I'm Kirsten — an Early Intervention Special Education Teacher, Certified Jai Parent Coach, and Certified Positive Discipline Educator. I support parents of young children in building connection, emotional regulation, and cooperative skills through a blend of child development, Positive Discipline, and real-life parenting tools.
My work is shaped by both my professional training and my lived experience as a mom. I teach an “AND” approach: holding feelings AND skills, compassion AND boundaries.
I believe parenting is leadership, drawing from Brené Brown’s research on courage, connection, and psychological safety. My goal is to help parents move from reacting to responding and feel confident guiding their children with clarity and respect.
Kirsten Nichter, MSed
Early Intervention Teacher • Parent Coach • Positive Discipline Educator
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here.
Do you ever feel like you’re doing your absolute best as a parent…and still not getting the results you want?
Do you ever feel stuck, unsure what else to try?
Do you ever feel alone in your parenting journey?
You’re not alone.
Parenting is emotional, demanding, and deeply important work, and every parent reaches moments of uncertainty. It’s not just you, and it’s not just your child. Every family hits these places.
My role as a parent coach is to support you with clarity, confidence, and compassion, using tools rooted in early childhood development, Positive Discipline, and the kind of courageous, connected leadership Brené Brown writes about.
I help parents move from reacting to responding…strengthening connection, communication, and emotional regulation for the whole family.
⭐ My Approach
My work blends education, skill-building, and deep respect for the parent–child relationship. I use what I call the AND Approach:
feelings AND skills
compassion AND boundaries
connection AND cooperation
support AND accountability
This is how children learn emotional regulation, problem-solving, confidence, and resilience … and how parents feel more grounded, capable, and connected.
I believe parenting is a form of leadership. The kind rooted in:
courage
connection
psychological safety
modeling emotional regulation
owning impact over intention
When we practice this kind of leadership at home, our children learn the skills they need to thrive.
⭐ Positive Discipline: Connection Before Correction
Positive Discipline is the backbone of my coaching. It’s not permissive and it’s not punitive — it’s respectful, firm, and grounded in brain development.
It teaches:
emotional regulation
communication
problem-solving
cooperation
responsibility
And it starts with connection , because kids do better when they feel better.
Key pillars include:
Encouragement Over Criticism
Recognizing effort and progress supports confidence far more than praise or correction.
Clear Expectations & Routines
Children feel safe when they know what to expect. Predictability reduces anxiety and increases cooperation.
Problem-Solving Together
Children learn skills by practicing them , not by being told what to do.
Empathy & Understanding
All behavior is communication. When we understand the need underneath, we can lead with clarity instead of frustration.
⭐ How Parent Coaching Can Support You
Parenting was never meant to be done alone. Coaching gives you space to explore challenges with support, guidance, and practical tools rooted in child development and connection.
Together, we will:
Identify your family’s goals
Strengthen communication and connection
Build routines that support regulation
Learn Positive Discipline tools that work in real life
Create strategies for daily challenges
Support your child’s independence, confidence, and resilience
My approach is warm, grounded, and rooted in the belief that you are a good parent … you just need tools that match your child’s development and your family’s values
YES! Send me FREE tips for improving my CHILD'S BEHAVIOR!
Ready to parent with more confidence, compassion, and clarity?
Book a FREE consultation call and find support tailored to your child’s development and your family’s values.
P⭐ Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
Parent coaching is not covered by insurance, as it is not considered a medical or mental health service. Coaching is an educational and skill-building approach designed to support your parenting tools, confidence, and connection — not to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
When is payment due?
Payment is due prior to the start of sessions or packages.
Parent coaching is an investment in your child, your family, and your own confidence and clarity as a parent.
What’s the difference between therapy and parent coaching?
Although both can be supportive, they serve different purposes:
Therapy
Focuses on mental health treatment
Addresses emotional, psychological, or behavioral disorders
Often involves diagnosis
Provided by licensed clinicians
Parent Coaching
Focuses on parenting skills, child development, and connection
Helps you understand the “why” behind your child’s behavior
Builds emotional regulation tools for you and your child
Supports communication, routines, and cooperation
Enhances your confidence, clarity, and leadership as a parent
Parent coaching is not clinical — it’s educational, practical, and rooted in research-based approaches like Positive Discipline and early childhood development.
What is your background?
I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education and am a New York State Certified Teacher. I have over 15 years of experience in Early Intervention, working closely with families of young children on developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional skills.
I am also a:
Certified Jai Parent Coach
Certified Positive Discipline Educator
My approach blends child development, Positive Discipline, and a leadership-inspired framework that supports parents in building connection, confidence, and emotional regulation.
What ages of children do you specialize in?
I specialize in infants through early childhood (birth to age 7), and I have extensive experience supporting young children with:
developmental delays
sensory needs
communication challenges
emotional regulation difficulties
behavior concerns
transitions and routines
I also support parents of older children when the focus is on connection, communication, and Positive Discipline.
Who is parent coaching for?
Parent coaching is for caregivers who want to:
strengthen connection with their child
feel more confident and less reactive
build routines that support regulation
understand developmentally appropriate expectations
replace power struggles with cooperation
learn Positive Discipline skills
navigate challenging behaviors with clarity
create a calmer, more intentional home
You do not need to be struggling to benefit — many parents seek coaching simply to grow their skills and leadership at home.
How do sessions work?
Sessions are held virtually or in person (if applicable). During each session, we:
discuss your goals and challenges
break down what’s developmentally appropriate
identify the “why” underneath behavior
learn new tools and strategies
practice communication and connection skills
build routines and expectations
create a realistic plan for your week
You will always leave sessions with actionable steps you can use right away.
How long do parents work with you?
Most parents work with me for 6–12 weeks, depending on goals.
Some families choose ongoing support as they navigate different developmental stages or new challenges, while others complete one package and feel confident moving forward independently.
Do both parents need to participate?
Not necessarily.
Coaching can be effective whether:
both parents attend
one parent attends and shares strategies at home
caregivers alternate sessions
If co-parenting is complicated, coaching can also support communication and consistency between homes.
What if I’m not sure where to start?
You’re not alone — that’s extremely common.
You can book a FREE consultation call, and we’ll talk through your goals, your child’s needs, and what type of support would best fit your family.