Parenting is not an easy task. It’s like working 24/7 in an unpaid role with no training, instruction manual or time off—nada!
So, reaching out for help from a parent coach is a logical step in your journey as a mom, dad, or caregiver.
If this is where you are right now, and you’re wondering how to choose a parent coach, this article has been written for you.
We’ll explore what to look for and questions to ask when selecting a parent coach. We’ll also take you through tricky situations like deciding to switch coaches if your kid isn’t making progress.
If you’re wondering, “Who’s going to be the best parent coach for me?”, then explore our parent coaching tips to find the answer!
Why Work with a Parent Coach?
Parent coaches work with families to identify and manage challenges that occur when raising children. They are trained professionals, sometimes with a background in psychology, healthcare, child education or related fields.
One thing they’re not about is judgment. Instead, parent coaches are there to give you the tools you need to be the best parenting version of yourself and address the issues you need help with.
You might be wondering how a parent coach vs. therapist stacks up. Well, they’re different roles altogether. A therapist is a mental health practitioner, who supports and guides parents and children through psychological challenges (think: treating depression or anxiety, or going deep into past trauma). A coach, on the other hand, offers practical steps focused on the now to address specific parenting issues. These solution-focused actions empower both you and your child to learn, grow, and thrive together.
What to Look for in a Parent Coach
Not all parent coaches are created equal—and that’s a good thing. You’re not looking for a one-size-fits-all solution. You’re looking for a coach who fits your family.
So, how do you know what to look for in a parent coach? Here's how to spot the right one:
Credentials
Start with the basics: ask about their training. A solid parent coach often (though not always) has a degree in something like social work, education, or child development—and they should definitely have a certified parent coaching qualification.
Experience
Sure, more years in the field can be great. But don't sleep on a newer coach with fresh passion and serious skills. What matters most? That they “get” you—and how you want to parent.
Value Alignment
Parent coaching isn’t about someone handing you a script. It’s about building strategies that actually work for your family. Look for someone whose approach feels like an extension of your own values—not like you’re forcing a square peg into a round timeout chair.
Communication Style
The best parent coaches practice what they preach. They know how to listen, reflect, and collaborate (think "serve and return" conversations, not lectures). If building stronger relationships is your goal, find someone who treats communication like a two-way street, not a megaphone.
Focus
Finally, find a coach who specializes in the stuff your family actually needs. Maybe it’s toddler tantrums, co-parenting drama, or raising a neurodivergent kid with confidence. Whatever your stage of life, you want someone who knows the terrain—and isn’t afraid to walk it with you.
Raelee Peirce, Certified PCI and Poppins Parent Coach, offers an example of a coaching style: "I don't offer quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I work with each family to understand their unique dynamics and help parents trust their instincts while providing them with developmentally-informed strategies that honor their child's individual temperament and needs."
Think of finding the right coach as a matchmaking process—when you share values, it’s a whole bunch easier to work together on a common goal.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
Before you meet with coaches, draw up a list of questions to help you focus and guide the decision-making process. Here are some essential questions to ask a parent coach:
- “What are your qualifications?”
- “What’s your coaching philosophy?”
- “How do you tailor your guidance to different family needs?”
- “What’s your experience with children my child’s age?”
- “What action plan would you suggest for my child’s issues?”
- “How can you empower us as parents?”
- “How do we measure success?”
And don’t forget practical matters, such as:
- "How quickly do you typically respond to messages or questions between sessions?"
- “What’s your availability for quick check-ins between sessions?”
- "Do you provide session summaries or action plans afterward?"
- “How can we pay you?”
Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind during your conversations with coaches. And don’t be afraid to go back to them after the initial meeting to find out more. A good coach will encourage your curiosity!
Signs a Coach Is a Good Fit
Fit and trust are critical elements in parent coaching relationships. Once you’ve settled on a coach, review your relationship periodically to look for these qualities.
Signs to look for include:
- You feel seen, not judged.
- Their advice feels actionable, not abstract.
- They respect your family’s values and structure.
- You can see progress in your child’s behavior.
- Your relationship with your child improves because of recommended actions.
Ensure that your coach gives regular feedback too—this is an essential part of successful parent coaching.
When It’s Time to Switch Coaches
Sometimes relationships just don’t work out. If this is so, it’s better for all parties to acknowledge this and move on.
The first step is identifying that your partnership with your coach just isn’t working. Check out these signs:
- You’re not seeing progress.
- You feel dismissed or misunderstood.
- Your coach isn’t adapting to your child’s changing needs.
In this case, keep communication clear, open, and honest. State your concerns in a matter-of-fact way and focus your energy on finding the right parenting coach to meet your family’s needs.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Confidence Over Perfection
Parenting is no easy task. The right parent coach can help you overcome the challenges of being a mom or dad, encouraging you to say “No!” to perfection and “Yes!” to confident parenting.
They’ll meet you where you are and grow with your family, in a mutually successful relationship.
In short, our advice is to trust your gut—and prioritize someone who empowers you, not pressures you to be the best parent you can be.
