Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Tovar.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my work. My story starts out with just having such a deep love for children at an early age in my life. It was probably around the age of 12 through about 19 when I began working with children and families as a babysitter. It was very natural for me to be around children and it was something I really enjoyed. I eventually went to college and became a teacher, specializing in Maria Montessori’s philosophy and principles. I worked with children ages 2-12 for over two decades as a classroom teacher, mentor and guide. One of the common threads I noticed during my interactions with my student’s parents was a need for support. During many of our parent-teacher conferences, I would find myself supporting parents with their parenting obstacles and encouraging them to use effective strategies that I used in the classroom environment. I eventually pursued a parent coach certification and started my own business, The Parent Life Coach. Now as a parent coach, I help overwhelmed parents that are exhausted from the daily power struggles create more connection, cooperation and joy in the home through my parent-centric coaching program. Because of my years of working with students as a Montessori teacher as well as being a mom of 3 boys myself, I am able to really connect and understand things from both perspectives. I am able to create genuine trust and understanding with children and guide parents to do the same.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think as any business starting out, there are definitely growing pains. As an educator for so many years, I had to learn how to create a business plan, how to feel comfortable putting myself out there, and most importantly truly understanding my value & worth. Feeling comfortable with pricing my services was definitely something I had to overcome. Unfortunately, as a teacher we are programmed through society’s norms to not feel valued. Teachers are underpaid and underappreciated. Let’s face it, that is why there is such a shortage in schools right now across the nation. I truly feel that when you are invested in something that you are passionate about and believe in, your work will speak for itself. My business is thriving, and honestly, it doesn’t feel like a job! I truly enjoy connecting with my clients and witnessing their personal transformation. I am a contributor to parents building a deeper, long-lasting connection with their children while unleashing residuals from their own childhood. It’s powerful work!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nearly 50% of all parents agree that family is the primary go-to as far as advice on parenting, but what if you want to do things differently than your family did? In the words of Whitney Houston, “I decided long ago never to walk in anyone’s shadow.” It’s my goal as a coach to walk parents through their generational patterns that are no longer serving them, so that they can learn to become effective leaders for their children. When we know better, we do better!
Here’s what I know to be true: we have the choice to create the future we want for our children. We don’t have to repeat these patterns if they are not aligned with our core values. This is why coaching is so important. Just reading information on parenting doesn’t always equal the transformation you hope for. So as a parent coach, I guide parenting partners to strengthen relationships, emotional intelligence and bring more peace and joy in their homes. I help parents figure out why specific situations with their children are so triggering. I walk with my clients into the “weight” of their past, so that they can intentionally show up for their children and for themselves each day! Children deserve the best version of the leaders (parents) in their lives, not perfection but growing into the adults that they want their children to eventually become.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I never really thought about this. I don’t see it as luck. I feel that everything happens for a reason. I have been through many experiences in my life, both good and bad, that have brought me to this point. I really don’t see it as luck, but rather part of my journey. The experiences you go through shape you as an individual. Following my passion and dream of being a business owner and serving children through their parents is something that fuels my soul. I have been told that I am an individual that exudes peace, calmness and has the ability to bring the noise down or diffuse a situation. I enjoy bringing in different perspectives and exploring ways on how to approach common issues. I love to teach my clients ways to access more presences in their lives and to feel more grounded. I’ve been told that I have an acute ability to listen without judgment. I don’t see these attributes as luck, I see them as I was given this ability to support, guide and advocate for children through peaceful parenting practices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theparentlifecoach.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentlifecoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theparentlifecoach/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-tovar-58b4b1235/
Image Credits
SelinaMariePhotography2022
