There is someone in town that I think you all should meet - Maria Sanders, LSW and PCI Certified Parent Coach®. Maria and I met for coffee a few years ago and she shared with me her passion to help parents through the challenging times of parenthood. Parenting can be joyous and wonderful but no matter who you are, there are always going to be times that you want to cry and question your own thoughts. Maria is the type of person that you feel like you are talking to your best friend...a best friend who helps you think outside the box to give you some tools that you can use at home to make those daunting times less daunting. Just like when we initially met for coffee, I asked her some questions to give Macaroni Kid readers a little glimpse into who she is and why you need her in your life.
“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched; they are felt with the heart"
-The Little Prince
Me: Maria, tell us a little about yourselfand one random fact.
Maria: I grew up in Hoboken New Jersey and loved living there. Because it's a mini city, I had access and exposure to a diverse group of people and cuisines. Although it’s city-like, it’s a small town and I loved walking around town and knowing everyone.I went skydiving in my 20s and absolutely loved it!
Me: If you had to describe to a busy parent (ahem, all of us), how would you describe what you do?
I am a Licensed Social Worker and PCI Certified Parent Coach®. I work with parents struggling with any parenting challenge, from getting a child to sleep to communicating with a taciturn teen. A lot of my work is supported by Conscious Parenting and Collaborative Problem Solving. I work one on one with parents virtually or in my Montclair office. I offer programs to public schools, independent schools, preschools, pediatrician offices, professional organizations, and corporate settings.
Me: What are your client's typical complaints or frustrations?
The most typical complaint or frustration that I get from parents is just that their kids won't listen and that they feel lost in what else to do with managing their children's behaviors. Parenting is not easy, and neither is reaching out for help. It takes courage and the great thing is that it’s never too late to start making change.
Me: What or who has inspired you most to do what you do?
Professionally speaking, the people who inspire me the most are Dr. Shefali and Dr. Dan Siegel. They really have the pulse on parenting and their parenting philosophies are brought into the work I do on a regular basis.
Me: What are your favorite activities to do as a family in and around town?
Since it's winter now we really enjoy going ice-skating. During the warmer months, I like to run in the park and have my kids bike ride alongside me. We've been trying to take more advantage of the hiking trails in the area. We enjoy a walk or bike ride to the Farmer’s Market on the weekends too!
Me: What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was little I wanted to be an actress. Even though I was never given a lead role, I always enjoyed being part of a cast and being on stage.
Me: What is the best piece of parenting advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of parenting advice given? Hmmm. That’s a tough one. My favorite words of wisdom from Dr.Shefali is that our children are here to teach us so that we can grow as we heal our own inner child. My favorite words of wisdom from Dr.Dan Siegel is that there is no perfect parenting.
Maria Sanders, LSW and PCI Certified Parent Coach®
Parent Coach, Guide & Resource
P: 201.500.7397
F: 973.509.0469
Maria Sanders Parent Coach Facebook Page
Instagram@mariasandersparentcoach
*Make sure to mention Macaroni Kid Clifton-Montclair!
Find out more information on Maria's next workshop here!
