Getting the Most from a Parent Coach

I met with a family this week for parent coaching. It's something I do on a regular basis and it is so fulfilling to be able to help bring a family together. But this one family this week was difficult for me. The parents spent a full hour giving me the gory details for their past, falling into bickering matches from time to time.

I'm not sure I can help this family if they are not willing to move forward and not backwards. When you meet with a parent coach to help you with your children, set aside some time before the meeting to determine exactly what you want from your parent coach. Avoid thinking they are going to "save the day" and have all the answers for you.

If you want immediate help and at the lowest cost, you have to do some work up front by drilling down through the issues to determine how they can help you the best. Fixing your past or fixing the other parent isn't part of their coaching. And if you're a parent coach, be ready to ask the question, "So... specifically tell me how I can help you."

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Bill Corbett

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