Parent Coaching: How It Works, Who It’s For, and How to Become One

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but what if you had personalized, judgment-free support along the way?

In this episode, I’m joined by a parent coach and founder of a training company for parent coaches to break down what parenting coaching actually is (and what it’s not). We talk about how parent coaching differs from therapy, who benefits most from this type of support, and why more families are turning to coaches for real-life, practical guidance.

We also dive into the professional side: How someone becomes a parent coach, what training can look like, and who this career path might be a good fit for (especially for those already working with families, like doulas, educators, or healthcare professionals).

Whether you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed or someone curious about stepping into this field, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and insight into a growing area of support for families.

Connect with Kerri “Nan” Nichols:
https://www.solutionswithnan.com
https://www.parentcoachcertificationcourse.com
https://www.solutionswithnan.com/village

SPECIAL OFFER! $250 off the Parent Coach Certification Course using COUPON CODE: EMPOWERED250 (Payment plans are available)

Kerri “Nan” Nachlas is the founder of The Parent Coach Certification Course and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Certified Parent Coach, Certified Co-Parenting Specialist, and trained Newborn Care Specialist. She is the owner of Solutions with Nan, a thriving coaching and consulting practice where she supports families directly while also mentoring and guiding other professionals in the pediatric sleep and parent coaching space. Kerri currently serves as a board member for the International Pediatric Sleep Association and the Child Advisory Council, and she is an active member of the National Parenting Education Network along with several other child-focused organizations.

Kerri has been a featured speaker at the NPEN Annual Conference and Nannypalooza, has led workshops for the International Nanny Association and numerous parent groups, and has been a guest on multiple podcasts where she shares her expertise on parenting, sleep, and building a meaningful business.

Over the years, Kerri has supported more than 1700 families in finding better sleep, more joy, and a sense of calm within their homes. In 2024, she launched The Parent Coach Certification Course as a way to educate, mentor, and empower others to step into this work and support parents in a meaningful and impactful way. In 2025, she launched Nan’s Village, an app and continuing education platform designed for her clients, students, and any parent seeking guidance on sleep, behavior, and the day-to-day realities of raising children with confidence and clarity.

Kerri and her husband Michael live on Table Rock Lake following his retirement from medical practice. Together, they enjoy life surrounded by their four grown children, their spouses, their fourteen grandchildren, and their golden retriever, Buddy.

Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE.

Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.
For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.

Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. 
Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy

This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.

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The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.

Ciarra Morgan:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Samantha Kelly:
www.beautifullymadedc.com