New Mexico

One of the most important lessons from my training at the PCI was the value of intrinsic motivation, meaning interest in something simply for it's own sake, not because there is an external reward associated with it. We discussed intrinsic motivation in terms of fostering it in children, but also as something necessary for parent coaching to be successful. Parents must have an internal drive to create meaningful change in order for their coach to effectively assist in the process. In other words, you can't make someone change.

This is a big reason why coaching is a preferred method to parenting education—because coaches explore what each parent is intrinsically motivated to work on, and then collaborate with the client to create a path that is suited to fit that parent's unique needs. No matter what is advertised to parents, there simply is no formula to parenting. There is no technique to apply to each problem that will surely "fix" it. There is no such thing as the 5, 7, or 10 secrets to raising perfect kids. Real solutions arise from honest discussion, sincere desire, creative planning, and consistent effort. Not as glamorous perhaps, but definitely more effective.

As a parent coach, my focus is on truly getting to know my clients and their unique situation. To do this, I must do some careful listening and lots of clarifying. As I am getting to know parents and their families, I cannot help but feel sincere empathy and a desire to help make their dreams into reality. Even though it's hard for both of us to be patient with the process (after all, who doesn't want everything to get better ASAP?), I know that real change takes time and consistency. And I will be there the whole way through.

So whether you live in New Mexico, or any other part of the country, I would love to be your coach. Please visit my Happy Family Parent Coaching Web site for more information. And by the way, if you're reading this you're probably already quite motivated to get that happy family you truly deserve. Good for you, this is a great start!