Move from the chaos of sibling rivalry to the calm of sibling harmony ...
Who is Lalaine?
First and foremost, I am a parent just like you!
My twin daughters were just 10 months old when I found out my son was on the way and then seven years later, my fourth child completed our family. Having three children so close in age and then adding a fourth child with Down syndrome to the mix has provided me with much valuable insight into sibling relationships and I bring that parenting wisdom and experience to you.
In my professional career, I’ve worked with hundreds of children and families as a parent educator, an early childhood teacher, a program director, a school-site director, and currently an associate faculty member of a community college. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in child development and am credentialed by the state of California in adult education, specializing in parent education and family management.
However, I earned my most valued education in the field of parenting from raising my four children who, today, are productive, healthy adults. They’ve provided me with instrumental hands-on experience in the many facets and stages of parenting, including the family dynamics that comes with raising a child with Down syndrome. They continue to inspire me and stretch the bounds of my parenting skills every day.
I believe that parenting is the most challenging, most rewarding, and most important life-long jobs that exists. Unfortunately, it’s often the one job that comes with little to no training or educational framework to learn effective skills along the way.
That is why I founded Parenting With Lalaine, Inc.; to help guide, support, and educate parents as they navigate their unique paths through parenthood. I specialize in helping parents with children under 12-years of age CREATE a path from sibling rivalry to sibling harmony.
Parent of A Child with a Developmental Disability
I see you...
I understand you.
I feel you.
I know the strength and patience you seek everyday to be a parent of a child with special needs.
I am a mother of a son with Down syndrome and know first-hand the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. I have learned to navigate the system to ensure that my child receives the services he needs so that he can be the best version of himself.
I have also learned when to let go and let my child take safe risks towards becoming an independent young man. I'm here to share my experiences with you and hope that you will discover your and your child's unique potential to make a difference in the world.
Explore
Here is a sampling of some of the many topics we can address together:
- Baby on the Way
- Competition and Jealousy Between Siblings
- Creating A Vision for Your Family
- Developmental Stages
- Eating and Feeding Issues
- Emotional Development
- Empathy In Sibling Relationships
- Independence
- Limit Setting/Discipline/Boundaries
- Managing Daily Routines
- Parental Stress
- Parenting a Child with a Developmental Disability
- Parenting with Partners
- Praise vs. Acknowledgement
- Potty Training
- Raising Unspoiled Children
- Resiliency and Optimism
- Rewards, Bribes, Punishments
- Screen Time and Technology
- Self Esteem
- Sibling Rivalry
- Sleep Concerns
- Social Development
- Tantrums
- Teaching Responsibility
- Teens and Tweens
- Temperament
- Toddler Aggressive Behaviors (aka biting, hitting, pushing)
- Twins
- Work/FamilyLife Balance
FAQ
What is the difference between a coach and a therapist?
I am a parent coach, not a licensed psychotherapist. Though I use evidence-based research to guide and support you with ideas and strategies that will aid you in attaining your goals as a parent, my coaching does not involve the identification, diagnosis, or treatment of any mental health disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. My objective is to create a plan for you to develop the skills and gain the confidence needed to parent your child in ways that empower and strengthen your parent/child relationship.
How does it work?
All coaching sessions are conducted virtually. Schedule a FREE 30-Minute "Getting Acquainted Session" so that we can get to know each other better and discover the fit of our potential working relationship.
Prior to our first working session, a client intake form and coaching agreement form must be completed and submitted back to me. We will then use a 6-step process to create a path towards moving you closer to the parenting vision you hope to attain. In the initial phase of coaching, I recommend scheduling four sessions per month. After the first month, the frequency of sessions will be modified based upon individual circumstances. Follow-up coaching sessions are strongly recommended so we may assess how things are progressing, make alterations if needed, and provide continued guidance and support. It takes time and practice to change established habits.
I will commit to you and hold you accountable for the action items we decide to pursue to help you reach your goals. You will set the focus of the coaching sessions and determine how much change you are willing to make. You will be expected to be honest about your progress and to discuss concerns should the coaching relationship not be meeting your expectations. Parent coaching does not offer any guarantee of success or definitive changed behavior of your child. Committing the time to practice and consistently implement positive parenting skills and strategies, will however, help you move closer to your desired parenting goals.
Can both parents participate in coaching sessions?
I encourage parenting units to participate in the coaching sessions together because I find it most effective when they work as a team with the same common goal for their child. However, it is not a requirement for our work together. Both parents or other parenting partners may participate in a session, but should be updated on prior sessions as much as possible to allow for the best use of scheduled time.
How do I reschedule a coaching session?
If you are not able to make a scheduled appointment, kindly notify me 24 hours in advance via email. You may reschedule an appointment that was cancelled 24-hours prior to a scheduled appointment but refunds are not available. If you cancel within 24 hours of a scheduled appointment, there will be no refund or credit for cancellation.