The Parent Coach : A Column For Proactive Parents

-What are some good ways to connect with my elusive teen?
-How can I help my competitive kids control their rivalry?
-Can I prepare my young child for the social hurdles down the road?

These and many other questions cross my mind everyday, sometimes when I’m with my own sons, ages 10 and 13, and often times when I’m guiding other parents and their children in my child psychology practice. My name is Dr. Steven Richfield. Most of my professional time is devoted to helping children develop the social and emotional skills to smooth out the bumps in their lives. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 1980 and received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University (Philadelphia) in 1986. I maintain a full-time private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs.

The purpose of this column is to offer practical coaching advice to parents on a range of issues that confront us all every day. I welcome readers to e-mail me with questions or comments. My intention is to offer more than just answers to questions, though. By referring to the Parent Coach approach, I outline goal-oriented, preventive steps that parents can take to help their children mature. Parent Coaching helps you raise the social and emotional competencies of your children so that they can be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Please feel free to print any of the columns below, distribute them to friends, colleagues, teachers or other professionals. Many people have also asked permission to include the articles in school newsletters, workshops and resource guides. Please encourage those you know to look into Parent Coaching Cards and my book, The Parent Coach: A New Approach To Parenting In Today’s Society. Feel free to e-mail me with your questions, comments, requests, and ideas about passing the word around.

Dr. Steven Richfield
January, 2003