Suzy DeYoung - Parent Coach

I was born and raised in New York City, New York. I graduated from American University in Washington, DC. with a BA. in Visual Media. For over ten years I worked in television production becoming an Associate Producer for a number of programs including "Good Morning America" and "Live With Regis & Kathie Lee".

Pursuing my interest in child development I decided to make a career change and returned to school shortly after the birth of my first child. I graduated from Bank Street College of Education in New York City in 1996 with a Masters Degree in Child and Parent Development.

It was at Bank Street College that I discovered my interest in parent education. Being both a parent and a student of parent education, I came to recognize how parents need support, empathy, guidance and information just as much as their children need them. I recall feeling, when my children were younger, a need to know if what I was feeling and what my children were doing was "normal." My worries were not pressing enough to seek a therapist and friends were certainly helpful, yet I longed for someone experienced and knowledgeable with whom I could share my questions, anxieties and roadblocks as a parent. Recognizing this need in myself as well as in many parents is why I decided to pursue parent coaching.

I have focused a good deal of my practice on helping parents whose children struggle with learning differences in large part because I am the parent of two children who deal with this very thing.  The process of recognizing, understanding and subsequently helping a child who learns "differently," can be long, frustrating and confusing.  Many parents, (including myself initially,) are suspicious of terms like ADD or ADHD.  Blame is often focused on teachers, schools or doctors whom parents feel may be trying to pigeonhole or "quiet" their children.  It is common for parents to feel that their child simply learns at his or her own pace, is "spirited" or marches to their own drummer.  Consequently, it is not unusual to be put off by any suggestion that something may be "wrong."  Not to mention, children with learning differences are usually very socially and verbally bright making the idea that something is off seem ridiculous.

Although teachers and professionals discussed our sons learning issues with us right from the start, our true acceptance of it did not come until they each were in fourth grade. (One  son has attention and processing difficulty, the other is pretty classic "ADHD.)  Fourth grade was a turning point as this is when the work becomes complex and more focus is required.  Prior to fourth grade., a good amount of charm and humor can keep them sailing through.  Finding the right school, diagnosis, medication (if necessary,) alternative therapy, programs and therapists can by daunting.  Although our experience has been primarily positive, (yet is by no means over,) it would have been helpful to have had more guidance and information in the early years.  The sooner parents can begin implementing helpful tools and programs the better.  This is one reason why I have incorporated this matter into my work.  My years of experience with my son's learning issues, coupled with my background in parenting and child development have resulted in my devoting a good deal of my practice to helping parents who are facing this concern. 

Over the past twelve years, I taught preschool in New York City and Connecticut and have been a practicing parent coach for almost two years.  I am available for coaching both in my Connecticut office or over the phone. 

I have three children ages 15, 12 and 10 who have been and continue to be my best teachers!

I also write for the on line national publication The Examiner as the "Hartford, CT. Elementary Years Parenting Examiner". Click here to read my articles for the Examiner.

"I decided to hire a parent coach while in the midst of a divorce. My son was experiencing a number of behavior issues in large part due to the many changes our family was going through. Suzy was exactly what I needed. She helped me see things from my son's perspective which was very important. I found the coaching experience extremely beneficial. Suzy was supportive, available and offered useful insight and practical suggestions that have clearly helped my relationship with my son."

Christine Bailey
Greenbrae, California

"Suzy really helped me to understand that each of us has a unique and equally valid way of interpreting information. Each of my sons interprets information in their own way. Through my conversation with Suzy I gained an appreciation for each of their strengths, and so now I really try to play to their strengths when I communicate with them. One of my sons is a visual learner; rather than get frustrated when he doesn't follow through on my verbal requests, I now slow down and ask him to please visualize the requests I'm making of him. It has helped lessen frustration for each of us."

Nina Stout, Certified Health Counselor & Wellness Speaker
Newtown, Ct.

"It's always important to revisit parenting, it's in constant change! Suzy provides a private, safe and wise place to do so."

Debbie Holmes
Parent/Teacher

Is parent coaching right for you? Contact me to schedule a free in person or phone coaching consultation.