As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, at various times I have done parent coaching- whether it is for families with ‘typical’ children or children with disabilities. Though, I recently came across a supposedly new term being utilized ( rather marketing term) of a ‘family coach’.
Family coach- hhhmmmmmm, sounds friendly, marketable , similiar to parent coaching and perhaps life coaching.
However, major distinctions must be addressed as to who is the qualified professional and who is not.
This is an ad for a job that prompted me to discuss this ‘family coach’ term:
“Looking for teachers and/or guidance counselors interested in coaching families who have lost control with their children…ages 1 to 10 years old. You will be required to make several visits to the home and make observations/suggestions/action plan. The goal is to teach parents to be more authoritative/assertive with their children and regain control of the family unit again. You will be required to read a book by the Supernanny and take a test. Once you pass the test you will be certified to coach. “
My thoughts about this job ad to become a certified family coach ….. huh ???????!!
So, I really hope ( and pray ) that the general public will not hire a person to provide interventions for their family and lives by someone who just simply has to pass the test about the Supernanny book!
Now, I actually do on occasion watch Supernanny and Nanny 911 and like those shows. Honestly, when seeking help or advice – seek a real professional. One who has verifiable credentials, a higher educational degree, years of experience, references etc.
Currently, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst must have at least a Masters Degree, has completed 15 graduate level education credits in Applied Behavior Analysis, completed 1500 hours of supervised Applied Behavior Analysis related work experience under the direction of a BCBA and has to pass a rigorous and difficult ABA Board exam.
I am quite sure that the tv shows Supernanny and Nanny 911 employ higher credentialed professional consultants in the fields of behavior and psychology than just somebody who had to pass the Supernanny book test.
ALOT more is preferably required than just reading and taking the Supernanny book test to address behavior issues as a ‘family coach’.
Be a smart consumer !
Choose your helping professional wisely.
Tags: behavior coach, family coach, Nanny 911, Parent coach, Super Nanny
October 10, 2007 at 4:38 pm |
My goodness!!! I cannot believe that advertisement – it kind of leaves me speachless… I have a 10 year old boy with Asperger’s… I wonder if Supernanny has a chapter in her book devoted to that and what to look for and how to deal with stimming behavior, impulsivity, pragmatic language, pedantic behaviors, etc. LOL I am being sarcatic of course – who ever put up that ad has a lot to learn about families and should not be running a business advocating for parents to learn more “authoritative/assertive” behavior. This is the same mentality in my opinion that says – just take them behind the wood shed and beat it out of them. Wow! Great post – I have added you to my favorites!!