What is Parental Coaching?

Parental coaching is a structured psychological process that helps parents improve communication, behavior management, emotional understanding, and problem-solving with their children.

Core Components of Parental Coaching

• Child behavior assessment
• Parenting style identification
• Emotional coaching skills
• Behavior management techniques
• Goal-setting and progress review

Techniques Used in Parental Coaching

• Active and reflective listening
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Cognitive Behavioral Parenting Techniques
• Positive discipline
• Strength-based parenting

Case Study: 10-Year-Old with Smartphone Addiction

Problem: A child spends 6–7 hours daily on mobile gaming, showing irritability, poor academics, and withdrawal.

Assessment:

• Child uses gaming as emotional escape
• Poor parent-child communication
• Lack of daily structure

Intervention Steps:

• MI used with parents to reduce criticism and increase empathy
• Reward-based scheduling introduced
• Daily routine created with shared responsibilities
• Parents trained in calm communication and limit-setting

Outcome: Screen-time reduced to 2 hours/day, improved academic engagement, and better parent-child bonding.

Benefits of Parental Coaching

• Reduces conflicts
• Builds emotional intelligence
• Improves cooperation
• Creates structured routines
• Strengthens trust