A Little Bit About Maria
Maria Sanders, LSW, is a Certified Trainer in Collaborative Problem Solving® who has specialized in working with children and families for over 20 years. Maria brings together her knowledge and expertise in the areas of child development, conscious parenting and social/emotional development to support parents in creating a sense of calm, confidence and connection within themselves and their families. She facilitates engaging school based presentations, parent workshops, and individualized parent coaching.
My love for babies and children became clear when I was five years old and my little sister was born. In my teen years, I babysat and was a camp counselor. As I zeroed in on my Social Work career, I committed to working in schools where I felt most inspired and impactful. As a parent, this love and passion has grown and deepened. Children are amazing – always growing, always changing, and always challenging us to grow and change too.
I was a school social worker for almost 15 years, working with many students with developmental disabilities. I also spent several years working with families through early intervention, as a teacher and a social worker. When my oldest daughter was born I made the decision to be a stay at home mom. In my first few years of parenting, my heart was in the right place, yet I also felt a bit overwhelmed, anxious, and sometimes doubted the decisions I made. Coupled with the stress of day-to-day living and balancing work with family there were times when I felt like I could use advice and support.
Through countless conversations with other parents I saw a need. What I heard parents saying is they lost the unique joy and meaning in parenting.
Parents said they need support from someone who is non-judgmental , someone who knows about the latest research in child development and most importantly, someone they can trust.
I have built upon my experience as a school social worker, teacher and parent to share methods, approaches, and behaviors that work. I take the time to learn about each individual family I work with and customize a personal plan that brings the parent closer to their family goals. I am passionate about helping people and maximizing the joy of one of the most rewarding experiences we can do on this planet - raising our children so they can enjoy a bright future!
My house is full of energy with my husband and two children. We live in New Jersey and enjoy trips to NYC, weekends at the farmer's market and BBQs in our backyard.
Success Stories
FAQs
What is parent coaching?
A parent coach is a highly trained individual who, through a supportive relationship and intentional coaching process, helps parents navigate challenges with their children and gain clarity to strengthen their family lives.
A parent coach listens intently, asks key questions, provides information, and offers specific suggestions to help you implement new attitudes and strategies in your life for you and your children.
A parent coach is a supportive companion who champions your highest aspirations for yourself, your children, and your family. Parent coaching services are for parents, couples or families who would like to engage in a harmonious, joyful, purposeful family life. Parent Coaching is a co-creative, gentle, non-judgmental and empowering platform for parents. With my guidance, you will find what is working in your family dynamic so that you can experience more of it.
A safe place for you to gain support and understanding
Expert, individualized attention to help solve your parenting challenges
Opportunities to practice new evidence-based skills
Renewed hope and improved confidence
Help to create a solid bond with your child so that you can experience more joy together
What is Collaborative Problem Solving®?
Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) approach by Think:Kids, is a program based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. The Collaborative Problem Solving®approach is a strength-based, neurobiologically-grounded model that starts with the philosophy that all kids want to do well and will do well if they can—that kids lack skill, not will. CPS® addresses challenging behavior while building skills for success. Additional resources can be found at Think: Kids.
How is coaching done?
It is flexible based on your needs. I can work with you either in person in my Montclair, NJ office, over the phone, and/or by web conference. Remote coaching has many advantages: You don't have to hire a sitter or make special plans to leave your house or desk. I can accommodate to fit your schedule - lunch hour at work, during your child's nap time, or in the evening when things quiet down.
Interested in a more in-depth education about a particular topic? Have a group of friends that would love to get together for a simple “Q&A” with a parent coach? Whether it be a short class or an informal question and answer setting, small group lectures are a great way to learn new information at an affordable price. Venues are variable and include, but are not limited to: mommy&me classes, private homes, local establishments.
Are you like the Super Nanny?
Not at all. Television programs like Super Nanny invade the home and highlight the things parents are doing wrong. As your parent coach, collaboratively we will uncover the areas that are working well for you and your family and develop a plan to incorporate those strengths to address other challenging areas. My approach is highly respectful, affirmative, and will help draw out your creativity, helping you discover unique solutions and provide long-term positive changes.
What are common issues you have addressed?
Parenting without bribes or rewards
Getting kids to cooperate with being ready for school, meals, or bedtime
Having kids do their homework or household chores without struggles
How to handle school issues/ behaviors
Getting kids to turn off the tv/computer games
How to approach and implement discipline
Sibling issues: fairness/fighting/ jealousy
Managing mealtime behaviors
Potty & behavioral challenges (children over 3.5 years old)
Resolving parenting differences and creating a united parental unit
How to create a satisfying balance between family, marriage, work, and social life
…and pretty much anything toddler to teen and in between.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is a collaborative process by which you, the client, choose the goals you want to work on or the situations you want to improve. I will then help to keep you on target and provide support, consultation, and suggestions to help you achieve your goals. The intention for coaching is for improvement, achievement, and greater fulfillment. Therapy’s goal is for greater improvement in functioning but it presumes that there is a lack of functioning or impairment as the starting point. If at any point the issues transcend our task, I will make a referral to the appropriate mental health provider.
When to seek parent coaching?
You want to better understand your child’s behavior
You want to understand how to discipline in a more effective way
You are too often frustrated, irritated, or simply unsure of the best way to respond
You feel disconnected from your child
Your child doesn’t listen, doesn’t cooperate, and/or has frequent meltdowns
Your child is clingy and/or doesn’t separate from you (past the expected age)
You want to parent differently than how you were raised
You and your partner want to get on the same page about parenting style or methods
The Blog
Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.
Featured Collaborations and Testimonials
WMBC News
Parenting at Home during the Coronavirus
Fox29, Philadelphia
Tips and tricks for keeping your family on schedule
PM Pediatrics
Parenting with Calm and Connection
Mentally Fit
These 7 Words Help Suicidal People Stay Alive
MACKEEPER
Growing Up in 2019: Sharenting and the Children's Right to Privacy
Events
Book a Session
PLEASE READ THIS UPDATE: As of 5/1/24 Maria Sanders is no longer taking new clients. Feel free to email to be added to the waiting list. New client spots will likely open up again at the end of June/beginning of July.
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