Parenting coaches helping more troubled households

When Suzanne Shaw brought home her new baby son, her firstborn daughter Madison was predictably jealous.

“There were a lot of time outs, a lot of disconnection”, Shaw said.

One day Suzanne realized things were out getting of hand.

“Madison was mad about something, I’m not sure, frustrated about something and she just threw her sippy cup at me”, Shaw said.

At the end of her rope, Suzanne turned to certified parenting coach Minette Riordan for help.  Riordan assessed Suzanne and Madison and their very different temperaments.

“Suzanne loves peace and harmony”, Riordan said.  “She has a daughter who is very determined, really knows what she wants, wants to do it all by herself.“

Riordan developed a plan to help bridge the gap. “We found that what Madison was missing was a structure for the day”, Riordan said.

Parenting coaches are growing in popularity.  Since 2003 Dr. Caron Goode has certified nearly 100 parent coaches out of her Fort Worth, Texas based practice.

“98% of family difficulties is usually communication oriented”, Dr. Goode said.

But they’re not cheap.  Parent coaches cost about 100 dollars an hour.  But to Suzanne Shaw, the peace and joy it’s brought into their house is worth every penny.

“She and I have a relationship now”, Shaw said.  “We talk all the time. There’s a connection, there’s a bond.“