Better Parenting
With The Gottman Method

Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting

Parenting can be very difficult in today's society at all ages.  There are a lot of theories out there and parents struggle to find the right path.  In some situations we may think we are doing right by our child, but the reality is that the opposite may be happening.  This is not done in a malicious manner, but many times out of a lack understanding of the development of children and adolescents. There is a great deal of research being done on development from infancy through adolescence.  Time and time again research is supporting the importance of a positive supportive household as being optimal.  This is not always the case, no parent is perfect 100% of the time.  In fact Dr.John Gottman believes if parents are utilizing his emotion coaching 40% of the time they are doing great. The best thing for parents is for us to mess up, because it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate to our children how to handle those situations.  Children look up to their parents and generally want to be like their parents.  This demands parental reflection asking "What is happening? What do I want my child to learn from this situation? Am I acting in a manner that I would want my child to act?"  It's hard, but as I said when we do not act in an optimal manner with our spouse, our children or anyone we have the ability to accept our accountability and make a repair in the relationship.  When our children see and hear us say "I messed up, I'm not perfect, I apologize for my behavior, the weight many children carry", "I have to be perfect because my parents are" is lifted.

What will I learn?

With a simple 5-step method, parents, educators, and caregivers will learn how to Emotion Coach children. By increasing emotional awareness and communication skills, this program improves your emotional responsiveness and in turn, creates emotionally intelligent children. After completing the program you’ll have a good understanding of what emotional intelligence is, why it’s important, and how to use the 5 key steps to help establish a solid emotional foundation for your child. In addition, you will:

  • Understand the importance of Emotional Intelligence
  • Learn how to recognize, respond to, and validate what your child is feeling
  • Learn how to be an effective Emotion Coach using the Five Steps of Emotion     Coaching with kids of any age
  • Discover ways to express understanding and empathy
  • Learn how to set limits and problem solve with children

Other Available Programs:

Bringing Baby Home

  • Better postpartum mood outcomes
  • Decreased relationship hostility
  • Higher relationship satisfaction
  • Decreased likelihood of divorce

Better Parenting

A five-step method that builds emotional intelligence and creates positive, long-lasting effects for children from toddlers to teens. Easy to learn, and used by parents, educators, and care-givers, it supports kids through life’s ups and downs.

7 Principles That
Make Marriage Work

  • Foster respect, affection and closeness
  • Build and share a deeper connection with each other's inner world
  • Keep conflict discussions calm
  • Strengthen your foundation of friendship
  • Break through and resolve conflict gridlock
  • Strengthen and maintain the gains in your relationship

Contact Richard Lill L.C.S.W.

732-240-0509
send an emailCall Now