RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching
We offer RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching at our office in Blacksburg and virtually
The transition to working parenthood is one of life's most significant changes—filled with joy, challenges, and countless questions. RETAIN-certified Parental Leave Coaching provides personalized support for expecting and new parents navigating this critical career and life transition. Working with a certified coach helps you approach parental leave with confidence, maintain your career momentum, and build a sustainable path forward as a working parent.
The RETAIN evidence-based coaching approach is designed for:
- First-time parents feeling overwhelmed by the impending work-life juggle
- Experienced parents adding to their family while balancing existing responsibilities
- Managers and team leaders concerned about maintaining their professional trajectory
- High-achieving professionals wanting to succeed both at work and home
- Parents facing complex workplace dynamics or challenging return-to-work scenarios
- Companies seeking to retain valuable talent through the parental leave transition
RETAIN coaching addresses your specific concerns, including:
- Strategizing your leave announcement and transition plan
- Building confidence in setting appropriate boundaries
- Managing expectations with your manager, team, and clients
- Creating a realistic return-to-work plan
- Navigating childcare logistics and contingency planning
- Addressing anxiety about career impact
- Managing identity shifts as you add "parent" to your professional identity
- Developing strategies for sustainable work-life integration
How RETAIN Parental Coaching works
The RETAIN coaching methodology follows your journey through three critical phases:
Phase 1: Preparing for Leave
We'll work together before your leave begins to create a strategic plan, establish clear communication frameworks, and set you up for a smooth transition. This includes mapping out your responsibilities, planning handovers, and addressing any concerns about your return.
Phase 2: During Leave
Optional check-ins during your leave help you maintain appropriate workplace connections while honoring your family bonding time. We'll also prepare for your return, identifying potential challenges and developing proactive solutions.
Phase 3: Returning to Work
As you reintegrate into the workplace, coaching provides crucial support for navigating your new reality as a working parent. We'll address time management, evolving priorities, and strategies for sustainable success in both your professional and personal life.
Throughout this process, you'll benefit from:
- Structured frameworks that bring clarity to complex transitions
- Evidence-based tools including the Parental Leave Transition Assessment
- Personalized action plans tailored to your specific situation
- Regular accountability and support
- Strategies for managing emotional and practical challenges
- Guidance on effectively communicating your needs to stakeholders
What to expect
Before Your First Session
- You'll complete the comprehensive Parental Leave Transition Assessment, providing insights into your specific situation and needs
- You'll receive a welcome packet with initial reflection questions to help you clarify your priorities
- We'll schedule your coaching sessions at times that work for your schedule
During Your Sessions
- Each 60-minute coaching session focuses on addressing your most pressing concerns
- We'll use powerful questions and structured exercises to help you gain clarity
- You'll receive practical tools, resources, and strategies tailored to your specific challenges
- Together, we'll develop actionable steps for moving forward with confidence
- We'll identify any potential mental health concerns and connect you with appropriate resources if needed
After Your Sessions
- You'll receive a summary of key insights and action items discussed
- You'll have access to a personalized resource library relevant to your specific situation
- Email support between sessions ensures you never feel alone in facing new challenges
- Follow-up assessments help track your progress and celebrate your growth
- Optional check-ins at key milestones support your continued success
Ready to learn more about RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching?
Contact jenny@thecalmed.com to learn more about RETAIN Parental Leave coaching.
Jenny Orr
RETAIN Parental Leave Certified Coach