Answering Your Most Asked Parenting Questions
Got parenting questions? You’re not alone. We’ve gathered the answers to the questions parents ask most often—so you can get clear, practical advice that works for your family.
MegAnne Ford won’t stand by while parents struggle and children suffer.
With over 20 years of experience helping adults understand their children, she brings deep insight and compassion to her work.
She’s a certified parenting coach who knows real change starts with connection.
As a child, she was labeled “strong-willed” and punished with shame and blame.
In the classroom, she saw those same tools still being used—and still failing.
You’re not a bad parent—you’re likely just missing the right tools.
Yes, and here’s the key: she works with YOU – the parent – not the child. She teaches practical tools and methods designed specifically for parents who have kids with big feelings, big energy, and big challenges. It’s about empowering you to handle those moments with confidence and calm, rather than trying to change the child directly. Suggested Reading: What is positive parenting?
She grew up in a household full of yelling and control—and she’s done the personal work to break that cycle. If you’ve ever wished for a better way, just like she wished her mom had access to these tools, you’re in the right place. This journey is about healing, growth, and creating a kinder, calmer family for you and your kids. Suggested Reading: Meet MegAnne
She practices the same tools she teaches (C.L.E.A.R.): regulation, awareness, and modeling. It’s not about perfection—it’s about staying present.
Connection comes first. Behavior is communication. Kids need calm leadership, not control. Her methods are based on Positive Parenting and Attachment Theory.
Are you a parent who wants to stop yelling and feeling out of control but feels stuck? Do you have a strong-willed child and feel like, no matter how hard you try, you’re still falling short? If you’re ready to do the important work of understanding how your behavior needs to change to see a change in your child’s behavior, you’re exactly where you need to be.
With 20 years of experience decoding children’s behavior, MegAnne has worked closely with parents to help you truly understand your child. Whether in the classroom, at home, or now through online coaching. She brings deep insight and proven strategies that fit your unique family dynamic.
After years in the classroom, MegAnne noticed something important: traditional discipline methods often made things worse, not better. She wanted to give parents tools that work for the long haul, not just quick fixes.
Parents would come up to her and ask, “How did you get them to do that?” Curious herself, MegAnne studied what she was doing and started teaching parents who wanted to learn.
As her confidence in the method and coaching grew, she realized she could support parents no matter where they are. That’s how Be Kind Coaching was born—to bring these proven tools straight to you, wherever you are.
MegAnne is a parent coach who helps you move your family from chaos and yelling to calm and connection. She believes parenting gets easier when you truly understand what’s driving your child’s behavior and your own. Imagine how much more peaceful your home can become when both of you feel seen and understood.
No, MegAnne isn’t a therapist – she’s your coach. She helps you define clear goals and stay focused as you work toward them.
A good coach doesn’t take over; instead, she guides you to use your strengths while helping you see the big picture and what’s ahead.
Coaching works hand-in-hand with therapy. MegAnne partners with many therapists and counselors, and they often refer clients to one another. Think of them like siblings – different roles, same goal: your growth.
**If therapy would serve you better, MegAnne will tell you directly and offer a referral. You’ll always get honesty and care.**
MegAnne doesn’t have kids of her own. She’s spent her entire adult life working closely with children and parents, both in classrooms and at home. Her favorite thing is people: understanding them, connecting with them, and helping them feel truly seen.
That’s the heart of what she brings to coaching – supporting you to do the same with your child as they navigate big emotions. She helps you find solutions that truly work for your unique family. Imagine the difference it can make when both you and your child feel understood and supported every step of the way.
It’s not Megan or Meegan – it’s MegAnne. Like Joanne, but with a Meg and a capital A.
Curious about the story behind her name? You might just learn more when you join!
Be Kind Coaching offers supportive tools for you through workshops, classes, and personalized coaching. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for ongoing support, there are bundles and a signature course tailored to guide you through every phase of your parenting journey.
Absolutely! The tools and strategies we provide are designed to support even the most sensitive kids, and yes, they can be tailored to fit your unique family dynamic, no matter what that looks like. You might be thinking, “But what if our situation is too different?” That’s completely normal, and that’s exactly why our approach is flexible and personalized to meet you where you are. You create your family manual!
Reach out. We’ll help you find what fits or guide you to another option.
Many parents start noticing positive changes right away – or within just a week or two. The real key is sticking with it and diving deep into the “why” behind the method. When you understand that, you’ll keep making a lasting, positive impact on your family’s life for the long haul. Suggested Reading: Parent Coaching Success Stories
Courses give you structured lessons you can take at your own pace. But coaching? That’s more hands-on and personalized with the support and accountability you need to actually make lasting changes. Which do you think would help you most on your parenting journey? Suggested reading: Online Parenting Classes: Unlock Your Parenting Potential
We offer workshops, digital courses, coaching programs, and PDF workbooks—all designed to meet you exactly where you are in your parenting journey. No matter your needs or schedule, there’s a way to get the support that fits your life and helps you create lasting change. Service Page: Parent Education
This is a bottom-up approach to parenting that puts connection first. It’s all about understanding your child’s needs and choosing to respond thoughtfully instead of just reacting. When you do this, you create a calmer home where your child feels truly seen and heard—and that makes all the difference in your relationship and their growth.
C.L.E.A.R. is a mnemonic acronym.
Mnemonic acronyms (nɪ’mɒnɪk – akrənɪm) are pronounceable phrases or words where each letter represents an item that has to be remembered in the order given by the phrase
C.L.E.A.R. is the method I coach parents to follow in challenging times and practice in easier times.
Connect You ask yourself, “Are we both calm and connected?” This results in both parties being able to say, “I see you. I hear you.” or “I feel seen. I feel heard.”
Limit You ask yourself, “Is there a defined limit and boundary?” This results in you saying, “I respect you,” and the child feeling respected.
Empower By you providing choices allows you to ask, “What is the choice or decision made?” This results in you saying, “You are capable of making a decision.” The child feels empowered to make a decision.
Accountable Once a decision has been made, now we ask,
“How can I follow through?” This results in us saying, “Mistakes are opportunities to learn.” This gives the child the power to learn from their choices without shame or punishment.
Recovery Once the situation has passed, look back and ask, “How am I going to reconnect or repair?” Results in use communication that we want to, and it is normal to repair, reconnect, reassess and try again.
This program is designed to serve you and your family. Neurodivergent children are people who deserve to be truly seen and heard. That’s exactly what these tools help you do. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email. We’re here to provide the information you need to make the best choice for you and your children. What would it mean to you to have that kind of support?
You’re in a safe place to be a beginner.
Just like a child learning to walk. Imagine hearing cheers from across the room: “You’re doing it!” and “You almost got it!” That kind of encouragement makes all the difference.
Why not start your journey with Be Kind Coaching? I recommend beginning with the Blueprint, it’s designed to guide you step-by-step, building your confidence and skills at your own pace. Ready to take that first step? Parent Education
Positive parenting means guiding your child with respect and kindness while setting clear boundaries. It’s about teaching and supporting, not punishing or controlling. When you understand your child’s feelings and needs, you build trust and cooperation that lasts.
Positive parenting isn’t about always using a sweet voice, mandatory special time, kid-focused tactics, quick fixes, or rushing with a sense of urgency. Those are common misconceptions that can actually get in the way.
Instead, positive parenting is a research-backed philosophy that helps you remove fear-based punishments and start improving your relationship with your child. And the best part? You can learn it with conscious practice and intention, step by step. Suggested Reading The Busy Parent’s Guide: What is Positive Parenting?
A therapist once explained it perfectly: they help you unlock your past so you can understand your present.
As your coach, MegAnne helps you get clear on what you want for your future and start creating it now.
There’s a place for both – because healing your past and building your future are both essential parts of your journey.
Suggested reading: What is a parenting coach? Will it help my family?
YES!
Learn more about the details in the podcast episode – The C.L.E.A.R. Method.
C – Connection
L – Limits
E – Empowerment
A – Accountability
R – Recovery
You’re not the only one with big questions about parenting. We hear the same concerns from parents every day—things like handling tantrums, setting limits, and staying calm. Here are honest answers to the most common questions we get. If these struggles feel constant, check out our services to get tools that actually work.
You’re not alone, and it’s okay to admit that sometimes it feels like you’re losing yourself in the chaos. The good news is, with simple, effective strategies that fit your life, you can start reclaiming your calm and confidence. Imagine waking up feeling more balanced, managing daily demands with ease, and still having time for what matters most to you. The parents inside doing the work in Be Kind Coaching start loving their lives again.
You’re not alone—that’s a real concern, especially when it comes to your child’s well-being. At Be Kind Coaching, we’re committed to providing expert-backed, evidence-based guidance vetted by pediatricians, child psychologists, and educators, so you can trust the support you’re getting.
When you build your foundation on reliable knowledge, you gain the confidence to apply strategies effectively and adapt them to your unique family needs. That confidence leads to positive changes in your child’s behavior and a more peaceful home.
You might be feeling the pressure around your child’s milestones. It’s important to remember every child develops at their own pace, and challenges in areas like sleep, eating, potty training, and emotional skills are completely normal. Mastering these skills not only supports your child’s growth but also makes your parenting journey smoother.
With Be Kind Coaching and the C.L.E.A.R. method, you can build your own personalized manual for each milestone—one that creates a positive, lasting impact your child will carry forward. This flexible method adapts to your family’s unique needs, making it easier to support your child’s growth in a way that feels right for you. Imagine having a go-to guide that grows with your family and helps you feel confident every step of the way.
Behavioral challenges are something every parent faces. Your feelings are completely valid. Often, these behaviors come from developmental needs or seeking attention, not from being “bad.” That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.
With Be Kind Coaching, you’ll get clear, evidence-based strategies broken down into simple steps with C.L.E.A.R. that make responding easier and more effective, and understanding the why behind what makes it work so that you can use it in every situation.
It starts with you.
Pick one small shift—like noticing your tone or pausing before reacting—and stick with it. Confidence builds with action. Suggested Blog: The Best Parenting Advice: Temperament
First things first: you have to regulate yourself. Kids actually borrow your calm. So, if you’re feeling all over the place, chances are they can’t settle either. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being steady enough so your kids can sense that calm and start to feel it too. Suggested Blog: Stop Yelling, Start Connecting with Effective Communication
Yes, parenting is challenging when you don’t have the right tools, right? That’s why here, you’ll find the tools you truly need to make parenting easier and more enjoyable. The best part? Our favorite moments are hearing parents come back and say, “I’m actually starting to enjoy parenting now!” Imagine how much more peace and joy you could bring to your family when you have the support that works. Suggested blog: Parenting Help: Breaking the Yell-Gift-Guilt Cycle
Start with one shared goal, then learn together. Invite, don’t demand. Lead by example. You do not need your partner to start making a positive impact in your home. Suggested Blog: Parenting Styles 101
You’re not alone. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, learning, and repairing when needed. Suggested Blog: What is Positive Parenting?
Get curious instead of controlling. Often, power struggles are a sign your child feels unseen or out of control. Suggested Blog: How to Eliminate Power Struggles
Your child is overwhelmed—they’re still learning how to handle big feelings. What they really need from you isn’t fear or frustration, but your calm support and understanding. When you show up with patience and steadiness, you give them the safety to grow and manage those emotions. Suggested Blog: Tantrums, How to Deal with Them
Ever thought about how calm language, clear expectations, and consistent follow-through can change your parenting? Being firm doesn’t mean being harsh—it means setting boundaries with kindness and confidence. When you communicate this way, it feels steady and supportive, not scary or strict. Suggested Blog: Where Can I Find the Parenting Manual?
Pause. Breathe. Step away if needed. Then come back and lead. You’re allowed to have limits, too. Suggested Blog: What is Co-Regulation, Will it Help my Parenting?
Start by shifting how you ask and how you follow through. Connection and consistency matter more than control. Suggested Blog: Yelling At Kids, Impacts Both You and Your Child.
