Becoming a Coach to your child

When you decide to become a coach to your teenager, things will change for the better.

One thing to remember – change takes time! Another thing to remember, change takes patience. And, yet another thing to remember, change takes practice.

TIME, PATIENCE, and PRACTICE. These three words will be repeated often to remind you of what it takes to create the change you want in your relationship with your child.

The most important part of becoming a coach as a parent is to KNOW YOURSELF. What do I  mean by that?

Well, let’s take a look at YOU. Do you walk your talk? Or, are you a “do as I say, not as I do” parent?
We are the primary role model for our children. We are their first teachers. What are you modeling and teaching your child?

I invite you to take some time to observe yourself as parent. What are the qualities that you exude as a parent?

Parents take on many roles throughout the various stages of childhood: Teacher, Administrator, and now, a new 3rd role- COACH!

The first role is Teacher. From age 0-6, parents teach their children how to be in this world. They spend hours every day doing daily activities, so they may become independent, social children.

The second role is Administrator. From ages 7-12, kids become more independent and more social. Parents still continue to teach, however it looks different. Kids take on more responsibility for themselves in several ways. Parents are in the role of “transporter” or “taxi driver.” Parents provide transportation, help organize events for their children, manage their schedules, and support them in academics and hobbies.

Diana Sterling, of Parent as Coach Approach, suggests a new parental role during the teenage years as COACH. From ages 13-19, kids begin to manage their own schedules and make personal decisions. It’s been said that parents are “fired” from their previous roles as teacher & administrator. At this point, parents sometimes feel lost and confused on what their role is. They take on various characteristics such as nagging to get homework done and to pick up clothes. They get frustrated at the silent treatment and grunts that now take the place of words.

This is where change happens!

During the teen years, take on the parental role as COACH.

A Coach supports others in living their best life. They help them explore his or her potential and to create the life they desire.

Doesn’t that sounds like more fun than nagging and being frustrated all the time?

Every child, no matter what age, wants to know THEY MATTER. They want to be APPRECIATED, SUPPORTED, and ACKNOWLEDGED for who they are. They have a desire to be a PART OF A SOCIETY.

WHO DOESN’T WANT THAT FOR THEIR CHILD?

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