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by eba7keb 2303 days ago
Our experts have a range of certifications - we have PhD's, mater's level educators with degrees in child development, PsyDs, BCBAs, LMFTs (to name a few). While the state by state laws are changing all the time, the restrictions are around the service provided. Our experts have the background information on child development, and the experience working with families, but we are not providing counseling, therapy or diagnoses on our site. We provide coaching and support for challenges. Professionals are trained to know when to refer out and when they are crossing the line into this territory.
1 comments
tropo 2302 days ago
The one legitimate qualification is missing: having had lots of kids. For example: 4 sons, 4 daughters, and at least 10 grandkids.

Child development industry fads come and go, sometimes drifting away from sanity and reality.

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eba7keb 2302 days ago
Having children is absolutely a valuable experience! We definitely have coaches who have several children. I think this can cut both ways, though. I was a child psychologist before I had my own children. I don't think it dramatically changed the way I support parents. Mostly because I wasn't working from the framework of my personal experience. What I do with my own children is irrelevant when helping a parent (this is the difference between advice and evidence-based information) - and in fact, there is nothing worse than a therapist saying 'well, with MY kids at every turn (it can be helpful, but you have to be careful)....' Having a child gives you lots of experience, but it doesn't make you an expert in child development (it does help when working with parents, and a LOT of parents appreciate when our coaches have several kids of their own). Also, there are often many ways to get to a goal, and it varies by the child, parent and family. Professionals can often speak to a range of choices (think: sleep) rather than just their own personal experience.

I should also say that we have parents on our service who have 5 children, and tell us each is different, and they still appreciate the support and wisdom.

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