Why Coach Parents?

Why would someone want to coach parents? Hi, I’m Carrie, and here are some thoughts on why I would want to coach parents. I have been at this adventure of parenting for almost 20 years now (if you count pregnancy), and I still have not arrived as a parent. If I were reading this, I may think that would be a funny way to introduce yourself as a parent coach. Doesn’t the word coach imply that I am at least somewhat enlightened and can show the way to become a ‘successful’ parent? Well…what I have to offer parents is not the formula to becoming a successful parent, it is a helping hand as you get back on course building a relationship with the young adult you are raising.

As someone who follows Jesus, grace has been one of my favorite themes in life. With my personality, I think I naturally gravitate toward grace, but I know the concept can be challenging for many people. I have always loved to introduce people to life-changing grace. As one moves through the stages of parenting, surrounded by a community of other parents, comparison is everywhere. When you have kids though, you learn real quick that they are all unique, respond differently to your parenting style, and they will not be controlled. Then when the teen years come and some stuff hits the fan, you start to second guess your parenting, or regret not doing some things.

Did we have enough fun outings? Did I teach them healthy eating habits? Am I a pushover? Did I push them away? Did we read the Bible enough? Are they ready for LIFE?

I look at fellow parents of teens, and I want to give them a hug and say ‘you are the one for the job!’. I desire for parents to be able to live in the grace that I try to lean into myself, because honestly, non of us have arrived, nor will we ever be perfect parents. But we are the parents God chose for the teens in our home, and he will equip us to lead them into adult life.

Here are some questions I would ask you as your coach –

>What do you want your relationship with your son or daughter to be like when they are 25?

>What fears could be affecting your parenting?

>What is the argument that keeps happening with your son or daughter?

>What can you quit doing (that bugs your teen) today?

>What is a habit you can start today that will positively connect you with your teen?

>How can I offer grace to my teen today?

>What unhealthy expectation can you let go of today?

This is just a taste of the many questions we can discuss in order to intentionally seek growth between you and your teen. In order to look at these questions honestly, grace is required, both for yourself and for the teen in your home. It seems that when we come to the place of giving up control and striving, that is where we are free to take steps forward without all the fear of failing. I’m in it with you, and hope that when we look back on our parenting journey, we will see that there was grace all throughout it.