Unlocking the Power of Life Coaching for Parents: Transforming your Family Dynamics.

All parents want the best for their kids and for them to thrive.

Most of us just want our kids to be happy. In fact, 81% of parents from a recent study stated this. But it feels quite counterintuitive that it is simultaneously reported that less than 44% of parents feel adequately prepared for parenthood.

A goal that is echoed by nearly all of my clients is wanting to ensure their kids flourish - that their children are prepared with the qualities they need to successfully navigate life. But they also recognise this is a big responsibility.

So how do we go from ill equipped to capable and thriving whilst still bearing the enormous weight of responsibility of our children’s futures?

A parenting course? It’s an option. It can give tools and strategies which can be really helpful, but there’s more to prospering as a parent than that.

First, work out what heathy family dynamics look like for you. We each have different characteristics, attributes, beliefs, values and goals that make up the ingredients of our own family recipe.

Often, we might need some support in understanding these more deeply. Working with a parent coach can help to get clarity on your values, priorities and goals which will help align your action and decisions accordingly.

Second, develop skills. Think of what qualities you want your children to have and ask if you have all of these yourself?  If you don’t, you need to build them. As a first step you need to identify where you feel we are lacking and when you develop them you can role-model them for your children. This is the very best way to cultivate these in our kids.

Confidence and resilience are two that come up a lot amongst parents: Parenting, working and then juggling parenting with working, can be overwhelming and is likely to be a challenge for even the most confident and resilient individuals.

Working with a life coach can help identify what’s missing and build a toolkit of skills to help meet the demands of parenting. Using the supportive, non-judgemental space to explore any challenges and fears can sometimes be enough but you’re likely to also develop strategies to overcome them during the partnership.

Third, understand everyone’s needs. And that means EVERYONE: not just the needs of your children, but YOUR needs too. We all know we need put our own oxygen mask on first, we just might not remember to.  

A parent coach can help you do this. And when you look after yourself, you set a good example for the family and you’ll be well resourced to meet the demands of parenting.

Finally, develop your communication. Enhanced communication encourages understanding, and empathy. When we communicate effectively, we connect. Connection is a key ingredient to a flourishing family – it fosters a feeling of security and when we feel secure, we cooperate.  Family life can be chaotic without this mutual cooperation.

Working with a parent coach can enhance your own self-awareness, that of your children and your connection to each other. The partnership you create on your coaching journey will improve your communication and strengthen your collaborative outlook. All of this will promote positive change and improved family dynamics.