Is Life Coaching for Children a "thing"?

Since I began my journey in children's coaching back in 2003, one question consistently emerges in conversations with professionals globally. The underlying query seems to be, "Is there a recognized accreditation or certification for coaching children?" The straightforward answer is no, not in a formal sense.

So, how do individuals like myself become equipped to coach children in an ethical and sustainable manner?

Let me provide some background on why I felt compelled to address this topic. Lately, there's been a noticeable increase in psychologists and doctors voicing their skepticism about the legitimacy of coaching for children, seemingly out of a sense of being threatened.

They advocate that counseling and therapy are the only ethical means of assisting children, insisting on the necessity of a degree or formal medical training. I respectfully disagree. How can I be so certain of their misguidance? I hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and have conducted two years of doctoral research in Psychiatry at Oxford University. These academic pursuits came after 15 years of coaching experience. Exhausted by the ongoing debate over the tangible impact of coaching, I sought further education to uncover what, if anything, I was missing. Was my knowledge incomplete? And guess what...it wasn't! In fact, I was getting it more than right and I had been doing this intuitively as a career with great success!

What I discovered was a reaffirmation of my initial belief: the need for coaching is even more significant than I had imagined. My intuitive practices were already supported by research. The surge in alternative support methods for children is a response to the growing demand for such services. Many psychologists are now pivoting their expertise towards coaching, recognizing the limitations of traditional therapy, including long waitlists and scarce access to evidence-based support.

This realization led me to become a part of the solution over two decades ago, at a time when no certifications existed and there was no one to oversee my work or hold me accountable. Today, when I discuss my Play Based Coaching System, now implemented in 48 countries, the interest often lies not in the theoretical underpinnings (many of our students already possess degrees in medicine, psychology, or PhDs in child development) but in its practical application. With the coaching field for children becoming cluttered with unregulated weekend programs and superficial trainings, the landscape is fraught with well-intentioned yet under qualified coaches, posing a potential risk of harm.

At Kids Life Studio® we have always and will continue to always put children's well-being and development first. This principle is the cornerstone of everything we do and we do it well. Our commitment to ethical practices, professional supervision, continuous professional development (CPD), and peer-to-peer mentorship ensures that we not only meet but exceed the standards expected in the field of children's coaching.

Those who choose to embark on their coaching journey with us understand the gravity of the responsibility they hold. They are not just coaches; they are mentors, guides, and sometimes the critical support system a child needs to navigate the complexities of growing up. Our coaches are dedicated, passionate, and, most importantly, equipped with the right tools and knowledge to make a positive impact.

The children we coach are at the heart of our mission. Their growth, happiness, and resilience are the metrics by which we measure our success. It's a path that requires commitment, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges children face today. Those who are serious about making a difference in the lives of children find a home within our community. Those who aren't fully committed to these principles tend to naturally find their way out.

Because the truth is, coaching children isn't just a career choice—it's a calling. It's about more than just guiding them through their current challenges; it's about equipping them with the skills and mindset to face whatever comes their way with confidence and strength. At Kids Life Studio®, we're not just coaching children for today; we're preparing them for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.

So yes...we believe "life coaching for children is a thing" and we will continue to lead the way in 2025 and beyond! Onwards and upwards!