Parent Coaching: What is it?
Emily Groben, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBa, is the lead therapist and Founder of Blue Bolt Pediatric Care. her BCBA parent coaching approach, she strives to create a personalized and supportive space for parents to explore their concerns and goals. she is dedicated to helping families build resilience and harmony through evidence-based practices and compassionate guidance. She will work with you to help empower you to embrace the joys of parenthood and overcome its challenges.
Author: Emily Groben, M.S. Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBA
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your child's big emotions, tricky behavior, or endless power struggles—you're not alone. Parenting is hard. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s where parent coaching with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) comes in. It's supportive, research-based, and—most importantly—practical. Here's what you need to know.
1. What Is Parent Coaching?
Parent coaching is a professional service where a trained expert (in this case, a BCBA!) works with you to help:
Understand your child’s behavior
Set up clear, calm routines
Handle meltdowns and power struggles
Reinforce positive behavior
Build a more peaceful, connected home
Think of it as having a behavioral specialist in your corner—someone who teaches you the same strategies therapists and educators use, but in a way that’s tailored to your unique family.
And unlike general parenting books or social media tips, BCBA parent coaching is individualized, science-backed, and designed for real life.
2. Parent Coaching for ADHD
Kids with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, attention, emotional regulation, and following directions. It’s not bad behavior—it’s a brain difference. But that doesn’t make parenting any easier.
With a BCBA, you'll learn:
How to set clear expectations and follow through without yelling
How to create predictable routines that reduce overwhelm
How to teach your child coping skills in small, manageable steps
How to reinforce the behaviors you want to see more of
We don’t just talk about ADHD—we give you real tools that work in real moments.
3. Parent Coaching for Autism
Raising a child with autism can come with big joys—and big challenges. You may be navigating communication delays, meltdowns, sensory issues, or trouble with transitions.
As a BCBA, I specialize in helping parents:
Understand why behaviors happen (and what your child is trying to communicate)
Use evidence-based strategies to teach important skills
Reduce frustration for both you and your child
Strengthen connection and trust
You don’t need to wait until things are out of control. Parent coaching with a BCBA helps you feel more confident and capable now.
4. Parent Coaching vs. Therapy
Therapy often focuses on mental health, emotions, and past trauma. It’s incredibly valuable—but it’s different from what a BCBA does.
Parent coaching is practical, skills-based, and focused on everyday behavior.
If you’re looking for step-by-step support to handle tough behaviors, reinforce positive ones, and build stronger routines—parent coaching is your go-to.
And unlike therapy, you don’t have to sit on a couch and talk about your childhood. We get straight to solutions that work today.
5. Is Parent Coaching Covered by Insurance?
It depends. If your child has an autism diagnosis and you're working with a BCBA under an ABA therapy model, insurance may cover it. But standalone parent coaching is not always covered by insurance (yet!). However, talk to your insurance company about coverage if you have an HSA/FSA account.
That said, many families invest in private parent coaching because:
You don’t need a diagnosis or referral
You get faster, more direct access to support
The impact on your daily life is often immediate
And honestly? The peace of mind is priceless.
6. What Does a Parent Coach Do?
A BCBA parent coach does more than give advice. We:
Observe your child’s behavior (directly or through your descriptions)
Identify patterns and triggers
Create simple, step-by-step plans to manage problem behaviors
Teach you how to respond calmly and consistently
Support you through the ups and downs of parenting
We don’t judge. We don’t shame. We work with you to create change that feels doable and empowering.
7. Parent Coach for Toddlers
Let’s be honest—toddlers are adorable and exhausting. If your 2- or 3-year-old is hitting, biting, refusing to listen, or melting down over snack colors... you’re in the right place.
With BCBA-led parent coaching, you'll learn how to:
Prevent meltdowns before they start
Teach communication skills (even if they’re not talking yet)
Handle tantrums without power struggles
Reinforce good behavior without bribes or threats
The earlier we start, the better—and yes, parent coaching is amazing for toddlers.
Parent coaching with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is one of the most powerful (and underrated!) resources available to families. It's not therapy, and it's not one-size-fits-all advice—it's real-life support from a professional who understands behavior inside and out.
You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis.
You don’t need to do this alone.
And you don’t need to be perfect—you just need tools that actually work.
Ready to feel more confident as a parent? Let’s talk.
