Interview with Parenting Coach Meghan Brand Stauf
This is a subtitle for your new post
Interview with Meghan Brand Stauf
How long have you been doing this and how did you get to be a Parenting Coach?
I have been a certified parenting coach for a year, but as a preschool teacher and a nanny I have always “coached” parents in an informal way. In a search to make a change in my career I found The Jai Institute for Parenting online certification program. I knew it was the program for me because it was right in line with the early childhood education recommendations for what is best for children. And, the best aspect of the program was the requirement that I go through the program as a client for the first six weeks. What I learned was life changing not only in the way I could help other parents but how it brought harmony to my own family.
Who are your clients exactly? My clients are parents that are overwhelmed and struggling with their children. Many know what to do but have a hard time making it happen. They are longing for more cooperation and connection with their children. I have several clients here in my home town as well as a few in other countries, like Canada and Africa.
Do you have children of your own? What is your parenting philosophy? Yes, I have an amazing, charismatic, joyful 12 year old. My husband and I adopted him and he has been with us since he was 6 months old. My parenting philosophy starts with the understanding that humans are hardwired for connection. Connection between the parent and the child is the overriding goal and where solutions to problems begin. My philosophy is parent centric - meaning that when a parent is grounded in safety and their needs are met they are better equipped to meet the needs of their children. I follow the 10 Pillars of Empowered Parent (https://www.gratefulparenting.org/resources)
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me? I work best with many different personalities ranging from introvert to extravert, type A, or laid back. I, myself, am a combination of personality traits. In a coaching setting I am introspective and speak slowly sometimes - don’t let my long silences throw you, the wheels are churning! All I require from you is a willingness to be open and stay curious and try to be kind to yourself.
Does this really work? I believe that if you are willing to care for yourself and make connecting to your child a priority, that I can help you find solutions. My promise to my clients is that if I can’t help I will tap into my resources and attempt to find someone who can. I can confidently attest to the fact that the shifts I have made in my own parenting have led to the kind of relationship with my child that I dreamed of. You may also read some of my clients testimonials here https://www.gratefulparenting.org/testimonials
How will we work together and what does the program entail? Depending on your needs you can choose from different packages. I offer one-on-one coaching where I guide you through the 12 weeks Ultimate Parenting Success Course. This is the most comprehensive choice where you get life-time access to parenting videos, workbook assignments and weekly sessions with me. In our sessions I provide a safe, confidential palace for you to fully explore your feelings and share your thoughts and parenting struggles. My commitment to my clients is that I show up with full presence, full commitment, and full authenticity.
Another option is to join a small group where I take the group through the Ultimate Parenting Success course. This is a great way to get the support of a group setting.
Or we can explore other options as well depending on what you might need.
I have a family and a busy life. Although I want more peace and connection in my home, I don’t have much time to spare. How much time do I need? I completely understand the constriction of time for busy families! There are only so many hours in a day. When we meet we can explore different possibilities. If you choose the 12 week program you can expect an hour a week to meet with me and about two/three hours a week on homework. You may make the personal choice to spend even more time than that reflecting and journaling. It is a personal process that is individual. Some clients still benefit from the program even if they skip the homework. Something to remember is that when you have more cooperation and harmony in your home you spend less time arguing or being upset. The time invested is worth it!
What results can I expect? You can expect to see some shifts in your thinking right away. You will begin to tap into your strengths as a parent and you will receive resources for de-stressing. This process can be exciting, motivating AND challenging at times. This work is about you and your relationship with your child. I am not here to fix you or your child. There is nothing to fix. I am here to guide you to find what works for you and to discover what might get in the way of your goals. When you practice empowered parenting you are dedicated to celebrating the essence of parenting, you will strive to ask for what you need in a calm way and your child will feel safe, connected and loved.
.
