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From Jewelry Manufacturing to Parenting Coach

Jai Institute for Parenting • September 29, 2023

Life often takes unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. Jason’s journey from a small jewelry manufacturing business to becoming a parenting coach is a testament to the twists and turns life can take. Jason's background in theology and business ultimately led him to a fulfilling career as a parenting coach.

Theology to Business

With an undergraduate degree in theology, Jason Arenburg always had a strong desire to help people. Initially, he pursued a path toward becoming a church pastor, complete with pastoral counseling classes and public speaking training. "I wanted to help people, particularly with the most important relationship of their life, which at that time, given my frame, would've been their relationship with God."

However, the job opportunities in his chosen field were limited, especially as a fresh-out-of-school 21-year-old pastor with little life experience.

Turning to the Family Business

When the doors to the church didn't open as he had hoped, Jason found himself working in his family's jewelry manufacturing business. While he enjoyed the work and rose through the ranks, he couldn't ignore the yearning to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. "It wasn't really helping people. It was a good business. It was honest, it was fair work, the whole thing. There's nothing wrong with it." The family business was successful, but it wasn't where his heart and soul truly belonged.

He decided to pursue an MBA. He wondered if he should buy the business from his parents as they retired. This decision would have meant taking full responsibility for the company, including managing employees and finances. Despite his success, he realized that the business world didn't align with his passion for helping others. It was a period of reflection and soul-searching, culminating in a life-changing decision.

Jason's journey took an unexpected twist when he left the family business and found himself caring for his children during the onset of the pandemic. The sudden shift from full-time work to full-time parenting challenged him in ways he hadn't anticipated. "I was a pretty emotionally mature guy, and yet I could get triggered... I still get triggered."

During this time, his wife introduced him to the term "parent coach" after hearing about it during a panel discussion. Recognizing his passion for helping people navigate their most important relationships, which, in this case, were with their children, Jason decided to explore this new path.

The Journey into Parent Coaching

Jason and his wife invested in a parent coaching program, initially viewing it as a way to enhance their own parenting skills. Little did he know that this decision would profoundly impact his life and career. Through the program, he gained valuable knowledge about child development and parenting techniques that reshaped his approach as a father.

He shares a moment of profound insight as a dad: "They're not giving you a hard time. They're having a hard time."

The journey into parent coaching not only transformed Jason's parenting but also provided him with the tools and knowledge to help others on their parenting journeys. He learned to approach parenting with compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of child development.

Building a Parent Coaching Practice

Transitioning from a successful career in jewelry manufacturing to a parent coach wasn't without its challenges. Jason knew that acquiring clients would be the biggest hurdle. However, a chance encounter at the school playground led to his first client, who believed in his ability to make a difference in her family's life.

Jason's commitment to delivering exceptional service at a fair price, combined with his clients’ referrals, gradually grew his parent coaching practice. He emphasized the importance of being relatable and open about his own imperfections as a parent, which helped him connect with his clients on a deeper level.

“I love the impact that I can have on other people’s most precious relationships, as well as the flexibility to work or spend time on my family or other priorities as I see fit. (As my father used to say, the great thing about being self-employed is that you can get a haircut whenever you want!)”

Like any journey, Jason’s transition to becoming a parent coach was filled with doubt and uncertainty. He reassures others considering this path, that doubts are normal and part of the learning process. “It's essential to embrace imperfection and recognize that even as a parent coach, you're not a perfect parent – you're a guide on the journey.”