Parents are busier than ever – especially single parents. Once your Toronto divorce lawyer has filed your paperwork and you’re on your own, you may feel a little overwhelmed in the parenting department. With jam-packed schedules, kids who are feeling the pressure from your divorce and big adjustments for the whole family, many parents turn to parenting coaches for help.
Can a Parenting Coach Help Your Family?
A qualified parenting coach can make all the difference in the world, according to some parents. Rather than interjecting personal opinions (like a friend or family member might), a parenting coach simply lets you parent in your own way while providing much-needed support.
A qualified parenting coach can provide suggestions, ideas and new strategies when you need them most.
What to Look for in a Parenting Coach
Before you commit to working with a parenting coach, make sure they’re able to provide references from parents they’ve worked with in the past. Most parents are happiest with a coach who:
- is not judgmental
- helps them emphasize their own parenting skills
- helps them identify key issues between parents and kids
- asks parents to provide their own ideas
- reminds parents to take care of themselves, too
- can inspire parents to enact good parenting practices
A responsible parenting coach will allow you to ask several questions before diving in with both feet. You need to be comfortable with your coach’s personality; you’ll also need to find out:
- what type of fees the coach charges
- what the coach’s parenting philosophies are
- when the coach will be available to you
It’s also important to check a parenting coach’s references before making any kind of commitment. That way, you can be sure that other parents have benefited from his or her services and that the coach is truly qualified.
Finding a Parenting Coach
Your Toronto divorce lawyer has probably worked with several families in situations similar to yours during his career. In fact, he or she may have referred families to qualified local parenting coaches in the past. Ask your Toronto divorce lawyer if he or she has any local connections – after all, the best working relationships often start with a referral.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking your Toronto divorce lawyer for a referral, ask friends and family. You can also start the search on your own; just remember, always interview the coach and call references before making a commitment (even if you did get the coach’s contact information from your Toronto divorce lawyer).
Smart Parents Know When to Ask for Help
There’s nothing wrong with asking your Toronto divorce lawyer if he or she knows any local parenting coaches. Remember, you’re not the only person whose family has been caught in a tough divorce – and your Toronto divorce lawyer may be able to save you a headache by helping you find a qualified parenting coach.
A parenting coach won’t change the way your household runs. Instead, they’ll provide the valuable support you need while you run things your own way, giving you gentle suggestions for improvements along the way. You can keep your family on track during this tough time – and asking for help when you feel overwhelmed is usually a fantastic idea.
