The PCI Vision

View New PCI Video

2012-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce our latest video about PCI Parent Coaching Services. Check it out here or at The PCI's YouTube channel:

Can Your Parent Coaching Business Be a Spiritual Practice?

2011-12-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

Of course it can. I never thought of parent coaching as a business. Rather, I defined it in my head and inside my heart as a spiritual practice of giving my best. In the years of building the Parent Coaching Institute, bearing the countless mundane details as a spiritual discipline saved my sanity. Instead of offering up the week’s hard work for the souls in purgatory as my Polish Catholic mother would have me do, I worked hard each day to learn how to give more of me to the work. If my secular work was also my spiritual work, well then, now we’re cooking a spectacular feast for both the mundane and divine. What a way to grow before you go.

I chugged happily along several years in this vein, even writing a marketing curriculum I intentionally called, “Living Your Vocation.” Too smaltzy? Perhaps. But you wouldn’t think so, if you met the professionals who enter the PCI parent coach training program. To every last one of them, they are exceptionally, giving, caring people. I still scratch my head in amazement with each new batch that enter every quarter.

Shouldn’t I be getting used to it? After all, this has been going on for almost decade now. Though, still dazzled, I no longer run through our house waving application after application in front of my husband, saying “Take a look at this one.” And this one…Did you ever see such an incredible resume?” But I sure think these thoughts as I pour through the applications at the start of each quarter, grinning like a knowing Cheshire cat. And then I meet these people and get to work with them. Wow. There’s really nothing like it. In fact, when each cohort meets its colleagues for the first time, they are profoundly delighted as well. I try to explain beforehand, but always fall short. There’s really no way to prepare for amazement.

In trying to figure out how the PCI appeals to such soul-full people, the only rational response is that this a spiritual thing—that attraction principle—or something akin—that brings such spiritually-minded professionals together for a year of Parent Coach Certification® Training. Therefore, calling a marketing curriculum, Living Your Vocation was not that far off base since parent coaching is deeply meaningful for the professionals here.

Yet, despite all this resounding evidence I am embarrassed to admit that I managed to steer off the spiritual course because of pressure from well-meaning friends and colleagues.

“So and so runs his organization like a business.”

OK. And what does that mean exactly? Should instructors not spend time helping students who have had dire illnesses, deaths in families, or other catastrophes—shall instructors be prohibited from spending countless unpaid hours discussing missed course content with these students? That wouldn’t happen, anyway. I have tried to talk sense into these open-hearted, giving PCI instructors. I explained about the bottom line, setting unrealistic student expectations…blah…blah…blah. They always listen politely, of course. And the next thing I know they are spending their own time—even recording hours of instruction so students can play back at their leisure—supporting these students. I waved the white flag to PCI instructors a few months ago, finally coming to the conclusion: Good people give and no one can stop them. Period.

Does running your organization like a business mean you put profits before people? Before purpose? Before you go that extra mile? If so, that won’t happen here. But are we doomed if we focus our priorities on helping and giving without thought of return? If we do countless “extras” that have served us well to serve our students well?

Rather than doomed, I believe we are onto something and I shouldn’t have let others’ doubts dissuade me.

Two recent taps on the shoulder from Spirit—you know them—those “coincidences” that instantaneously burn a bridge to certitude—have turned me around to face 2012 with my old, freshly new perspective.

Spirit Tap-on-Shoulder #1

In exploring Facebook links the other day, I ran into Seth Godin’s blog post, 100 Little Things.

Seth is a popular author and marketing guru who helps businesses (yes, that’s businesses) grow. He was pointing out that competitors can’t touch you if you attend to those thousands of details that make your clients feel welcomed, comforted, helped, and taken care of in a special way. (Something spiritual folks do quite naturally, by the way.)

Seth pointed out:

“Sure, you can copy one or two or even three of their competitive advantages and unique remarkable attributes, but no, it's going to be really difficult to recreate the magic of countless little decisions…so many businesses don't care enough or are too scared to invest the energy in so many seemingly meaningless little bits of being extraordinary.”

Everyone at the PCI definitely invests in those “many seemingly meaningless little bits of being extraordinary.” And we reap the “magic of those countless little decisions.” You can take a look at our unsolicited testimonials and see what I mean.

Spirit Tap-on-Shoulder # 2

Stephanie Priest, a new PCI Graduate, came up to me after one of our on-site workshops in November to discuss a class for graduates she wanted to put together: Parent Coaching as a Spiritual Practice. I nearly fainted. I hadn’t told anyone about my years of silent PCI spiritual practice. How did she know I was recently wrestling with the angels about this? Consciously, she didn’t—couldn’t have. But she did know, so I knew something extraordinary was afoot here. Something that shouted to me, “Pay attention.”

“Gosh, Stephanie, my vision for the PCI was and is exactly that—but I had let it lay low for quite some time.” How could I communicate my profound enthusiasm, jumping out of my skin with joy to hear her question? I was so blown away all I could do was nod an assent and tell how much I looked forward to her course description.

So Stephanie will teach a course for our graduates and we will see how to keep an on-going discussion of parent coaching as a spiritual practice alive at the PCI. My heart is singing. I’m a believer once again.

If a solid business can’t be built on the principles of people like Mother Teresa, Ghandi, and Martin Luther King—if a business can’t flourish by putting giving first…then God help us.

Giving to the Ounce and to the Pound

2011-12-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Right? Yet, when so much of current society has to be cured, (soon if not sooner) it becomes increasingly difficult to pay attention to preventing hunger, homelessness, and economic disparity. Our reactions are to intervene immediately with solace and housing, gifts, and a measure of security. And, of course, that’s what we must do to get people out of the struggle and back in the game.

But once on their feet, who can they rely on to support a positive life’s trajectory? How will they know within themselves they are making choices that will sustain their newly found efficacy? And where is the community they need when they need it? Crisis intervention is absolutely necessary and can alleviate short-term suffering, but it can’t provide long-term solutions to heal sustainably. It can’t ever get us out of a reactive mode, a quick fix mind-set.

Only prevention can do that.

I grew up mesmerized by Smokey the Bear, “Only YOU can prevent forest fires,” he strongly admonished, with a stern expression and those serious dark eyes. And when his paw pointed directly at me, I went cold, his message instantaneously entering my heart. Repetitive ads work well on eight year-old minds, so maybe that’s why I eventually chose to devote my professional life to prevention rather than intervention. It wasn’t an easy decision. There is so much work to be done to feed hungry children, for instance, that it took me many years and the solace knowing that other people were doing this mighty work to convince me to focus elsewhere. Now after 30 years of following a professional path to prevent childhood problems, I have come to realize that I have also intervened in important ways.

Helping thousands of parents get back in control of screen technologies, as one example, is an intervention of sorts. Creating balanced and appropriate uses for TV, video games, laptops, cells phones, and the like soothed family interactions, provoked lots of thoughtful discussions, put parents’ back in the driver’s seat, enabled their children to read more and do better in school, gave moms and dads ease, peace, and joy in their parenting—basically got everyone out of screen machines squabbles and back on track. And I also prevented potential problems of Internet addiction, cyber bullying, and texting family turmoil. Who are these children now as adults? Self-actualized, intelligent, creative adults enjoying their lives and contributing positively to society as a result.

Screen technology is just one of the many potentially challenging issues of modern-day parents that I and the PCI trained coaches address through our pro-active and compassionate coaching model. We help moms and dads make better decisions in alignment with their core values. Consequently, they are better equipped to meet their child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual needs—no matter the parenting challenge. And, of course, when children’s needs are met—look out world!

During this holiday season, let us give to those who need it the most to help their immediate suffering. Let’s intervene swiftly and to the best of our abilities. And also, please consider giving to those of us who work in the area of prevention. When you make a contribution the PCI, you can be sure you are investing wisely in your children’s future.

Eileen Pisula, an educator and current PCI student training for her Parent Coach Certification®, recently wrote me a beautiful thank you card, expressing her gratitude for the work we are doing here. She ended by saying, “Thank you from tomorrow’s world.”

Please know that whenever you provide that ounce of prevention, tomorrow’s world thanks you. And I do, too.

Gratitude and Growth Evidence

2011-11-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, the PCI joins with you in contemplating gratitude for the many gifts in our lives. We have seen much positive growth for the institute and Parent Coach Certification® training. Winding down as the year ends, I would like to share with you a few of the significant “evidence indicators” of PCI growth over these past 12 months.

We have added two new instructors for a total now of ten.
The PCI is blessed to have dedicated, brilliant instructors on our team. At the PCI special dinner on Saturday evening, Nov. 5, I was struck by all the authentic comments by the recent graduates about how their instructors took extra time and sensitive care to ensure they were on track with the learning process and with their parent coaching practice. Thank you wise, big-hearted, PCI Instructors!

Pam has streamlined several critical processes and procedures.
Where would the PCI be without Pam Mach? Pam is the most efficient person I have ever met. She single-handedly supports our students and runs a smooth office, handling hundreds of details each week with ease. I am not sure how she does it—but I, and all of us, are so grateful that she does!

Geoff continues to keep our Web site growing.
Geoff is amazing in his skills to adjust and make sure our Web site’s pubic pages are current and that both the student and graduate portals are continually updated—not always an easy job. And we also made a major change this year…Our home page was refreshed to add a simpler way for potential donors to know about our good work. Thank you Geoff!

PCI regional meetings are growing.
Thanks to the efforts and vision of PCI students, Phoenix Ries, Emily McMason, and Rachel Sklar, NW and Bay Area students and graduates gathered in 2011 and are planning at least two meetings each in 2012. As PCI grows, it becomes more important to offer ways to see each other regularly beyond our national conferences. Thank you Phoenix, Emily, and Rachel for being so dedicated to PCI community building.

PCI Graduate Services further expand.
Our Graduate Portal continues to grow with added shared resources by PCI Graduates. Thank you all who have contributed over this past year. The “How Did They Do It?” series and “Living Your Vocation” series are especially popular! Look fro even more additions to these services in 2012. And…a special thank you to PCI Graduates, Karen Bierdeman and Chris Donavan for sharing their expertise in their sensational marketing workshop event on Nov. 4 in Bellevue. Everyone learned so much and got fired up as a result!

PCI joined social media.
PCI Facebook has allowed us to stay in touch with students, graduates, and interested training candidates. It has allowed us to connect you with each other and to announce our upcoming events and workshops. Our facebook page is now undergoing a revision that will help parents learn more about how they can work with PCI parent coaches. Those changes should be in place by early December.

Yes, a very good year, indeed. Thank you, all!

P. S.
Maybe that’s why Meister Erkhardt said our “only” prayer need be “Thank You.” Gratitude and human growth do go hand in hand!

Lessons from a Toddler at the Apple Store

2011-10-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I knew we were cutting it close to get to the Apple Store by 10AM. Mission: Return the Mac Desktop that had been giving me and our staff grief since February 2010. Apple Care worked hard to get it up and running, with several visits to sick bay. And still, crashes, and intermittent problems--the worst kind to cure I am told. So I was anxious to get the blasted thing replaced and I couldn't get to the Apple Store fast enough. But my husband was driving and he couldn't help the road construction that waylaid us. Drats!

So we found ourselves waiting in line--even though we did have an appointment with our saviour at the genius bar--we had to get in line. "This is what I mean," I sighed to my preternaturally-patient husband. I decided to take a cue from him and chill. I looked around and started to observe an 18-month old little girl at the child's height computer. Her mom was sitting on the small chair with her and striving to get her attention for the Disney® Digital Book on the screen. Hit a few buttons and it changes pages. Hit a few more and interesting pop-ups spring up like annoying lollipops. The little one continued in experimental mode hitting keys randomly to mom's dismay. She couldn't keep her daughter focused very long on the screen book's story. Then little girl picks up the light-weight keyboard and toddles over to the other side with it. Lifting the keyboard was much more interesting that staring at a 2-D screen, after all. And of course it is. This is natural for her since her brain is wired to enjoy concrete manipulations--like in real world, 3-D. Touch, turn over, examine. Pound on table. No, you can't pound the keyboard on the table...mom modeled patience as she kept trying to divert her small one to the screen, to no avail.

I wanted to let this wonderful young mom, trying so hard, to know that it may help next time to bring a concrete small book for her daughter to manipulate, turn pages, etc. Don't worry right now about trying to get her interested in books on 2-D screens. She is just too young and her mind not ready yet for screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to proclaim this advice to parents: Today's NY Times article, No TV for Children Under Two seems like heresy in our digitized world...but it is the truth that supports young brains. And young parents everywhere: This truth will set you free.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day 10: Last Day!

2011-10-10T18:36:00.001-07:00

I write this last entry about a most remarkable experience from home after a few days of retrospection and introspection. Our last training day in China was filled with tender moments such as our grateful Chinese students singing (and meaning) "We love PCI!" as well as trying moments in our attempts to explain their assignments succinctly--yes, some things are definitely lost in translation! And perhaps, tender and trying moments work as defining words for the entire Beijing adventure.

We had to be amazingly flexible--out of comfort zones here in our Western need to plan, control, anticipate with certainty. Our world was rocked daily with unanticipated events. We learned on a deeper level to "go with the flow" and actually to create that flow before we settled on the structures that would direct it. Sort of what writers about Appreciative Inquiry mean when they explain that AI upsets the direction of causality--the outcome often creating the cause instead of vice versa.

We were continually touched by the honesty of our students--they had an enthusiasm for sharing that we were unprepared for. They also were bluntly honest with critiquing each other--again we were not prepared for this level of "constructive feedback." The personal faded away when the professional skills entered forefront. Our Chinese students clearly want to become the best parent coaches they can be. Their earnestness moved us. We treasure our heart-to-heart connections.

It feels great to be able to do this blog entry myself. In China, all social media was blocked and I couldn't access this site, nor Facebook,Twitter. So I e-mailed Geoff, our web person, and he posted. It was good that my e-mails went through! Our next Parent Coach Certification® training in Beijing is in February. We have 17 weeks to prepare--but in reality I know we we can never be fully prepared for what awaits us.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Nine

2011-10-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

When Jen Mangan, one of our earliest PCI graduates, coined the idea that "parent coaching is a shoulder-to-shoulder relationship" (Yes! She originated this term, to my knowledge, and now so many take it for granted as the metaphor has entered the collective parent coaching industry consciousness) I dreamed of spreading PCI parent coaching across the globe. But I didn't in my wildest dreams think I would witness what a coaching shoulder-to-shoulder relationship really looks like until I came to China. But here we are!

Dulcie and I are struck by the sensitive listening and gentle caring as our students practice coaching with each other—side by side in most cases. They positioned their chairs thus. Our translator clarified that eye contact not being so important, they could truly look out toward the same vision together. You can see by these photos what we experienced. Intent listening, thoughtful responses, and truly shoulder-to-shoulder!

On one of our walking excursions, we came across the perfect chair for PCI parent coaches everywhere!

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Eight

2011-10-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

As the students begin practicing their parent coaching in class, Dulcie and I gain additional insights in their abilities to integrate and apply the information we set out in the first days of the training. We see our energy returning—not experiencing that dragged out feeling as much. Perhaps we are over our jet lag and finally used to the 14 hour difference. That must have something to do with it. But I think as our students do more, we get to witness the seeds no sprouting of our teaching efforts. That's always energizing for a teacher!

We explored a near-by restaurant and took a lovely evening walk under a still blue sky in the crisp autumn air. The new moon was on the horizon as we left a wonderful restaurant, feeling relaxed and satisfied by the Peking Duck and the best vegetable dish we have had so far. This place was a find and a sure re-visit on our next visit!

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Seven

2011-10-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

The first course for Parent Coach Certification® is usually challenging because it lays out many theoretical ideas and invites students to suspend their need for practical application techniques. In the scheme of the entire training, it's just for a short time. Yet, this can be frustrating for some students. However, our students here in Beijing have patience with the process of learning the conceptual framework. Today, mid-way through Course 1, we have come to the conclusion of several intense days immersed in theory. However, the students can't seem to get enough!

Our discussions are lively, no matter the hour. We stayed over a half-hour and then found out that they were attending another class after ours. 9.5 hours of theory and another 3 hour class—we continue to be amazed by their diligence and stamina.

Dulcie and I, wiped out from the day, stayed close by and ate Chinese at the hotel's elegant restaurant. Since they also have an Italian restaurant, the Chinese restaurant is defined as such. We lingered in the hotel lobby, Dulcie sipping chamomile tea to unwind, while I enjoyed a lovely glass of Chilean Cabernet. We caught a few songs by the piano player before she took a break and they put it on "player piano" mode. The relaxing ambiance is an added treat to an already abundant atmosphere of sleek comfort.

National Day begins a five day celebration with no school and most people off from their jobs. The 4AM festivities at Tiananmen Square woke us up so it was an early bedtime for us both.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Six

2011-10-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

It was Jenny's Birthday today! I am coaching Jenny as one of the examples of a coaching series so our students see how the model works. Jenny's 10 year-old son is "addicted to video games." The problems the industry-generated culture generates for parents crosses all borders. It is heart-warming to see that Dulcie and I can lend support to a dynamic woman and caring mom such as Jenny.

Photo: Happy Birthday Cake and Song--the same celebration in any language.

Gloria and Dulice in China: Day Five

2011-09-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our day off proved to be the perfect fall day—sunny, blue skies, warm, but with a cool breeze—delightful for exploring. Dulice decided to visit the Summer Palace with a boat ride around it and take in the sights near there. I opted to take a walk to explore this district where our hotel is located. My energy level wasn't up to excursions. I will do more sightseeing when my husband is with me—probably in February and May when I return for the next parts of the parent coach training here.

On my excursion, I noticed how wide everything is in Beijing—wide streets, wide sidewalks, wide crosswalks. (I did find out that the expected rule is that the pedestrian stops for the cars and not vice versa—that means that cars and humans somehow flow harmoniously around each other, although quite an experience to have to relearn how to cross a busy intersection!) Large buildings are surrounded by wide plazas with carefully placed trees and flowers. The nearby mall is also very large and roomy by our standards. With two universities nearby, one notices students hurrying by walking fast or intent to get somewhere on their bikes. The looming tower of Google reminds that this is also the high-tech district—the focused businessmen in impeccably tailored suits chatting away on their cell phones and all the Lexus and other high-end cars evidence the wealth. China is a happening place!

I treated myself to a massage in the hotel spa and it proved to be what it advertised: blissful. Familiar with Chinese massage by my Seattle acupuncturist, this one did not disappoint. Afterwards, a much-needed 10 hour sleep put my body/mind back for our upcoming five day stretch of 9AM–6PM workshops!

Photo: Walking around the mall, you hear the loud, unified noise of crickets chirping. Where was this sound coming from? Why crickets in small cages, of course. On shelves to purchase. Remember the favorite "toy/pet" of the Last Emperor?

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Four

2011-09-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

"They've arrived, already?" We were incredulous that the Chinese version of Leadership and the New Science arrived within a day of ordering it! This recent evidence of the practicality and efficiency we have been experience here made it possible for our students to dive into Wheatley as we cover the PCI Living System Principles™. Dulcie and I were equally surprised by the brevity of the book. How can it be all there? It must be half the size of the English language version. And how could Chinese take so much longer to interpret its English counterparts and yet, be so short in written form to cover deep, complex ideas? Questions to ask our translator as soon as we can get a minute to do so.

The days are packed with training and resting from the training. It's mentally taxing to hold the next thought while we wait for the translator to say the present thought. This was especially challenging in the three role plays of coaching I did today. Took much more concentration than I expected. I wanted to model certain concepts and techniques, so had to monitor what I was doing, in addition to watching how my words were being interpreted, how my Chinese coaching client was being interpreted back to me—were there important nuances to know about so I could coach her more effectively? Am I getting them?—while remembering to say only a few sentences with key points amplified, so translator could hold the ideas in her head as well. I have a tendency to get excited about the material and forget to stop my flow of ideas—not natural for me! So many new habits to learn simultaneously.

For our next days' training Dennis returns as our translator. Being academic, he understands the concepts readily and therefore his translations are quick and easier to work with. Such little nuances make such big differences…

Overall we are succeeding communicating well! The students' responses indicate a multi-layered understanding of the material. Their questions are astute. I am still amazed at how they process the information and then leap to amazing connections and application insights.

In the photo, Alice, one of our translators, tries to explain the mysteries of texting in Chinese to Dulcie.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Three

2011-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Our parent coaching students here continue to inspire us. It's so emerging to teach them. Their questions reflect a deep level of thinking through the concepts and connecting ideas in ways that delight and often surprise. Fun. Although a nine-hour day is quite a haul, we are able to maintain energetically mostly because of the students enthusiastic response to the materials and ideas we are sharing.

A lovely vegetarian restaurant was an added treat at the end of the day. Near Beijing University, we bustled past students walking fast to evening classes, hundreds of people of all ages on bicycles, in the midst of cars, taxis, buses, and bike-draw carriages, visitors find out very soon, crosswalks don't mean a thing in Beijing.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day Two

2011-09-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

We began Parent Coach Certification® training today! Our hotel workshop room could have been a well-suited place in any modern, upscale hotel in the U.S., Canada, or Europe—actually better than many I had experienced. For some reason we had two flip charts! Snacks were fruit and rice candy rolls—messy to eat, but great. One of the fruit selections must have been tiny crabapples, delicious, but not easily identifiable. Our translator was the most dynamic, kind man. A professor of comparative religions and practicing Buddhist who had spent several years in a monastery, Dennis was an enthusiastic teacher as well as competent interpreter. Very fun to work with! He was astute at understanding the material. After going through our Course 1 Living System Principles™, he proclaimed, "This is like Buddhism!"

Ninety percent of our students have attained life coaching certification and are seeking to deepen their work with PCI parent coach training. So they were very familiar with the distinctions between counseling and coaching. We used their expertise to have them tell stories about how they recognize a coaching situation vs. a counseling situation in order to help the newbies in the room. This proved to be quite an enthusiastic and informative discussion. Dulice and I got a glimpse into the sophistication that many bring to their parent coaching studies. They asked many good questions and were eager to gain as much information as we could give. By 6PM Dulcie and I were ready to leave and tried getting out of the room several times. They lingered on, talking among themselves, engaging, and exchanging that left us somewhat baffled. We commented afterwards that neither of us have seen anything like this, except in PCI Workshops. Both in the U.S. and Canada, typical workshop attendees are anxious to leave—and many even start leaving, gathering up their things, etc. before the workshop has ended—especially if a 9 hour day. Not here. Our Chinese students are definitely on par with their PCI colleagues in U.S. and Canada for their enthusiasm for learning the concepts and in their passion for helping families—that came through loudly and clearly.

Gloria and Dulcie in China: Day One

2011-09-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our latest "Vision into Reality" indicator is the invitation to bring Parent Coach Certification® to China. I and Course One Lead Instructor, Dulcie Gretton, PCI Certified Parent Coach®, Calgary, begin our adventure and give you the highlights here along our way.

After a 12-hour flight (thankfully non-stop), it was exciting to hear "we will be landing shortly." Looking out, I could see the Beijing lights snaking around those concentric circles I learned about in the last training I did here on Internet addiction, Feb. 2010. Beijing is built outward in circles from the central Forbidden City--becoming more modern and industrialized the further out one goes from the center. The lights seen from the air were sparse in comparison to say Paris or New York, but as we flew in closer, you could see the freeways still filled with traffic at 10PM, After taxiing for 30 minutes, we met a bus that took us into the terminal, and went through passport checkpoint in the typical effective manner I am now expecting. A student from the sponsoring college met me, friendly and overflowing with warmth. There was bottle of water waiting in the car. This was an especially thoughtful touch, given the humidity was currently 88%! Late September is the best time to be in Beijing, I learned. Warm and sunny. I'll take it!

Dulcie had arrived earlier so after a peaceful, very cozy sleep in our hotel.

We met at breakfast for a preliminary planning meeting. Breakfast here could be lunch or dinner or both—the buffet held taste treats for any meal craving. In addition to an eggs and toast breakfast, there were all sort of noodle and rice dishes, vegetable broths, assortments of fruits, cheeses, and yes yogurts and porridge, too. Well-fueled for our day ahead, we checked out our hotel and the neighboring 4 Points Sheraton in more detail, enjoying a leisurely 4 hour meeting there with a local planning team, followed by a light lunch. The rest of the day was spent working out details of watt, voltage, converters vs. non-converters. Dulcie's help here kept my little Mac, old reliable G4 from blowing up. I took a luxurious nap and organized my hotel room and the 8 days worth of materials I'll be using in this first of 3 8-day trainings here for Parent Coach Certification®. Dulcie and I got the details for Day 1 of the training figured out over an Italian restaurant at the hotel (with exceptional risotto) too tired to wander very far. Calling it a day, we went back to our respective rooms to Skype our husbands and tell them all about our our first day getting settled for the big days, yet to come.

From Vision to Reality: Happy Birthday PCI!

2011-09-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sept. 15, 2000 was the day that the Parent Coaching Institute was birthed--on paper that is. Our first retreat weekend, January 2001, was held at a beautiful bed and breakfast space on Whidbey Island. There, five of us gathered by a cozy fire and dreamed of:

Establishing the highest-standards for Parent Coach Certification® Training.
Attracting professionals of impeccable integrity.
Developing on-site workshops where positive synergy abounds, resulting in lots of productive action.
Yearly national conferences and regional meetings throughout the U.S.
PCI Parent Coaching researched with diverse populations to demonstrate its success.
Books published about our success.
Thousands of parents' lives changed for the positive...because of PCI Parent Coaching.

Now 11 years later, these dreams have become our reality. And what a beautiful reality it is! We continue to dream, of course, expanding and deepening... collecting evidence of our emerging preferred reality. My upcoming trip to China to take PCI Parent Coaching there is one such indicator.

At the PCI we do know dreams come true. Because that's what we do--make dreams come true--for ourselves and for the parents we serve.

Who Seeks Parent Coach Training?

2011-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Who Seeks Parent Coach Training?

Our recent gathering of Washington and Oregon PCI students and graduates affirmed for me once again the remarkable people that enter the Parent Coach Certification® training. I continue to be blown away by the caliber, integrity, and good-heartedness of the professionals we attract. I really shouldn't be surprised as this has been going on for close to decade now, but I really am in awe (repeatedly) when a bunch of these folks are in one place. There's always so much authentic sharing, deep passion, high-level ideas, and felt burning desire to live the PCI mission and work for the PCI vision. Not to mention the amazing energy creative people put out doing fulfilling work. I have thought a lot about this over the years and have come to five major characteristics of PCI students:

1. Since we are a one-year, graduate-level parent coach training program, (www.thepci.org) we attract serious-minded professionals who really do want to steep themselves in the concepts, learn the foundational theories of our parent coaching model, discuss interesting ideas, and take their time with our practicum of 100 coaching hours. Nowadays, there are so many shortcuts out there--3 week, 3 month "programs," for instance. But not for the professionals seeking Parent Coach Certification®. I deeply respect our students who commit a year to this program, knowing that the information, skills, camaraderie, and credentials they receive during this process are well worth the journey.

2. And they respect each other. There is authentic mutual admiration between and among colleagues within each cohort and across cohorts when they can meet in person, especially. This makes each phone class and on-site workshop so valuable. A true learning community can be easily established by such individuals.

3. From that beginning, we can grow a "productive community." As described by Robert Quinn in his book, Change the World, a "productive community is inner directed and other focused." Directed by our collective vision of helping parents, we can listen deeply to each other and work in harmony together within the context of the I-Thou relationship so important to all we do at the PCI.

4. You can't grow a productive community with fearful people. The professionals coming into the PCI are confident in their abilities and consequently, they can support the optimal development of their colleagues. A big part of the PCI Vision is to grow the organization as a "container" for such professionals, so we can assist one another to live and love from our highest creative potential. It is so refreshing and such a relief not to experience cattiness, envy, and competition--ever. Insightful collaboration and a true willingness to help means we all succeed as we help others succeed. For many companies or organizations this precious gift we have at the PCI is a dream. For us, it is a natural part of our reality.

5. Finally, I think professionals who enter our program have done a lot of research on parent coach training programs. Many have talked with current students and/or graduates. They know we are as serious as they are--you don't want to mess around with the parent-child relationship. You want to make sure you are learning methods and concepts that will truly help. Our evidence-based research on the PCI Coaching Model demonstrates it works--and it works well.

Sharing the excitement and the "magic" of our coaching model with such caring and capable professionals is a beautiful aspect of my work. As time moves forward I get to see their success as practicing parent coaches. What starts as a one-year journey often ends open-ended as students become active graduates who participate in on-going meetings, classes, and marketing seminars--helping each other succeed.

In writing this I know it may sound too good to be true--but it is so good, it is true!

About Parent Coach Certification®

2011-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Parent Coach Certification® is an exclusive registered trademark that defines the most comprehensive Parent Coach Training available--the one year, graduate-level distance learning program offered through the Parent Coaching Institute. That's us! And we are now living our vision to deliver the best to the best.

Why did the US Patent and Trademark Division grant us a Registered Trademark of Parent Coach Certification®?

Because Gloria DeGaetano, founder of The Parent Coaching Institute is a visionary who pioneered the parent coaching industry in 1999 with a burning idea: to give family support professionals a specific coaching model that is based on important change-process concepts, not readily available in typical undergraduate or graduate degree programs. The four courses, combined with the 100 hours of practice coaching, means that we attract serious students who want to add to their already deep tool chests. They know that significant ideas and new skills take time to absorb and apply. They are willing to work on average 10-12 hours each week for one year to obtain Parent Coach Certification®. This just isn't a piece of paper, but a high-level achievement--one that teachers, parent educators, counselors, social workers, and other professionals in our program are proud of. In fact, most are sorry the program is over--it was that exhilarating, energizing, and useful to them.

And others are taking note and endorsing us. From The Wall Street Journal, to the New York Times, to Newsweek and many other credible venues, our Parent Coach Certification® has been acclaimed, recognized, and endorsed.

Take a look at what the IL Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say about us in their recent magazine.

There is only one Parent Coach Certification®. It's The PCI Vision delivered to you.

Find out more: 425-401-1519.

Driven to help parents?

2011-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

Listen to a radio interview or watch a video about the advantages of Parent Coach Certification®.

Our graduate-level, distance-learning program attracts highly skilled professionals who want to expand their career options or launch a new, rewarding career helping parents productively address the challenges of parenting in today's busy, complex, media-driven society.

The PCI is currently accepting applications for Spring enrollment, which starts in March. Those who apply early (by February 15) will receive a $450 tuition discount.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in learning more about our highly acclaimed Parent Coach Certification Program®, please contact us today at 425-401-1519 or leona@thepci.org to register for one of our upcoming FREE information sessions:

Feb. 1 @ 12 p.m. (PST)
Feb. 7 @ 3 p.m. (PST)
Feb. 9 @ 8 a.m. (PST)
Feb. 10 @ 11 a.m. (PST)

Questions? Contact us at: (425) 401-1519, (888) 599-4447, or info@ThePCI.org.

Parent Coaching - A Creative Re-Discovery Process For Stressed Out Moms and Dads

2011-01-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

Our society is at a critical crossroads--so many children struggling; so many parents pulling their hair out not knowing where to turn. A child born today has a 30% chance of having a learning difficulty. Research is showing that most moms and dads of elementary school age kids are spending less than 10 minutes a week in actual conversation with their children--yes, that's not a typo--ten minutes a week! Parents are stressed and overwhelmed, yet well-intentioned and wanting to do their best. It's not their fault that our fast-paced culture makes parenting the hardest job they'll ever do.

In the mist of this exhaustion, what if parents could work with a parent coach, a well-trained compassionate professional whose credentials are impeccable? Wouldn't stressed parents begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel working with such wonderful professionals? Absolutely. Research over the past six years on the Parent Coaching Institute's coaching model demonstrates that it reduces parental stress, gives important resources, and most important helps parents see and use theirs strengths, their inner wisdom, and come to appreciate themselves and their children in profound ways. The parent coaching process is energizing and draws forth the highest, creative expression of the entire family.

There will always be challenges in life. How we address those challenges is what is most significant. Can parents keep our center, our self-identity, and and our integrity while rearing our children to a self-actualized adulthood? They can more easily with the help of a parent coach--one of the fastest growing professions because there is such a huge need for these services.

Family support professionals can begin their parent coaching journey by researching the training programs available. Working from home while developing the business is an ideal way to get started in this rewarding career. In fact, training for Parent Coach Certification® can take place through distance-learning programs. There are several alternatives for the serious-minded parent coach who recognizes that parents will spend their dollars more easily and readily on parent coaches with success track records.

Look for parent coach training that allows you the most credentials while also allowing flexible studying hours from home. You will then be getting in the groove of home-based work and your transition from student to successful parent coach will be a creative process that you truly enjoy. Besides, the focus on your own creativity during this studying and practicing time will then be a natural part of the creativity that will serve you well when begin coaching moms and dads in your parent coaching business.

All positive, long-lasting change starts from the bottom up. Being a parent coach and working with parents to help them make wise daily decisions is truly where the "rubber hits the road," transforming society, from the bottom up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gloria DeGaetano (www.GloriaDeGaetano.com) is the founder and CEO of The Parent Coaching Institute, (www.ThePCI.org) the originator of the parent coaching profession and a speaker and author on issues related to parenting well in a media/digital age.

An acclaimed keynote speaker, Gloria is a sought-after favorite for major national and international conferences because she is a recognized leader in family support, and media/digital literacy who provides very specific and practical tools for parents to successfully navigate the stresses of modern day culture. An innovator in parent education, Ms. DeGaetano often trains parent educators and agency staff on how to best help moms and dads in our digital age which often divides family life, making it even more difficult for healthy parent-child relationships. Her popular trainings are tailored to the specific needs of participants, resulting in positive outcomes for the agencies and the parents they serve.

Ms. DeGaetano, a best-selling author, has written Screen Smarts: A Family Guide to Media Literacy; Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie, and Video Game Violence (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman), and manuals for parent professionals. Her latest book Parenting Well in a Media Age, has won the 2007 i-Parenting Media Award for excellence. Ms. DeGaetano’s books and articles have been translated into Spanish, German, Danish, Romanian, Korean, Chinese, and Turkish.

Ms. DeGaetano’s ideas and articles have appeared in numerous publications including McCall’s Magazine, American Baby Magazine, The Boston Globe, the American Academy of Pediatrics Newsletter, and Catholic Faith and Family Magazine.

Ms. DeGaetano has appeared on The Today Show to discuss Baby Einstein videos and has been interviewed on many national radio shows, including NPR’s Fresh Air and Marketplace, and The Tavis Smiley Show. Ms. DeGaetano has been featured in television documentaries produced by ABC and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. The Parent Coaching Institute has been featured on news programs by NBC-affiliates throughout the country and in newspapers and magazines, including Newsweek, Parents Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, La Tribune, The London Times, The Observer, Better Homes and Garden, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, American Way of American Airlines, The Chicago Daily Herald, and Spirit Magazine of Southwest Airlines.

Beginnings and Endings - Family Rituals For Summer's End and School's Start

2010-09-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Rituals. When we think of them, we often think of church, temple, or synagogue. We think sacred and mysterious. However, rituals are really important parts of everyday living that sanctify the ordinary. This article explains how to ritualize the transition from summer to fall with important lessons for our children. Read the full article here.

There's Still Time to Register for the Fall at The Parent Coaching Institute

2010-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's not too late. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall Quarter. There's space for two more students in this year-long, graduate-level program. The PCI offers the highest standards in parent coaching and a flexible distance-learning format (with a few in-person gatherings). Call 888-599-4447 or email info@ThePCI.org to apply, or learn more at www.ThePCI.org.

"Appreciative Inquiry" Helping Parents

2010-08-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Appreciative Inquiry (AI), developed in the mid-1980s, is a methodology that has helped corporations, community organizations, schools—and now parents—support long-term positive change. Rather than starting with what needs to be fixed, the AI approach starts by asking what’s working or what’s right? PCI Certified Parent Coaches® use the AI principals as a structure to find out what inspires parents and their children so they can focus on solutions rather than problems. Read more about it in a recent article by Gloria DeGaetano, founder and CEO of The PCI: http://ezinearticles.com/?Helping-Parents-Make-Important-Decisions-Through-Appreciative-Inquiry&id=4772733.

Only 5 spots left!

2010-08-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

If you have a passion to work in-depth with families and are interested in setting your own hours and having a flexible second (or primary) job, call The Parent Coaching Institute today(425-401-1519) to learn more about earning your Parent Coach Certification®. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall Quarter, which starts the third week in September.

Registration Still Open for the 2010 Summer Session at The Parent Coaching Institute

2010-06-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Thinking of becoming a parent coach? It's not too late to sign up for the 2010 summer session at The Parent Coaching Institute, the highest standard in Parent Coach Certification®. The graduate-level, distance-learning program is offered in affiliation with Seattle Pacific University, and is the most respected program of its kind in the nation. Ideal candidates are professionals who have experience working with families and children, such as teachers, social workers, family support specialists, and counselors, though other professionals seeking a career change or growth can also apply. Applicants who register by June 4 for the 2010 summer session will receive a tuition discount. Learn more at www.ThePCI.org.

Gloria DeGaetano to Present “The Vital Five: Parenting Well in a Screen Machine World” on January 20, 2010 in Woodinville, WA

2010-01-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Gloria DeGaetano (www.GloriaDeGaetano.com), founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute, award-winning author, and acclaimed speaker and educator, presents "The Vital Five: Parenting Well in a Screen Machine World" at the Carol Edwards Center (www.ci.woodinville.wa.us/ContactUs/DrivingDirections.asp ) in Woodinville, WA on January 20, 2010 at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Please register by e-mailing your name, address, phone and email to sara@the-attic.org and mailing payment to the event sponsor: The Attic Learning Community (www.the-attic.org), PO Box 1668, Woodinville, WA 98072. Cost is $15 per person or $20 per parenting or teaching couple.

Attending this presentation will lead you to:
· Learn creative ways to amplify The Vital Five - the five most important developmental needs that often get shortchanged in our hectic, mass media society.
· Explore how to give yourself more of The Vital Five - to take good care of yourself so to better care for your kids.
· Examine the most challenging time ever to be a parent and discover new ways to affirm yourself and appreciate your children.
· Walk away with lots of practical ideas and strategies!

Gloria's book, Parenting Well in a Media Age (www.parentingwellinamediaage.com), will be available for purchase. For more information about this event, visit www.the-attic.org/Workshops_Overview.html.

Parent Coaching Institute Celebrates 9 Years!

2009-09-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

2009 has shaped up to be a great year for the PCI. This month we celebrate the PCI’s 9th year of existence and the countless parents who have received support and inspiration through the PCI’s Certified Parent Coaches®.

Each quarter a new group of these heart-centered individuals graduates from the PCI’s Parent Coach Certification® program, setting out to transform the world by revitalizing parenting through prevention and possibility.™ This November, there will be 145 PCI Certified Parent Coaches® (graduates) around the United States and in other countries as well, with more students working their way through the one-year, graduate-level Parent Coach Certification® program.

Let’s not forget the PCI’s 501(c)(3) status granted this year and effective starting May 2007. This designation opens up many pathways for the PCI to reach parents who cannot afford PCI Parent Coaching on their own.

As we celebrate the PCI’s successes over the past 9 years, we continue to push towards the future, bringing innovative and effective support to as many parents as possible. Whether as a student, donor, or volunteer… come join us! The future is bright.

PCI Slashes Tuition $1,000 - The Most in 6 Years!

2009-08-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

As a way to support parent educators in these economic times, the PCI is offering a $1,000 discount on tuition for Parent Coach Certification® for candidates who get their applications in to the PCI before Aug. 21. We want to be able to share the PCI Vision with all those who want to participate. Now is the best time to become a PCI Certified Parent Coach®. The institute is growing, the graduates are organizing, leading, and networking. The parents are contacting us. The need is great. If you would like to turn your career into your calling, please contact us at 425-401-1519 or info@thepci.org. Listen to a special message from Gloria DeGaetano, "5 Advantages of Parent Coach Certification®" to learn more.

Reaching for the Positive

2009-06-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

How can parents focus on the positive elements in their lives when they are buried in the stresses and overwhelming elements of today’s economy? The Parent Coaching Institute’s Certified Parent Coaches® walk along side parents in these stressful times because they know and believe that energized, creative, and fulfilled mothers and fathers can meet their children's developmental needs with ease in timely and appropriate ways. Sometimes all it takes is a sounding board to help parents intentionally focus on amplifying the positive, appreciating the good, and valuing the possible in them and in their children. PCI Certified Parent Coaches® use outstanding and productive methods to guide parents on their families journey to the life of their dreams. What drags a family down? Could it be the loss of a job? Could it be the interference of too much screen time and too little family time? PCI Certified Parent Coaches® can help parents boldly confront the media culture.

PCI Advocating Slow Parenting for Almost a Decade

2009-05-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Since the Parent Coaching Institute began in 2000, it has been training professional parent coaches to help moms and dads slow down and savor the journey. PCI Certified Parent Coaches® are strong advocates for slow parenting and mindful parenting with intentionality--coaching sessions usually have a focus to help parents take more precious moments to pause and appreciate themselves and their children. A PCI Certified Parent Coach® walks alongside the parent to help bring out the true and positive intentions of their parenting heart. Slowing down in a fast paced media blitzed world can be hard--that's where PCI Certified Parent Coaches® help. Our vision at the PCI is a world in which parents take time for the important things, not feeling harried, hurried, or pushed in too many directions. A pie-in-the sky goal? Not really. PCI Parent Coaching has helped hundreds of parents to attain this loft goal. Slow Parenting is within reach. Our vision is to make this dream possible for all parents.

You Are The Leaders

2009-05-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Robert E. Quinn wrote a book titled Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change. PCI Certified Parent Coaches® are leaders in the transformational change in countless families around the world. As leaders in the Parent Coaching Industry, take a moment to ponder building the PCI Vision and your place in that vision. Perhaps for beginners, ponder this: What if every public and private school in the world had a PCI Certified Parent Coach® on staff? How would we build this bridge as we walk on it? Consider this quote from Emerson for a boost of inner strength, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

When PCI Coaches Gather...

2009-04-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

PCI Coaches share the PCI Vision in so many inspiring ways. A recent applicant to the Parent Coach Certification® training program had this to say after attending a March dinner to celebrate recent graduates of the Parent Coaching Institute:

"If I get accepted into this training program I look forward to: cohort, cohesiveness, and collaboration. I met several cohorts that night and I was in awe of their bond, as friends and supporters of each other and the overall goals of the program....within these cohorts I noticed a strong cohesiveness or bonding that was there even though these women hadn't even met very often in person and were from all over the United States! I felt that this must be a wonderful program and have an amazing group of teachers and a director if it could transcend distance to join students together in such a way...there was an 'all for one and one for all' kind of spirit among them, so refreshing and wonderful which exemplified to me the overall goals of the PCI Vision: 'amplifying the positive, appreciating the good, and valuing the possible' within every student."

Parent Success Stories Now Available!

2009-04-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Read about the PCI’s Vision in action in our latest publication, Parent Success Stories. This collection of 34 inspiring stories is a sampling from the thousands of parents who have benefited from PCI parent coaching. Covering a broad range of examples—from two working parents, to single moms and dads, to divorced couples, to recent immigrants—who cover a wide variety of parenting issues such as 3 year-olds who won’t stay in their own beds and teens who are talking back—these tender, hopeful tales demonstrate the power for the PCI Coaching Model for helping to resolve any parenting challenge. You can order the book here or call the PCI Office at 425.401.1519.