What is a coach for parents?
A coach for parents is a personal coach who specializes in parent/child issues. When a parent, grandparent, caregiver or guardian needs help overcoming a challenge, they now have the option of hiring a Coach for parents. Coach for parents primarily function as mentors who listen, clarify situations, identify problems, and offer solutions. They also help parents regain a feeling of empowerment and increased confidence in their parenting skills. This, in turn, elevates the parent's innate sense of nurturing and restores the joy many families lose during times of conflict.

Who can become an ACPI Certified Coach® for Parents (ACPI CCP) ?
Teachers, parent educators, counselors, life and career coaches, parents... anyone interested in coaching parents in our innovative whole-person approach to nurturing children

What is ACPI's parent coaching philosophy?
The ACPI Certified Coach for Parents Program is based on the HeartWise™ Parenting-Coaching Model, which supports whole child parenting and whole person coaching. ACPI believes in approaching each individual parent coaching situation from a holistic viewpoint, taking into account both the parent and the child's physical, mental, emotional, developmental, and spiritual well-being. ACPI also believes in helping parents become more aware and caring people who support and nurture their children by building esteem, offering empowering messages, and helping them find their way to a happy successful adulthood. This is a strengths-based program.

What if I'm not currently a coach, how do I find parents to coach while I'm in the program?
You'll be amazed how many in your circle of friends and neighbors struggle daily with parenting issues. They keep their struggles in secret, preferring not to show their weakness. As you discuss your new endeavor to become a parent coach, many will be open to your "free" counseling as you practice your new skills and build your confidence level. We also provide marketing models for your success that you can replicate in your community.

What does a parent coach do?
Parent coaching is a compassionate, collaborative way to help parents identify priorities and make clear choices based on what is most optimal for themselves and their children. An ACPI Certified Coach for Parents is a highly trained individual with an in-depth background of education and experiences who listens intently, asks key questions, provides information, challenges assumptions, and offers brainstorming and suggestion to help parents implement new attitudes and strategies.

How do parent coaches work?
Parent coaches work one-on-one with a parent, usually through weekly 45-60 minute phone conversations for a minimum of three months. Many parent coaches choose to work in person, preferring the close physical connection of eye-to-eye contact. Some Parent Coaches take their skills and develop community parent education classes, speaking engagements, models of play and bonding, or leading high school youth leadership programs.

Why should I choose the ACPI Certified Coach® for Parents Training Program over other coach training programs?
Our training program is uniquely focused on nurturing and recognizing the whole child and whole parent, and our instructors are working professionals, authors and speakers active in the fields of holistic health, child development, parenting and education.

Why parent coaching?
Today, parents are busier than ever before. Long gone are the days when fathers were breadwinners, and mothers were caretakers for the children and the home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women now account for nearly half of the labor force, and 71% of mothers with children under the age of eighteen work outside the home. Yet many women are reversing the trend and desire to stay home with their children, if possible. Usually, a second income is needed. In addition, recent statistics still show that the working mom still carries the load in the home as to chores and caretaking responsibilities.

This trend has created a new version of family life. Married, partnered, and single parents alike are running just as fast as they can to meet all their responsibilities. Therefore, when they come up against a behavioral or developmental problem with their children, parents often lack the focus to deal with it effectively. In these types of situations, a parent coach acts as an objective mentor who offers encouragement, support, and potential solutions to the everyday bumps and jolts of parenthood.

Seven Reasons Coaching for Parents is Popular Today
•It is convenient for time pressed parents.
•It does not have the stigma many people attach to psychotherapy.
•It is personal and tailored to individual situations.
•It is private and discreet.
•It allows parents to work through one problem, and then quit if they choose.
•It is an upbeat and positive experience for parents.
•It is an excellent career choice for parents.

Why become a parent coach?
People become parent coaches for many reasons, but they all have one thing in common, the desire to make a difference. Even though parent coaches mainly interact with adults, they have a keen interest, either professionally or personally, in promoting the welfare of children. Parent coaches come from all walks of life, including teachers, therapists, school counselors, and seasoned parents. For the child-based professional, becoming a parent coach is a way of expanding career options. For seasoned parents, it is an opportunity to do good work in a fulfilling field, without the time commitment and stress that often accompanies a traditional career.

What is the earning potential for a parent coach?
Like many other forms of self-employment, the earning potential for parent coaches depends on the time investment. On an average, parent coaches earn anywhere from $35-$250 an hour depending on a number of factors. Those can include previous experience, specialization, and the geographic area in which the coach lives. Earning potential can also depend on the delivery method a parent coach chooses. Typically, coaches who meet with clients individually or in person charge more that those who hold group sessions or work through e-mail.

Is ACPI accredited?
There are no accrediting agencies for licensing any type of coaches in the coaching industry. The coaching industry is an unregulated profession. The International Coach Federation and the International Association of Coaches both have codes of ethics to which parent coaches adhere. In addition, ACPI classes follow the coaching competencies and suggestion design of coursework and professional competence. ACPI is a member of the International Association of Coaches (IAC) and we suggest that graduating ACPI professional coaches also join for the benefits, including liability insurance, of a professional organization.