Transitions: Finding Your Way in Parenthood with Parental Coaching

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound transitions. It’s beautiful, messy, overwhelming, and—let’s be honest—sometimes downright weird. One day you’re debating which Netflix series to binge, and the next you’re Googling “is green poop normal?” at 3 a.m.

Everyone has advice. Your neighbor, your mother-in-law, the cashier at the organic store. And while some of it might be helpful, a lot of it can feel like noise. That’s where coaching comes in—not to add more opinions, but to help you hear your own voice again.

Why Transitions Are So Tricky

Transitions—like becoming a parent—aren’t just logistical shifts. They’re identity shifts. You’re not just adding a new role; you’re reshaping how you see yourself. And that can be disorienting.

According to Lyra Health, parent coaching helps people reconcile the idealized vision of parenting with the daily realities of life, offering tools for balance, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. It’s not about doing things “right”—it’s about finding what’s right for you.

Finding Your Balance with Coaching

Coaching offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore questions like:

• Who am I now that I’m a parent?

• How do I want to show up for my child—and for myself?

• What values matter most to me in this new chapter?

  
  

It’s a space to untangle the spaghetti of emotions, expectations, and exhaustion. And yes, sometimes we laugh about the absurdity of it all—like how a toddler can destroy a living room in under 90 seconds.

Coaching for Gentle Parenting

I am personally a big supporter of gentle parenting, and I myself try to adhere to gentle parenting as much as possible in my daily reality as a mother. Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy, respect, and connection. And it's not easy to do so, because many of us (me, for example), were not raised in a very different way. Coaching aligns beautifully with this approach by helping parents:

• Build emotional awareness

• Respond rather than react

• Set boundaries with kindness

• Foster secure, respectful relationships

As one of my colleagues puts it, “It’s not about pointing out what parents are doing wrong. It’s about working together to set goals and make a plan to reach them”.

Embodiment

I like to use somatic practices (simple techniques like posture awareness, breathing exercises, and mindful movement) with my coachees, and I find that these practices are particularly important for people who seek support in parenthood. Children are much more aware of what happens in their bodies, and especially in early years their behavior is entirely governed by what is happenning with them physically, emotionally. Understanding how that works and being in contact with our own bodies, while keeping a balance with a rational mind, helps zus be more patient, more supportive and less reactive towards our children.

Research shows that every emotion has a sensorimotor component, meaning our bodies play a key role in how we experience and regulate feelings. So yes, that deep breath before responding to a tantrum? It’s not just a cliché—it’s neuroscience.

One of the biggest gifts coaching offers during transitions is the reminder that you’re still you. You haven’t disappeared—you’ve expanded. Coaching helps you reconnect with your values, your strengths, and your sense of humor (even if it’s mostly poop jokes now).

So if you’re navigating a big change—whether it’s parenthood, a career shift, or a new phase of life—know this: you don’t have to do it alone. Coaching can be your anchor, your mirror, and your cheerleader.

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In Summary

Becoming a parent is a profound transformation—one that reshapes your identity, your relationships, and your daily life. It’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not one-size-fits-all. Coaching offers a compassionate space to explore who you’re becoming, to reconnect with your values, and to build the emotional and physical resilience needed for this new chapter.

Whether through classical coaching tools or embodiment practices, the goal is the same: to help you find your own way, with clarity, confidence, and kindness. Because in the end, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

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Book a Free Embodiment Coaching Intro Session

The transition into parenthood doesn't have to be a journey you navigate alone. If you're ready to stop feeling disoriented and start reconnecting with your clarity, values, and strength in this new chapter, let's talk.

Schedule a FREE 15-minute discovery call to discuss where you are now, what challenges you are facing, and how I can support you on your journey.

Book a Free Intro Session and begin your journey

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are life changes like becoming a parent often described as "tricky" or disorienting?

A: Transitions like parenthood are more than just logistical changes; they are identity shifts. They challenge the way you see yourself and require you to reshape your established roles, which can naturally lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and disoriented.

Q: How does parent coaching differ from getting advice from family or friends?

A: Unlike receiving advice, coaching acts as a compass, not a map. It doesn't add more opinions or tell you what to do. Instead, it provides a non-judgmental space to explore your own values, untangle expectations, and help you reconnect with your inner voice and intuition.

Q: How does coaching help parents apply the principles of gentle parenting?

A: Coaching aligns with gentle parenting by helping parents build essential skills like emotional awareness and self-compassion. It enables them to pause and respond rather than react to their children, making it easier to set boundaries with kindness and foster secure, respectful relationships.

Q: What are "embodiment" or "somatic practices" and why are they useful for parents?

A: Somatic practices involve simple techniques like breathing, posture awareness, and mindful movement. They are essential for parents because understanding the link between the body and emotions helps you regulate your own feelings, remain less reactive toward your children, and stay more patient and supportive.

Q: What specific topics or questions can I expect to explore with a parent coach?

A: A coach helps you explore profound questions related to your new identity, such as: "Who am I now that I'm a parent?" and "What values matter most to me in this new chapter?" The goal is to set realistic goals and create a plan that aligns with what is right for you.

Q: Does embracing a new role mean I lose my sense of self or disappear?

A: The article emphasizes that you haven't disappeared—you've expanded. One of the greatest gifts of coaching is the reminder that you are still you. It helps you reconnect with your core values, strengths, and sense of humor so you can navigate the new phase with confidence and clarity.