Life skills coaching described:

"Life skills coaching is rarely an overnight success.  It is a process whereby a relationship is developed between the life skills coach and child/youth.   The life skills coach must be willing to accept the child/youth for who he/she is and understand that this young person has experienced many things that the average child/youth their age has not.  Each child/youth brings something different to the relationship and the life skills coach must be willing to get into their world, so to speak. The life skills coach shall not judge this child/youth by values that the life skills coach may hold and must show patience when dealing with the child/youth. A trusting relationship will develop if the life skills coach is "real".  The child/youth will allow his/her life skills coach to get to know them if the child/youth feels safe and believes that the life skills coach is trustworthy. The golden rule applies here:  do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

The difficult child/youth needs you most, for they use anger as a shield. Getting to know this child/youth can prove challenging but the end result is worth the effort.  Self-esteem is extremely important to foster in the child/youth and once they feel good about themselves then, their attitude is likely to change.  Find things the child/youth can excel at and their self-esteem will grow.  Never give up on a child/youth:  be consistent, dependable and a role model.  Trust that the child/youth will overcome whatever they are struggling with and they will begin to trust in themselves"   (Robert Doherty, Experienced Life Skills Coach, 2003)

Supporting Notes:

One of the more important things we seek through life skills coaching and other forms of intervention with both youth and adults is "health" ...a healthier outlook, a healthier approach to problem solving, the reduction of suffering through healthier thoughts and feelings.   Health in the context simply means a more balanced viewpoint.   We need to remember that a more balanced view comes from healthier relationships in the community. Through healthier relationships we are exposed to and have modeled for us, now and again, healthier outlooks. Sometimes we need the help of others in challenging our beliefs that are inaccurate, unbalanced, and troubling. We sometimes need help in considering evidence that may show us otherwise. This depends, however, upon being able to recall or imagine (often with prompting) more positive life experiences or even more positive role models in ones life. This begins with being with others, leaving ones room, leaving ones head …to meet other people in hopefully healthy ways.

 Life Skills Coaching Resources:

 * Plato Laptop for life skills, parenting and employment as well as remedial academic upgrading covering all typical curriculums from Grades 6 through 12.

 * Access to computer at NBCC Woodstock with wide range of software for use with people needing K through Grade 4 plus typing software.

 * Tutoring Services: qualified tutor on staff.

 * Home-work support

 * Enrollment in classes for special interest i.e. guitar lessons.

 * ASL Sign Language: qualified interpreter / instructor on staff.