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Unlocking Transformation: The Journey of Becoming a Parenting Coach

Jai Institute for Parenting • September 29, 2023

Chrissy Chard is a Jai Certified parenting coach who has carved a unique path to help parents navigate the complex world of raising children. She began her career in academia. For seven years, she worked in the fields of public health and exercise science. During this time, she also ventured into health coaching. Her academic background and coaching experience laid the foundation for her future role as a parenting coach.

In the midst of the pandemic, Chrissy found herself at home with three young children, facing the challenges that many parents could relate to. Struggling with this “new normal,” she hired a coach, which led her to realize that she possessed the skill sets necessary for coaching and had a strong personal interest in improving her own parenting journey. “I had a real vested personal interest in figuring this thing out, in figuring out parenting in a way that felt good.”

Chrissy resonated with Jai’s coaching approach. Jai introduced her to the concept of self-responsibility in parenting, a lesson that can be difficult for many parents to embrace. This realization shifted her perspective and commitment to figuring out parenting in a more meaningful way. “Parenting is my job,” she realized, “and I may not have quite known what I was signing up for when I chose to be a parent, but here I am.”

The Jai Experience

Chrissy describes the experience of becoming a Jai Certified Parenting Coach as “magic,” reinforcing her belief that coaching was her true calling. With each passing week of training, her clarity and conviction grew stronger. The certification expanded her knowledge and nurtured an environment free of shame, blame, or guilt, where she could focus on her own learning.

According to Chrissy, one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a parenting coach is the privilege of holding space for her clients. She witnesses their transformation, celebrates small wins, and supports them during challenging times. This role, she says, is an honor and a gift that she cherishes deeply.

“When I think about my deepest why... it’s such a deeper desire to support parents in helping reconnect to themselves and in helping support their children to not disconnect from themselves.”

Breaking into the Parent Coaching Field

Starting a career in parent coaching might seem daunting, but Chrissy believes there is a growing demand for this relatively new field. Many parents are surprised to discover the existence of parent coaches and the potential benefits they offer.

Chrissy emphasizes the importance of mindset work in overcoming doubts about whether you can make a living as a parent coach. Belief in oneself and the transformative power of coaching is key.

Chrissy shares some strategies that have worked well for her in building her client base. She emphasizes the value of leveraging her existing network and building a community of people who know her and understand her work. This personal approach has led to a steady stream of clients seeking her expertise.

”Professionally, I am working one-on-one with clients, as well as with lots of couples and even a small group. I have also had the opportunity to present locally at various locations and write for Colorado Parent Magazine.”

In Chrissy's view, success as a parent coach boils down to three key ingredients:

1. Belief in oneself and one's abilities.

2. A deep belief in the transformational power of coaching.

3. A commitment to showing up consistently, even if it means taking imperfect action.

These elements, she believes, are fundamental to becoming a successful parent coach.

A Deeper Purpose

Beyond her career as a coach, Chrissy profoundly desires to help parents reconnect with themselves and guide their children to avoid disconnecting from their true selves. She sees this as a critical step in addressing societal issues rooted in disconnection and believes that she can make a meaningful impact through coaching.

“I feel so grateful to be constantly observing the shifts in our family life that I could only imagine just a few short years ago. Not only this but the way I show up with so much more self-trust and self-awareness in my home and career has been transformed because of the Jai certification and training I received.”