Coach Nancy shares thoughts and ideas on the trials and tribulations of parenting as she works as a parent coach and parents her own children ages 11,9,and 7. She shares some insights she has gained as a parent/coach as well as some funny stories.
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I was teaching a class this week to third graders on active listening. After presenting the concepts to the students, I asked for a volunteer to come up in front of the class so that I could demonstrate active listening to the class. A very sweet boy volunteered, and the two of us sat in chairs with the whole class on the floor watching our demonstration.
As the boy began talking, I gave him my complete focus. I maintained eye-contact, nodded, and asked questions, aware that I was modeling active listening skills for the class. As time went on, it felt like this little boy and I were the only two people in the room. I felt connected to this little boy. He felt the connection too. He wanted to keep on talking. I actually had to stop him so that we could move on- amazing with about 40 kids sitting on the floor in the same room!
It was a powerful experience! It reminds me to do this as often as possible with my own children. The experience also showed me that if I become aware of my active listening skills, by virtue of practicing them, they can take me into a moment of complete presence.
Our children are in our homes for eighteen years (give or take J). These moments of presence and connection are what they will take with them. They solidify the relationship, provide teaching moments, and allow us perhaps the greatest joy of being a parent- a connection with our children.
About Coach Nancy
Parent Coach and mother of three
Beech Acres Parenting Center
Coach Nancy has a master’s degree in social work, and has been working with children and families for over 10 years. In the school setting, her experience includes conducting conflict resolution and anger management classes for first through seventh graders. Working together with school professionals, she strives to use all resources available to optimize each child’s school experience.
In the hospital setting, she has worked with children who have cancer and their families to help them manage their emotions, and to coordinate resources to deal with the challenges as effectively as possible.
When coaching parents, Nancy believes her most important experience comes from being a parent herself. Her parenting philosophy can be summed up with a quote from parenting expert Barbara Coloroso: “There is no one way to raise our children, but a path that we must find.” She believes in an approach that focuses on strengths while acknowledging and working through challenges. Often, the greatest learning experiences lie in the challenges.
