Common Questions About Parent Coaching in Houston
Maybe you’ve done some research and found out about a service for improving how you feel about your parenting--parent coaching. In a city the size of Houston, there can be lots of resources and it can be hard to know exactly where to get some good information.
That’s why we’ve listed some common questions about parent coaching along with some answers that may help you out!
So what exactly is parent coaching?
We’re glad you asked! Parent coaching offers you the opportunity to have a child and family expert on your team and help you reach YOUR parenting goals. A parent coach is there to listen to your concerns and help you set and reach goals for your family. They might teach you new skills, help you see strengths and things that already are working for your family, and can help you practice as you put new tools into use.
How is parent coaching different from therapy?
Therapy is a mental health service that helps you process your response to current or past events that are making it difficult for you to be content, successful, or otherwise able to pursue your life in the way that you’d like. Coaching stays focused on the here and now, lets you set concrete goals and gives you tools and support for reaching them. There’s no mental health diagnosis--for you or your child.
Who does parent coaching and what credentials should I look for?
Various professionals are available to you for parent coaching. Some also provide therapy, but will be clear about the difference between therapy and coaching with you. You know what’s important to you with regard to your evaluation of a professional, but in general, you’d want to look for someone with demonstrated focused work with parents and/or children, a strong knowledge about what’s developmentally appropriate behavior, and a stated philosophy about their approach. If you’d like more information about how to find a parent coach, we addressed that here.
How many sessions of parent coaching do I need to attend?
That depends on you and your goals! Some issues are quickly addressed, and if you’re really dedicated to implementing coaching suggestions, you may find that things are getting better before you know it. Other patterns may be more deeply entrenched so they may take a little more time to shift them. In general, though, parent coaching can usually achieve results within a shorter period of time than you’d expect in therapy, due to the results- and present-oriented nature of parent coaching.
Do my kids come to parent coaching sessions?
Usually, no. It’s never helpful for a kid to hear their parents say negative things about them and/or their behavior, and sometimes that’s where parents start when they want to make things better. Your parent coach can work with you to find a time when you can speak privately with them, outside of your child’s presence.
Do both parents have to attend parenting coaching sessions?
Ideally, every caregiver who’s important in your child’s life can be in the loop when it comes to arriving at parenting strategies to implement at home. We all know that parents are not the only ones who care for kids. That said, a parent coach may want to help give you some tools to try out even if not everyone can be at a coaching session. Sometimes it’s more important to get some ideas to change things for the better without waiting for the ideal situation!
What if things don’t get better after parent coaching?
There are other ways a professional can help your family. Perhaps family therapy would be the next step to address communication, behavior, or other problems. Maybe your child could benefit from their own therapy. Your parent coach can help you find the right direction if it looks like you need more than coaching.
Is there somebody I could ask about parent coaching?
We are always here to answer your questions about parent coaching in Houston. Just give us a call at (713) 936-0633, and we’ll schedule you for a free phone consultation. We want you to know what you need to make the best decision for your family.