Frequently Asked Questions

What is parent coaching, and how can it help me and my family? What is your personal approach?

Parent coaching is a collaborative process between a parent coach and a parent to develop effective parenting strategies tailored to your own family dynamics. You can expect parent coaching to help you feel a boost in parenting confidence, turn conflict into cooperation, manage challenging behaviors, improve communication with your kids and/or co-parent, set boundaries, create a more peaceful and functional home, and so much more!

I personally like to focus on the parent behind the parenting and the child behind the behaviors; I’m focused on providing guidance, accountability, and education rather than trying to fix, prescribe, or diagnose parents or the children. I help make your existing parenting strengths and skills (yes, you have them!) work for you while building new ones that will make the future easier and better for you and your family (no guilt, shame, or blame included). My work is all evidence/science-based and practical for modern parenting.

What is the difference between parent coaching and therapy? Are you a licensed therapist?

Both parent coaches and therapy professionals are dedicated to positive parenting outcomes, but the focus and approach differs.

Therapy tends to focus on the past and why, and typically concerns larger life issues. If you have significant trauma, mental health disorder(s), etc., and feel this interferes with your parenting, I generally recommend going the therapy route.

Parent coaching is more focused on the now and how, and typically concerns particular “stumbling block” issues. I focus on meeting you where you’re at, and working towards where you ultimately want to be. I provide you with everything you need to help your children become confident, independent, and responsible adults. You then feel the relief of regaining control of your family and your life — win-win!

I am not a licensed therapist. I have my certification in parent coaching making me a certified parent coach, a master’s degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology, and over a decade of experience in early childhood education and family services.

Is a parent coach required to have some sort of licensure or certification? What kind of work is required? What should I look for in a parent coach to ensure credibility?

Unlike therapy and counseling, becoming a parent coach does not require formal education or training. The most credible parent coaches have obtained a parent coaching certification, even though it’s not mandatory.

When looking for a parent coach, I would personally look for one who is a parent themselves (and has been for a good few years), has their certification in parent coaching, and has at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Experience in early childhood education, case management, and/or family services is a huge plus. This is not to say parent coaches without these things aren’t credible or great at what they do, but this is just a general guide.

A parent coach certification generally requires classroom or distance learning work in neuroscience, attachment science, child development, coaching/counseling skills, and parent coaching hours with assignments, observations, etc. A certification program is generally 6-12 months.

What are my options for parent coaching?

Please visit my Services or Freebies page for all the ways I can help you! There is something for every family, on any budget.

I need the personalized help. How do I know if I’m ready for that commitment?

I offer private parent coaching options, including a 3-month package and a month-to-month (non-subscription) which involves working with me 1:1 for a personalized experience leading to faster and more reliable results. Spouses, partners, co-parents, and/or any caregivers actively involved in your child’s life are welcome and highly encouraged to participate. You choose where we meet (your home, a local coffee shop, an office, virtually…you name it!), all I require is that your children are not present. I specialize in working with the parents of 2-10 year olds.

If you find yourself thinking about your parenting problems, or how much you’re not really feeling the whole parenting thing right now, the last thing before bed and first thing in the morning, these are just a couple indicators it may be time for private parent coaching. Click here for more information about private parent coaching and to schedule a free consultation.

Not quite ready for a commitment or want to get to know my parent coaching style before a big investment and long-term commitment? I got you! I also offer a one-time private parent coaching session to help you get your feet wet before jumping in.

Do you work with my children?

No. Parent coaching involves working with you and/or your co-parent without your children present. This is very important because your children won’t feel like they’re a problem you’re trying to “fix,” and you preserve your parent empowerment because no one is correcting you in front of your children.

Why should I invest in parent coaching services? What is the investment?

Investing in parent coaching is about gaining lasting skills and strategies that positively impact your family’s dynamics. The knowledge and support you receive from my services can help create a healthier and happier family environment for the years to come. I specifically design my services to deliver meaningful results, empowering you to navigate parenting challenges effectively and reducing the need to seek additional support elsewhere, making this investment worthwhile.

The investment for my services will vary. Please visit my Services page or my Parent Support Shop for most investment details. Private parent coaching package investment information can be found here.

Do you accept insurance?

No, parent coaching is not an insurance covered benefit, however some insurance providers do consider providing reimbursement. If you would like to submit a superbill for private parent coaching to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, I’m happy to create one upon request.

Why should I hire you?

Why me? Because I’m not just another parent coach—I’m your partner in transformation, blending expertise, experience, and a relatable, down-to-earth approach that makes even the toughest parenting challenges feel manageable. I make the hard work fun, engaging, and full of real, actionable steps that create results.

You won’t just hire a parent coach; you’ll gain a cheerleader who gets you, understands your struggles, and is genuinely invested in your success.

I’ve seen you or heard of you from Milwaukee With Kids! What exactly is it and what do you do?

Milwaukee With Kids is your ultimate guide to family-friendly fun in and around the city of Milwaukee, and I am one of the fabulous editors and content contributors! Check out our Events Calendar anytime you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids, weekdays or weekends! You can narrow down your search by suburb areas and free events. My blogs on various parenting topics are also sometimes featured here.

You can become a part of the Milwaukee With Kids community by subscribing at no cost! You will receive a Weekend Guide every Thursday directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on the best family events, news, and activities happening around Milwaukee. If you’re a parent residing in the Milwaukee area, I highly recommend subscribing. No spam, I promise! You will never have to ask “what are we doing this weekend?” or open a million tabs on your phone looking up things to do ever again. Subscribe today!

You can also check out our downloadable PDF ebook, MKE For Free, for a season-by-season guide to 250+ FREE family-friendly experiences Milwaukee has to offer. Click here for a sneak peek and to purchase the ebook for $10.

I’ve seen you frequently talk about Babbling Babes…what is that?

I’m an ambassador! Babbling Babes is Milwaukee’s largest mom’s social club, connecting and uplifting Milwaukee area moms while cultivating community at curated gatherings with local businesses. Babbling Babes is more than “just another moms group" for women who are more than “just mom.” Babbling Babes also offers an off-social media safe space, The Village, for local moms to connect and bring connections online and in-person. Psst…I give all Babbling Babes members 20% off my services! Babbling Babes is open to all moms.