Dear Fellow Coaches,
As professionals who are also parents, we often face the unique challenge of applying coaching principles at home. While our skills can greatly benefit our parenting, integrating these approaches into family life is not without its hurdles. Here are the three top challenges that I face and strategies I found useful.
Challenge 1: Navigating Dual Roles
Balancing the roles of coach and parent requires clarity and adaptability. While coaching encourages autonomy, parenting sometimes demands directive authority, especially with younger children. However, I have learnt from my children that making assumptions and exercising my parental authority do not work. To harmonize these roles, establish clear boundaries and communicate openly with your children are essential.
Challenge 2: Handling Emotional Involvement
As coaches, we are trained to maintain an objective stance, yet parenting often involves deep emotional connections. To manage this, practice self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques, such as mindfulness, to stay calm and present. Doing mindfulness exercise every morning does helps me respond thoughtfully to my children’s needs rather than react out of emotion. There are times when I still get triggered by my children, but the reaction is much less dramatic than before practicing mindfulness ten years ago.
Challenge 3: Balancing Time and Energy
The demands of coaching practice and parenting can be overwhelming. To prevent burnout, schedule regular moments for family activities and personal downtime to recharge and maintain a healthy balance. I used to pay very little attention to self-care. But now I have fix schedules for “Me” time such as yoga, dance, singing and flower arrangement. They are all good interventions that helps me become more healthy physically and mentally.
Mastering parenting and coaching is a journey of continuous learning, adaptability, and connection that strengthens both our personal and professional life. It could be enjoyable if you put in the right strategies.