It used to be called "parental outsourcing". You know, having other people potty train your toddler, teach your baby to sleep on his own, or help your preschool learn how to ride her bike. Now instead of parental outsourcing, it's all about "parenting coaches."
The SF Chron ran a piece about parenting coaches this weekend. All of the above and then some. Moms and dads hiring Kid Chow to make and delivery lunches for their kids. Parents paying Ray Ruiz of Sacramento, who owns Lice Control, to get lice out of your daughter's hair and your home. And of course, the requisite party planners for your one-year-old son's first blowout bash.
Doesn't sound much like "coaching" to me.
When did becoming a parent get to be so hard? People actually have to hire other people to teach their 3-year-old how to poop in the toilet? No, of course it's not easy, but millions of other parents (without disposable income) manage to successfully complete this task every day.
Supporters say "It's all about survival. So what if a couple is paying $300 an hour to teach them how to create a routine for their newborn. As long as they are happy and getting through it, that's all that matters."
My advice? Go out and pick up a copy of The Baby Whisperer. It's a little looney but the business about getting your baby on a routine - it's simple and it works. And hey, I just saved you $275. Oh! But wait! I haven't saved you the time and effort it will take to get your baby into a routine. Damn.
So yes, I'm all about staying sane. And sure, some new moms and dads are really uncomfortable about their new roles. Or it just doesn't come "naturally." But this parental outsourcing, oops, I mean parenting coaches bidness...I still don't get it.
However, If you are in need of a parenting coach that can teach your preschooler how to build some kick-ass Lego structures, bat a whiffle ball clear over the fence, score a goal playing soccer, sew bean bags, bake some delectable cookies and learn all the necessary factoids about one Rick Springfield - and you are willing to pay $300 an hour - give me a shout.
Tell me: if you were a parenting coach - what would you list as your expertise?
