1 on 1 Parent

Coaching

1 on 1 Parent

Coaching

“If only my child had come with an instruction manual!”

Coaching is a bit different from traditional therapy or counselling in that the focus is more goal directed. In traditional therapy you may spend weeks exploring, discussing and developing your parent identity; but with parenting coaching you choose a goal (get my child to do their homework without a daily tantrum) and together we embark on a journey where I help offer advice and a framework that helps you build connection and communication to help your family thrive.

“If only my child had come with an instruction manual!”

That’s a thought that most parents have had at some point in their parenting journey.

Nothing really prepares you to become a parent. And, even with the best books, education and knowledge, you can never be fully prepared to handle sticky situations with YOUR OWN child/children. You never really know what behavioral challenges your child may wind up struggling with, and how those will affect you, your spouse, your other children and the family as a whole.

This is where parenting coaching comes in.

Coaching is a bit different from traditional therapy or counselling in that the focus is more goal directed. In traditional therapy you may spend weeks exploring, discussing and developing your parent identity; but with parenting coaching you choose a goal (get my child to do their homework without a daily tantrum) and together we embark on a journey where I help offer advice and a framework that helps you build connection and communication to help your family thrive.

I guarantee:

  • Customized plans that reach your parenting goals

  • Simple tools and resources

  • Cheer squad

Marilyn Foster

Connection Parenting Coach / Stoplight Facilitator

Marilyn has been a part of The Stoplight Approach from the beginning. She has both a professional and personal experience in what Stoplight teaches.

Marilyn has worked as:

  • Early Childhood Educator

  • Child and Family Mental Health Pre-School Consultant

  • Child and Youth Worker

  • Educational Assistant.

Having recently retired she has filled her time supporting Stoplight in a number of foundational ways while continuing as a life-long learner in order to support parents and educators in finding a better way to parent and teach through all the challenges children and youth present.

With a Bachelor of Theology her perspectives are based on a Biblical view of God, humans and what Jesus would do. That is evidenced in her focus on Relationship and Connection in how we guide children, teens, and adults into growing one's emotional health and well-being.

Marilyn has a neurodivergent adult daughter with low functioning Autism and has had a career of supporting multiple children with many diverse special needs and challenging behaviours.

She has been referred to as "the child whisperer". Her passion is to support others in their journey as parents or educators in making families and classrooms a safe and loving place to live and grow.

Her desire is to provide a safe place to support the hard conversations needed to make a difference in real life challenges and everyday situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t afford it?

If you are experiencing financial hardship please reach out to me [email protected]

Am I a registered counsellor?

I am not a registered clinical counsellor. However, I have vast experience in dealing with children and I am here to support you in this parenting journey, by providing support when you need it with no wait lists.

What are the potential next steps, after completing the coaching sessions?

On the first session, a questionnaire is emailed to you, which helps me build a plan that is personalized to your child. We focus on building one of your Childs strengths per every 5 sessions. After the completion of your Childs first growth plan, other plans can be created to focus on additional strengths.

© 2026 Crystal Henderson | Next Gen & Family Life Coach