges in three main areas: potty training, sleep routines, and disciplinary strategies.
“My core belief is to assist families in establishing a harmonious and effective home environment,” Kunde explains. “The approach may vary for each family. What works for me may not necessarily work for you.”
Moreover, Kunde focuses on fostering unity among parents to demonstrate a cohesive front to their children. Despite inevitable disagreements, she highlights the importance of aligning on fundamental objectives.
“Even in strong partnerships, disagreements are natural, especially in parenting,” she notes. “It’s a common challenge for everyone.”
Drawing from her own experiences as a parent, Kunde acknowledges the vulnerability that comes with seeking help and underscores the value of external support.
“If my car had an issue, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek assistance,” she analogizes. “It’s about fine-tuning and gaining support, which can be transformative.”
Contrary to the dramatic portrayals often seen on shows like Supernanny, Kunde, who holds a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, emphasizes the collaborative and tailored nature of her coaching approach.
“It’s crucial to set goals that meet the specific needs of each family,” she emphasizes.
These objectives are established through consultations aimed at building rapport and identifying parental pain points. Subsequent plans, varying based on the family’s dynamics, may involve ongoing communication via calls, texts, or emails.
“Consultations typically last around two hours and are highly collaborative,” Kunde adds. “Some families opt for continued one-on-one coaching, while others feel equipped to implement the strategies independently after the initial session.”
Selecting a Parenting Coach
Kunde advises parents to choose a coach whose principles align with their own. By reviewing testimonials and social media presence, parents can gauge the coach’s approach and determine compatibility with their family’s needs.
Engaging in brief discussions with potential coaches allows parents to assess the suitability of the partnership. If a match seems unlikely, Kunde believes in transparently communicating this and may offer referrals to better-suited alternatives.
“Selecting a parenting coach is akin to choosing a healthcare provider or a home,” she remarks. “Compatibility is key.”
Accessing Parenting Guidance
In today’s landscape, parenting resources are more accessible than ever before. Coaches like Kunde offer group sessions, in-person workshops, and abundant online content via social media and websites. Additionally, many coaches provide virtual consultations to maximize value for clients.
“Sometimes, a simple tip or trick can make a significant difference,” Kunde observes. “Having access to such resources is invaluable.”