Parent Coaching Testimonial

Parent Coaching Testimonial for Susan Epstein, August 11, 2006

I have been in a coaching relationship with Susan for about 5-6 months.
 

I originally called because I was hoping my 16 year old son would consider a life coach. He felt he wouldn’t be comfortable doing that.
 

So I did it.
 

As the mother of a teenager for the first time, I was shocked at how my good little boy had grown up to be so different than what I had hoped… He had always been such a good easy son.  Suddenly, grades were bad, drugs and alcohol were in question, poor choices all around.
 

What had I done wrong???
 

I was at a point of frustration with his grades and his attitude.  I was at the point of not knowing how to “inspire” him to try harder… Yelling, grounding etc… etc… were beyond helping.  I think I cried every day for a month and I am usually a VERY upbeat person.  We needed something new and parent coach Susan was the perfect fit!
 

First and foremost she listened.  She asked questions.  Then, she helped me decide what my expectations for Ryan were and made sure they were reasonable.  Then we had to establish conversation to include Ryan.  Things had gotten so muddled and I was at my wits end so Ryan, my husband John and I had to sort things out.  Susan showed me how to “dangle a carrot” for Ryan to reach for…, and how to get my husband to take more responsibility in the parenting department.
 

What I have learned is
- Be the parent, not always the friend.
- You must be respected. Not always liked
- Set guidelines. Be consistent.
- I don’t have a lot of rules, so I have to stand by the few I have.
- Not to take his behavior personally
- How to stand up for my son when needed with teachers/coaches.
- My son seems to lack persistence and discipline so I have to look for ways to build those characteristics.
- More confidence in dealing with a teenager.
 

Things have been mostly good, some bad.  I will never be fond of the teenage years, but Susan has helped remind me to communicate more with my son during these years. To encourage him (even when it might be really difficult).  I think he and I trust each other more for all we’ve been through.  As a new school year is about to approach, I know we have to sit down and have our expectations ironed out before any trouble brews.  The summer has been much more enjoyable for all we accomplished last spring.
 

In and around the sessions regarding Ryan, Susan and I worked on a few issues brewing in my personal life.  After reviewing the “wheel of life” subject matters, finances and health were two areas, I was feeling weighted down with.  My credit cards were too
high… and I was inconsistent with my exercising.  Both drove me crazy.  After reviewing different approaches, Susan helped me realize frivolous spending that could help pay off the credit cards.  I have taken $11,000 off my credit cards in the 5-6 months we have been working together!!!!  I also have just finished my first 5K road race on July 30, and signed up for a second on September 17!!!  I have learned how to keep myself motivated with my exercise programs!!
 

I couldn’t be happier!
 

Susan was a huge gift at a very critical time.  A coach helps to cut to the chase with out all the emotional attachment.  They can quickly see what we don’t (or choose not to). A coach holds you accountable.  If you mess up, well big deal- they are your goals anyway… but if someone is there saying- are you sure about that choice?  You said you wanted blank, blank, blank… and can say it in a very nonjudgmental way- wow – it can really help you get on track!
 

I am very thankful for all Susan has taught me!
 

Debbie Kelly
Rutland, Vt

Articles and Specialties of Susan Epstein, Teen Life Coach:

Life Coach

Family Coach: Six Tips to Less Stress at Home

Grief Coach: Advice on Helping Children Grieve the Loss of a Family Member: Step I

The Making of a Teen Life Coach

Teen Life Coach Riffs on the College Homesick Blues

Teen Life Coaching Workshop

Teen Life Coaching:  Drugs and Alcohol

Teen Life Coaching FAQs

Family Coach: Six Tips for Enjoying Your Kids While Working From Home

Adolescent Coaching: Through the Generation Gap

Parent Coach

Parent Coaching

Parenting Coaching in the Fast Lane (workshop)

Parent Coaching Workshops

Parenting Coach:  Attention Parents!  No More Yelling!

Parenting Coach:  Attention Parents!  No More Yelling! (part 2)

Family Coach

Couples Coaching:  Rediscover the Joy