Navigating the Challenge of Coachability
If you’re a parent of a tween, teen, or young adult who seems to be facing uphill battles, you’re not alone. Perhaps your family dynamics feel strained, communication is limited, and returning home feels more exhausting than rejuvenating. You’ve probably spotted areas where your co-parent or kids could improve, and it’s frustrating when they seem resistant to change.
In the midst of this chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of your own well-being. You might feel like you’re not at your best, either.
In this reactive cycle of exhaustion, blame, and self-doubt, how can you identify the steps to take responsibility without feeling overwhelmed? Life doesn’t hit pause just because your kids are struggling, so finding clarity can feel daunting.
Start with small, manageable steps. Simply acknowledging, “I know I can do better,” is a worthy beginning. A more challenging yet potentially rewarding move is to ask those who matter most in your life, “What do you think I could improve?” But hold on for a moment—before you seek feedback, it’s crucial to assess your own coachability.
Here are a few reflective questions to get you started:
- Am I someone who invites honest feedback?
- What evidence do I have of my receptiveness to criticism?
- How do I respond when I realize I’m “wrong”?
- How do I react when I’m “right”?
- Do I often seek collaboration and support, or do I prefer to tackle challenges solo?
These questions serve as a solid foundation for introspection.
Being coachable requires an understanding of the concept of a growth mindset—a term popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset embodies the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s not about saying, “I can do it all on my own,” but rather, “This may be tough, but with support, I can figure it out.”
Dweck’s research over the past 30 years has shown that those who believe in their capacity to grow and learn tend to perform better across various life domains. As stated on MindsetWorks.com, “People who believe that they can increase their intelligence through effort and challenge actually get smarter and do better in school, work, and life over time.” Just as athletes grow stronger through training, our minds can be strengthened through learning and adapting.
As you reflect on how to support your child, embracing your own personal growth can positively influence both your health and the overall atmosphere at home. We encourage you to evaluate your coachability and cultivate both openness and the tools needed to implement what you learn.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll explore actionable steps and what it truly means to turn concepts into practice. Together, we can foster a more supportive and understanding environment for your family.
Remember, we’re here to help families thrive. The kids are the motivation, but parents are the key.
Interested in more? Check out Parts 1 and 2 of this series.
Part 1: What would you do to help your child?
Ready for More?
Solutions Parenting Support, LLC is a nationally recognized parent support and transition program assisting parents and families with straightforward and compassionate skills based support prior to, during and after wilderness therapy and/or residential treatment. Solutions is a dynamic team of parent coaches who have had extensive careers as therapists in wilderness therapy or residential treatment before turning their talents towards coaching parents around the globe. The team is family system focused and are licensed professional therapists and/or social workers each with 15-30 years of experience working in wilderness therapy programs, varying levels of residential treatment programming, and transitional support.
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