George and Amal Clooney. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. What do these celebrity parents have in common? They all used parenting coaches to help them raise their children.
The concept of parents and caregivers seeking professional guidance to improve their parenting skills has gained acceptance and popularity significantly over the past two decades. This trend is widespread in the celebrity world and among parents who want to build a strong foundation for their family's success and have the means to pursue it.
Chelsea Kunde, founder and professional coach of Building Blocks Family in Scottsdale, Arizona, says, “We believe you need to understand everything, but sometimes getting a little outside perspective can go a long way.'' It can make a difference.ā
Parenting coaches may be a popular choice among celebrities, but they may also be able to positively impact your family.
What does a parenting coach do?
Ms. Kunde works with children's parents and caregivers to help them succeed in one or all three areas of expertise: potty training, sleep, and discipline.
āMy philosophy is that I want to work with families to create a family life that feels productive, happy and successful,ā says Kunde. “It may be different for each family. I always say this: My home may not work for your home.”
Another way Kunde helps parents is by getting them on the same page so their children understand that they are working together. Because most parents have the same overarching goals, Kunde strives to break things down and help parents find that common ground.
āWe donāt always agree on every little thing,ā she says. “That's normal. I think it's common for everyone, even if you have a very strong partnership. It's going to present itself as a challenge at some point in parenting.”
As a parent herself, Kunde knows that raising children can be extremely vulnerable and asking for help can be difficult, so she tries to put herself in the perspective of potential customers in what she does. Masu.
āIf my car was making weird noises, I would get help,ā she says. “That doesn't mean I have a terrible car. It may need adjustments or extra help and support, but that's a good thing. Getting a little outside perspective makes all the difference.” There is a possibility.”
If you think hiring a parenting coach is like an episode of a reality show. super nannyKunde, who also has a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, can tell you it doesn't work that way.
“I think it's important to work with the families you work with to develop goals that meet their needs,” she says.
These goals are set during a consultation to build trust and identify where parents are struggling. Each plan will be different based on the information Kunde gathers about the family during the visit and may include phone calls, texts and emails as appropriate.
āA typical consultation is about two hours long,ā she says. “They've been really supportive. Some families continue to work with me extra and get more one-on-one instruction. Some families say they need two hours, so they take time off and run around on their own. Masu.”
What should you look for in a parenting coach?
Kunde said parents looking for a coach need to find one that fits their philosophy. You can see testimonials on their website and check out their social media feeds to read about the services they offer, where their point of view is, and whether it's right for your family .
Kunde often speaks with parents for a few minutes to assess the situation and explain the service, and if she doesn't think they're a good fit, she may tell them and refer them to the family.
“It's like choosing a doctor or buying a house,” she says. āAt the end of the day, I feel like itās a matter of compatibility.ā
What if I can't afford a coach?
Parenting advice has come a long way since Dr. Spock's time, and resources are more accessible than they were back then. Coaches like Kunde offer group consultations, in-person classes, and a wealth of content on social media and websites. Many coaches now also offer online options, which can help you get even more results.
āSometimes you just need a little tip here and a little trick there,ā she says. “It's always helpful to know that you can access people in that way.”