Inspiring Conversations with Penny Meeker of BeLove Parenting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Meeker

Hi Penny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In college, I interned at a school for middle school boys who had emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. These were kids who hadn’t been able to stay in a special education classroom in their own school and were one step away from needing to be in a locked facility. I learned a host of tools to reach kids who had been previously unreachable. The teachers at this school modeled how to stay calm in the face of a multitude of behaviors and emotions that the boys exhibited daily. Calm, intentional interventions consistently applied over time transformed the lives of these young people. In the process I discovered my true gift – seeing the strengths and goodness inside every young person. And my passion – giving children, teens, parents, and caregivers the support and tools they need to thrive.

As a parent myself, I remember being challenged to know how to handle different situations and behaviors that came up. I often drew on my training and experience working with kids and families to get me through. Even still, I sometimes felt at a loss to know what to do. I wondered how parents did it, if they had a different kind of job and hadn’t had all the trainings, experiences, and education that I had.

Eventually, I became director of youth programming that reached thousand of young people in Toledo and Lima Ohio with nationally recognized programs. As part of that work, I trained and oversaw staff, professionals, and volunteers on best practices for effectively impacting youth and kids.

While wonderfully rewarding, I made a decision a couple of years ago to bring all that I had learned to other parents. I founded BeLove Parenting to help parents find more joy in parenting, build stronger connections with their child, and give kids what they need to be resilient in the face of challenges. I offer one on one parent coaching, speaking at parent education events, and consult with organizations who want to strengthen families

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have absolutely loved creating programs for parents and helping parents set and reach their parenting goals. Parents have said they don’t feel so alone, that they have more confidence, and that what they have learned from me is practical, attainable and effective.

My biggest challenge is getting the word out about what I offer. I think that parents are already overwhelmed, and it can feel like one more thing to add to an already long to do list. I have had to get help from experts on how reach parents and build that relationship that will lead them to find out about the classes and coaching that I provide.

I also think that parent coaching is relatively new, so there is still a lot of education about the benefits. Even though it takes time and money, if parents have smoother routines and boundary setting, if they have more tools to handle challenges, and are finding more joy as a parent then they will ultimately be less overwhelmed.

I also am writing a book on finding more joy, connection, and resilience as parents and families. I freelance for Toledo Area Parent Magazine, but writing a book is a big endeavor. Just prioritizing the book has meant getting lots of support from friends and my writer’s group.

We’ve been impressed with BeLove Parenting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In confidential hour-long sessions, I provide one on one coaching to focus on parents’ priorities, concerns and goals. I help parents make intentional parenting decisions to meet the needs of their unique child, create deeper connections with less conflict, and increase children’s resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Coaching is for any parent(s) and caregivers with children from birth to young adulthood.

Parents seek out coaching usually from a specific struggle that a parent is having with a child. Examples include toddler behaviors such as aggressive behavior, meltdowns that are frequent or last a long time, need for tools on setting boundaries without harm, dysfunctional teen behaviors or relationships. Because of my background I also work with parents to support them (sometimes as part of a team) if they have a foster child, adopted child, or child with disabilities such as ADHD or Autism. Often these parents need more specialized parenting tools to be effective and useful.

I also provide parent education such as parent nights and professional development for teachers and other who work with kids and youth. My educational programs are fun, interactive and effective. Popular topics include bullying, social media/technology, setting up mornings for success, and setting boundaries without harm. I get excited when I can help a school, company or organization engage parents in their goals and mission.

I also consult with schools, companies, and organizations that value assisting parents in raising emotionally healthy kids who are ready to learn and contribute. I don’t shy away from challenging situations or topics. As part of my consulting services, I provide parent coaching for clients, parent education, and professional training. I tailor my consulting services to the needs of the organization or school.

Most important to me is when a parent lets me know that they are feeling supported and are using what they have learned in their everyday parenting, whether it’s from watching my parenting tips on social media, attending a parent lunch and learn, from a class I offer, or one on one. I get joy from seeing them be more joyful as a parent.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It has been wonderful to be an entrepreneur and build something on my own. I have also found that still I need loads of help from others. I have a writer’s group to help with writing my book, I have someone to help me with social media and my website, and I have business coaches and mentors to help with marketing.

My biggest advice to someone starting out is to know your areas of expertise, mine is in the coaching, speaking, and programming and get help on areas where you are less experienced. For me, the marketing, branding and networking were all areas that I needed support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beloveparenting.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/beloveparenting
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/beloveparenting