When I first trained as a certified parent coach at Seattle Pacific University’s Parent Coaching Institute, all of the courses were hosted by the professors on freeconferencecall.com.  Remember that? It was 2010, and it was great. I had two little kids at home, and taking a shower before 10pm was a luxury. 

When I opened my parent coaching business that year, I kept the phone appointments going. I knew parents didn’t have time to drive to and from appointments. They wanted to stay in their pajamas and schedule sessions during nap time. Or conference in their husband on his lunch hour at work. Or dial in from another state (or country!).   

In those days, online businesses weren’t commonplace, but neither was parent coaching. It was a new industry, and I was excited to help shape it.  

It’s 15 years later, and I still run a 100% online parent coaching practice. Things have changed with the advent of Zoom, but parents continue to value the convenience and flexibility of online parent coaching.  

And the best part? You can still do it in your pajamas.

What Is Online Parent Coaching, Exactly?

Online parent coaching comes in a few forms, but in most cases, it starts like this:  Your kid is behaving in a way that breeds chaos, confusion, and conflict in your home. You go online for answers. You read blogs, watch Instagram videos, and join Facebook groups that offer support. You try time-outs, behavior charts, consequences, and validation. You say things like, “I see that you’re angry.” If your kids are like mine, they’ll reply, “Thanks Captain Obvious.” Or your 5-year-old hits you to let you know that was NOT the right thing to say.  

Oh, and you follow Dr. Becky and listen to a lot of podcasts about how to raise kids. 

Nevertheless, chaos, confusion, and conflict continue to reign supreme.  

This is where online parent coaching comes in. But instead of putting on your best jeans and driving across town to an office, you hop on Zoom (or Voxer, or WhatsApp, or whatever your coach uses), and you start getting answers. 

Your parent coach will either work with you privately or invite you to join a group program. I do both. In addition to private sessions, I run a program called The Boy Mom Academy, which includes coaching, community, and courses. I train moms in my approach called The Boy Mom Method. It’s 100% online and has a variety of ways to get support depending on your learning style and availability. It’s pretty awesome.

Why Online Coaching Works So Well

Online coaching is surprisingly intimate. We get to know each other well. We talk in detail about the latest challenges in your home, and we explore options for how you might have handled that moment differently. We go beyond abstract parenting theory and dig into your child’s unique personality, your goals for your child, and your approach as a parent.  

Online coaching meets you where you are:

• On your lunch break at work
• In the car during soccer practice
• At your dining room table

Since it’s not therapy, we don’t dig into your childhood trauma, but we do look at your current patterns and give you new strategies to practice and new mindsets to try on for size. Whatever it takes to help your kid be kind, calm, and cooperative, and help you stay sane.

Common Reasons Parents Reach Out

In my experience, here are just a few of the situations parents bring to online sessions:

• “My son is great at school but explodes at home.”
• “Every morning is a disaster. We’re all yelling.”
• “He won’t listen unless I’m threatening consequences.”
• “She’s so anxious, and I don’t know how to help her.”
• “Is this ADHD or just my kid being a kid?”

I give you an outside, professional perspective and point out your blind spots. We all have them! I’ve spent 15 years talking to parents daily. There’s nothing I haven’t heard. Not only do I get it professionally, but I have 3 strong-willed boys of my own. So I really get it. 

What kind of results can you expect? 

Just to set expectations:  Any parent coach worth their salt will tell you that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Some parenting hacks are effective for a few days, but the changes that carry you through the teen years take time, practice, and a willingness to try something new. 

The goal isn’t a quick fix. The goal is a culture shift in your home that lasts forever.   

One mom texted our Boy Mom Academy group chat recently and said, “I just got it. It’s been 6 weeks, and it finally clicked.”  She was talking about the lesson called Prioritize your relationship over being right.

Another mom said, “Because of you, [my son] and I are more deeply connected than ever. I have the kind of relationship with him that I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve learned to fully embrace all of who [he] is – and isn’t – and to see the beauty in it all. [He] feels seen, heard, and supported.”  

That kind of change doesn’t happen in a weekend. But when you feel supported and equipped with well-timed, personalized strategies, developed in partnership with your parent coach, it happens nonetheless.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If parenting feels harder than you expected (like it did for me in the beginning), it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because you haven’t figured out what works for your unique child. But help is out there (and here!).

Online parent coaching makes it a no-brainer, convenient way to reach out and get help. You don’t have to rearrange your life to get it.

Whether you’re in California or Kentucky, at home or in a cubicle, online parent coaching is a great option when you’ve run out of ideas.  I’d love to help.

FAQs

Q: Is online parent coaching just for moms?

Nope! While I work mostly with moms (because that’s who usually reaches out), dads are absolutely welcome. You can do private sessions together. Or join my group program and share the load.  

Q: Is this like therapy or counseling?

No. Coaching is about your current situation. We focus on building new skills for you and your child. I’m a social worker, so I understand both, but this isn’t clinical therapy. If you have a crisis or trauma, therapy might be a better fit. I can help you decide during our first session.   

Q: How do I know if it will work for me?

You don’t. You have to try it and see. That’s why I always suggest starting with a call to see if we’re a good fit. If you want to jump in, get advice, and experience coaching, I offer a low-cost trial session. Or you can schedule a quick free consultation, and we’ll chat about whether I’m a fit for you.   

Q: What if things are okay but not perfect?

The goal isn’t perfection. Its growth. Let’s build on what’s working. Parent coaching is for any parent who wants to grow, reflect, and parent with more intention.

Q: Can companies or schools hire you to speak or coach groups?

Yes, and I love doing it. I work with schools, PTAs, ERGs, and organizations that want to support their parent population and create stronger communities. Contact me to learn more or visit my speaker page.