Before you drive a car you have to pass a test to get a license. Before you start a job you have to be educated in that field and go through training. So, why does society expect parenting to come naturally to everyone? Parenting, whether you work outside the home or not, is a full-time job. But this job doesn't come with a training manual. You don't have to pass a test. But parenting is still hard, and some parents are overwhelmed and burned out, which leads to yelling and engaging in power struggles. However, just because there's no certification for parenting doesn't mean you can't get a coach. This is how hiring a parenting coach can help you:
Break Generational Bad Habits
If you don't know what to do in a parenting situation, then it's only natural to revert back to whatever your parents did. After all, you don't know any differently. However, some bad parenting practices can be continued through the generations unless someone finally stops it. That person can be you. If your parent used fear to promote desirable behavior, then you might want to break that cycle and start a more positive parenting approach. A parenting coach can teach you to recognize those negative cycles and start new ones.
Become Confident and Calm
You have no idea what the best discipline methods are or why your toddler always throws huge tantrums in grocery stores. Parenting can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you feel like you're supposed to know what to do. But why would you know? Chances are you don't have a degree in child development or child psychology. Using a parenting coach—who very likely does have one of those degrees—will help you understand your children. They can teach you the most effective discipline methods. You will face tough parenting situations with more confidence and much more calmness.
Decrease Tantrums and Power Struggles
Once you understand more about your child's psychology and effective discipline strategies, you'll change the way you parent. Children are smarter than they usually get credit for and they will respond to the difference, even if it takes time. With a parenting coach to guide you through rough parenting situations like bedtime or sibling rivalry, you should start to see the change in your children. You should start to see tantrums and power struggles decrease.
Learn About Special Cases
Maybe you've felt fairly confident parenting so far but your youngest child is just so different from their siblings. Maybe one of your children has special needs you weren't prepared to deal with. Maybe there's been a huge change in the family dynamics, such as a divorce or death. Your parent friends mean well, but if they haven't experienced your special case then their advice might not be useful. A parenting coach can walk you through these special cases. They will have the expertise to advise you, whatever your situation is.
Parenting is so hard, but children are often the source of their parents' greatest joy. And since your children are so important to you, they deserve your greatest efforts. If you have been feeling overwhelmed and burned out from parenting, reach out to a parenting coach near you for more information on what they can offer. For more information, contact a program like Within Support.
Share29 November 2021
For years, I really struggled with the concept of getting along with my family members. We were all so different that it made it hard to be together without having problems, and it was really discouraging. Fortunately, a friend of mine mentioned that we could build a better relationship by spending more time together and working on acting civilly. After a few different family outings, I could tell that things were improving. I wanted this website to be all about making relationships and families stronger than ever before. Read more for great ideas on family outings and new tips for getting along.