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Real Support. Practical Change.

My approach to coaching

Feeling Stuck and Worn Down?

When parents first come to me they’re often feeling:

  • Shut out by their teen’s silence or rudeness
  • Exhausted by repeated arguments
  • Defeated after trying everything—consequences, rewards, long talks, and still… nothing changes

Requests are ignored. Boundaries fall flat. Their teenager seems unmotivated or down—and no matter how much they care, nothing seems to land.

You’re working hard—but the approach isn’t landing...

What I often see is that parents are trying incredibly hard—but in ways that just don’t work in the teenage years:

  • Issuing consequences that go nowhere
  • Explaining, reasoning, and over-talking
  • Avoiding conflict just to keep the peace

These strategies are common—and understandable. But they don’t shift what’s really going on.

Why typical strategies fall short...

  • Trying to change behaviour without repairing the relationship rarely works
  • Focusing only on your teen’s actions, without understanding your own reactions, keeps the same cycles going
  • Common parenting habits—arguing, threats, nagging—often fuel the very patterns you’re trying to stop
Mother and teenage daughter holding hands while walking outdoors, symbolising connection and support in parenting teenagers.
Chris Hudson, Australian parent coach for teenagers, seated and smiling in a professional studio portrait.

This is where coaching helps...

I will work with parents on two essential areas:

1. Understanding your teenager
  • What’s driving their behaviour
  • What needs they’re trying to meet
  • How to respond in ways that build trust, calm, and influence
2. Supporting you, the parent
  • A space to be real about the hard stuff—without judgement
  • A sounding board to help you recognise emotional patterns
  • Tools and structure so you can respond, not react

What you’ll learn...

  • Why some of your responses might be fuelling the problem – despite your best intentions
  • How to build your teen’s motivation and self-regulation from the inside out
  • What practical skills you can teach to help your teen grow up well

The Result?

More clarity and confidence.

Feeling grounded and anchored in your parenting.

A stronger connection.

And a parenting approach that actually works—because it’s based on what your teenager and you really need.

Parent Coaching

My Process

It’s a flexible, ongoing process

As you put new strategies into practice and understand more about what’s driving your teen’s behaviour, we keep working together—reflecting, adjusting, and responding. Discovery, education, and action continue in a cycle, helping you make lasting change based on clarity, not just trial and error.

Discovery

We begin by getting clear on what’s really going on—not just the surface behaviour, but the deeper issues driving the conflict and disconnection. Often, what feels like “defiance” or “laziness” is something else entirely. This stage brings clarity, eases blame, and offers a fresh, non-judgemental way of understanding both your teenager and yourself.

Education

Once we’ve uncovered what’s going on, I’ll help you understand why it’s happening and what to do about it. You’ll learn the key ideas and tools that shift how you parent: from reacting to responding, from feeling stuck to having a plan. This stage builds your confidence and helps you feel better equipped for everyday parenting moments.

Action

We work together to apply the strategies that suit your family. You’ll put your learning into practice with real support—no guesswork, no one-size-fits-all answers. This is where change becomes visible. You’ll feel more in control, your teenager will respond differently, and parenting starts to feel more manageable (and less like a daily battle).

What Informs My Coaching?

Theoretical Foundations

My coaching is grounded in practical strategies and real-life parenting challenges—but it’s also shaped by established psychological theories, developmental research, and sound coaching methodology. I draw from evidence-based frameworks to help parents understand their teenager, respond more effectively, and create lasting change at home.

Adolescent Development

Teenagers are navigating major physical, cognitive, and social changes—and they need increasing autonomy and responsibility as they grow. My coaching helps parents support this shift by creating home environments that foster independence, accountability, and emotional safety.

Family Systems Theory

Family dynamics matter. Influenced by the work of Murray Bowen, I help parents understand how patterns within the family unit impact behaviour and identity. This approach empowers parents to lead calmly, reduce reactivity, and support their teen’s growing independence while keeping family bonds strong.

Emotion Coaching

Drawing on the work of Dr. John Gottman, I teach parents how to recognise, validate, and respond to their teen’s emotions in ways that support emotional regulation, resilience, and the development of emotional intelligence. It also helps parents better manage their own emotional reactions—so both sides grow in emotional awareness and skill.

Collaborative Problem Solving

Influenced by Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model, I guide parents to identify and address unsolved problems through collaboration, not confrontation. This approach helps reduce power struggles and build problem-solving capacity in both parent and teen.

Self-Determination Theory

Grounded in the work of Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, Self-Determination Theory highlights three core needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—as essential for healthy motivation. My coaching helps parents create environments that support these needs, promoting intrinsic motivation and positive growth in teenagers.

Choice Theory

Based on the work of Dr. William Glasser, Choice Theory helps parents understand the importance of internal motivation, personal responsibility, and meaningful connection in shaping behaviour. This framework encourages collaborative problem-solving rather than control-based discipline.

These foundations shape the way I think about parenting—but the real work happens in the space between us, as we make sense of what’s happening in your family and how to move forward.

How We Work Together

Coaching isn’t therapy. It’s a structured, collaborative process that helps parents build insight, clarity, and workable strategies for everyday challenges. It draws on psychology, but stays rooted in practical steps and steady progress.

The way I work is grounded in what we know about adult learning, behaviour change, and relationships. That means:

  • We begin with what’s going on in your world right now—not with a diagnosis or a checklist

  • We stay focused on insight and action—what’s happening, why it matters, and how to respond

  • I offer structure, perspective, and guidance that fits your situation—not one-size-fits-all advice

The goal is to help you feel more confident, more connected, and more clear in your role as a parent—so you can lead your family through the teenage years with steadiness and care.

Chris Hudson delivering online parent coaching from his desk, supporting Australian families with teenage parenting challenges.

If You Want To Know More...

What to Expect

from my Coaching

Personalised Coaching

Every family is unique, and so is my coaching approach. Our sessions will be customized to address your specific needs and challenges.

Genuine Understanding

In a judgement-free space—with a fellow parent who understands—you can openly share your concerns and feelings about yourself and your teenager.

Evidence-Based Techniques

My coaching is grounded in proven theories and methods. By applying evidence-based techniques, you can create a supportive and trusting relationship with your teen.

Practical Solutions

Parenting can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. My coaching sessions focus on practical solutions that you can implement immediately.

Family Well-Being

I believe in a holistic approach to parenting that considers the well-being of the entire family. By prioritizing your own well-being, you'll be better prepared to support your teen through their developmental journey

My Full Comittment

I will show up completely focused and dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, in your journey to creating a strong, healthy, and enjoyable relationship with your teenager.

Parent Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s never too late. No matter how distant things feel, teens are always changing and growing. Many parents have repaired relationships they thought were beyond help. With small consistent changes (and some patience), you can start reconnecting at any age.

You might be surprised. Coaching focuses on what you can control – your own responses and communication. When you change how you interact (staying calmer, listening more, reacting less), your teen will often begin to respond differently too. They don’t have to be on board from day one; as you create a calmer environment, most teens become more cooperative over time.

Absolutely not. This is a judgment-free space. I’m not here to blame you – I’m here to support you. Every parent struggles at times, and reaching out for coaching means you care about your family. You’ll get empathy, understanding, and practical help, never shame or criticism.

I work with parents facing all kinds of challenges that come with raising teenagers. Some families are dealing with ongoing conflict, emotional outbursts, or communication breakdowns. Others are navigating issues like low motivation, anxiety, withdrawal, risk-taking behaviour, or disrespect.

Many of the parents I work with are also supporting teens with additional needs—like ADHD, neurodivergence, learning differences, or mental health concerns—which can make parenting feel even more complex and emotionally charged.

Whatever the situation, the goal is the same: to help parents feel clearer, calmer, and better equipped to support their teenager and guide the relationship forward.

I bring to my coaching practice years of professional experience and training in working with teenagers and families. I have completed:

  • Undergraduate studies in youth work,
  • Postgraduate degree in Education
  • Professional training as a personal counselor
  • Certification as a Tuning into Teens facilitator.

And of course there is the real life training of being a husband and father of 3 brings to appreciating how families work.

Every family is different and each situation has its own dynamics. Often sessions are weekly – or even every few days– in the early stages, then as things progress they might spread out.

As a lot of my clients are international or interstate most appointments are conducted via an online platform (Zoom).

However, if you live in the Sydney, Illawarra, or South Coast of NSW face to face meetings can be arranged (extra travel cost may be incurred.)

Parent Coaching is open to anyone who is caring for teenagers on a permanent basis. That means, parents, foster parents, grandparents, and married or single parents.

You may attend alone, or you may attend with your partner or another adult who cares for your children.

No. Parent coaching is about you becoming a better parent and implementing positive change in your family.

The cost of coaching depends on your requirement.

I offer various coaching packages, from a single session through to 6 months of intensive support.

As part of the Discovery Session you will have visibility of all coaching packages and costs. You are free to choose what suits your needs and budget.

If your teen is getting specialist care I will work with you to help you support your teen.

My coaching aims to establish a unified support system for teens who are working with welfare professionals in the school environment or with other mental health practitioners.

Whenever possible I seek to equip and encourage parents to develop consistency between the home environment and the school environment or other therapeutic programs. This includes recommending or referring parents to relevant professional support services when required.

Got More Questions About Parent Coaching?

How To Get Started

The First Step to Finding Support

Complete Pre-Call Assessment

Answer a few quick questions (2–3 minutes max) to help focus our first conversation. At the end, you’ll enter your details and get instant access to the booking calendar.

Book Your Parent Coaching Call

Go to my online booking calendar. Choose a time that works for you for a free online call. It’s easy to schedule, and you’ll get a confirmation email with all the details.

Attend Your Free Call With Me

This is a chance to talk things through. I’ll listen, ask questions, and help you understand what’s going on — and how my coaching could help in your situation.

Decide if Coaching Is Right for You

After the call, you’ll receive a summary and details about coaching. There’s no pressure — you decide in your own time. If it feels like the right next step, you’re welcome to enrol and begin your coaching journey when you’re ready.

Ready To Get Started?

A simple first conversation to figure out what you need.

It all begins with a free call with me.

The purpose of the call is simple: to get a clear picture of what’s happening for you right now and whether coaching is the right kind of support. We’ll talk about what’s going on, what’s feeling hard, and what changes you’re hoping for. I’ll listen, ask a few questions, and offer some insight into how I can help.

After the call, I’ll send you a summary and outline the possible next steps—so you can decide, in your own time, if it feels like a good fit.

Before booking, you’ll just complete a short questionnaire (2–3 minutes) to help focus our conversation.