At some point in life, we all encounter challenges and uncertainties, and that's where coaching comes in. Whether you're a parent seeking guidance on parenting issues, or you have a child or teen navigating the complexities of academics, a mental health diagnosis or social relationships, coaching can be an invaluable resource.
Keep reading as we explore what Parent, Child, and Teen Coaching entails, who provides these essential services, and the myriad of benefits it offers for individuals and families alike.
What is child or teen coaching?
Child Coaching or Teen Coaching is a wonderfully supportive, positive, and informative resource for children and teens who do not have mental health issues but would still benefit from additional wisdom and guidance in their life. Child or Teen Coaching is all about internal self-awareness and mindset development, and coaching sessions provide clarity and empowerment to children and teens, especially ones who struggle with self-esteem. Child-Teen Coaches work directly with the child or teen on specific issues individually, but they may at times involve the parent as part of the coaching process.
If your child does not have a mental health diagnosis and if no psychological struggle is present, then coaching may be a great way to lovingly provide a positive outlet of growth for your child. Child-Teen coaching provides relational advice, goal motivation, and focuses primarily on mindset development. In fact, many children and teens really enjoy coaching sessions because there is less social stigma surrounding coaching than counseling, and also because coaching sessions inspire self-confidence and positive self-image.
Since many core values, beliefs, and coping methods are developed early on in adolescence, supporting children and teens by coaching them in an uplifting and proactive way can help give them the critical mindset training required for navigating life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Child or teen coaching can be an effective way to address a variety of issues that young people may be facing and reach their potential. One common issue is behavioral problems, such as aggression, defiance, and impulsivity. Coaching can help children and teens develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and behaviors in a positive and productive way. Coaching can also be helpful for children and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Through coaching, they can learn coping strategies, improve their self-esteem, and develop a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, coaching can help children and teens who are struggling with academic or career-related issues, such as time management, study skills, and decision-making. By working with a coach, young people can gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed in school, work, and life.
What is Parent Coaching?
Parent Coaching is when a professional coach provides education and support to parents specifically on strategies to improve family functioning, family communication, and parenting methodologies. A parent coaching session is directive and non-judgmental, and the focus is very goal oriented. Parenting Coaches help parents by providing strategic parenting training specific to unique family issues and by teaching psychoeducational knowledge on specific parenting techniques.
Benefits of Parent Coaching
Parents and children both benefit from parents who seek wisdom from a Parent Coach. If you are a parent who…
Coaching vs. Counseling
While Parent Coaching is supportive, it is more solution driven and goal oriented than a counseling session. Parent Coaches are often a wonderful source of knowledge for parent support and respite resource recommendations if further emotional or mental health care is needed. Coaches do not have to be licensed and they are not governed by state authorities regarding qualifications, such as education, training, or experience.
Parent Counseling is a therapeutic approach that goes a bit deeper on an emotional level. Parent Counseling is for parents who want to incorporate a psychological treatment plan for mental health issues in addition to parental skill-building. Parents who cope with ongoing family strife, mental health concerns such as depression or postpartum depression, PTSD, domestic violence, substance use, chronic stress, grief, or any other severe interference with their ability to parent should consider opting for the more in-depth treatment plan approach that a Parental Counselor provides. Parent Counselors are licensed mental health professionals in the state in which they practice and typically have a Master or Bachelor level of education.
What Parent, Teen, Child Coaching is NOT
It is important to note that coaching is not the same as therapy, and in any coaching session, no diagnosis will be formally given, and no medicine will be prescribed. The requirements for counselors and therapists vary from state to state, but there are generally no requirements for a coach. However, Life Coaches usually have life experience or some form of expertise certification in an area that qualifies them to coach.
When interviewing a coach, find out about their qualifications, including relevant certifications, experience, training, and education. Ask for references and contact those references about their experiences with the coach. Ask the coach if they provided a free initial consultation with you or your child to make sure you're a good fit.
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