This Mom is Also a Parenting Coach

Susan is a Leadership Parenting Coach personally trained by Americaʼs most well-respected parenting expert, John Rosemond.  She uses her experience as an elementary school teacher and leadership parent to help her clients apply love and leadership to create harmony in their homes. She also writes for Decatur Patch.

Is this your full time job?  Yes but I also teach half-day kindergarten in Decatur during the school year.

How long have you had your own business?  I launched Parent Coach Atlanta in 2010 but I've been a small business owner for five years.  

What made you want to start your own company?  My grandmother worked for a plumbing company in the 50's and ended up buying it from her boss. Her three sons all owned their own businesses and her daughter, a school teacher, works for her husband's family business. So, I think family was an inspiration but the economy made me take the leap. I realized, after being laid off twice in two years, that even though I was a great employee and I was a hard worker, I couldn't depend on someone else for my financial security. 

What's the scariest thing you've had to overcome to achieve your dreams? FEAR! I was too afraid to go out on my one because I was afraid I wouldn't make enough to pay the mortgage. But a good friend (and former business partner) told me that even if I did lose my house that in the end, it was just a house. Letting go of that fear and trusting that God would provide as long as I did the foot work enabled me to take risks. And they've paid off. The fear of failing was worse than the reality of failing.  

Advice to other parents who want to do something they love for a living?  Listen to your gut. Don't get attached to the money, there are more important things (and the paradox is that once you focus on the important things, the money starts flowing).

How do you work with your clients?  I serve clients via phone, e-mail and Skype so I am not limited by geographic boundaries.

Where/how do you market?  I am a heavy user of social media.  I also work my networks. I am a member of the Georgia Coach Association and I promote Parent Coach Atlanta through various on-line networking sites. Since I enjoy writing, it's an easy way for me to market my business. I am a columnist for my local Patch site and I blog on parenting blogs as well as read. A lot. 

As a certified Rosemond Leadership Parent coach, I am linked on John Rosemond's website. I also take the "boots on the ground" approach and talk, talk, talk. I attend small trade shows, events and connect with other professionals in the field of parenting. I am always looking for ways to contribute to the conversation of parenting. 

How do you manage parenting and being your own boss? I work the same as if I worked for someone else. I set goals and write to-do lists, I use my calendar to remind me of events, meetings and calls.  I am loyal to my company. Flexibility is key and micromanaging is not an option.  I had to let go of the small stuff and keep my eye on the prize.
 
What do you tell your kids about your work?  We don't talk much about my job. It's boring to them. I'd much rather play Rummikub!

One of the most important things I've learned is that when I'm doing well, my children are doing well. That inspires me to keep the focus on my career, my relationships and my hobbies. That leaves very little room for useless feelings of mommy guilt!

Susan is teaching a series on "Leadership Parenting" at each Thursday. 5-6 p.m. 45 min classes with a 15 minute Q & A session after each class. Email campoffice@FBCDecatur.com for more information or visit http://www.ParentCoachAtlanta.com. Price is $15 and all proceeds benefit First Baptist Church Decatur Camp. Also on twitter.com/ParentCoachATL and facebook: Parent Coach Atlanta.