Get to know Merri Guggisberg, a certified parent coach bringing mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude to every parenting situation through her coaching practice in the Twin Cities.
Tell us about your business. What do you do?
I am the founder of MKG Parent Coach and I help parents bring mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude to every parenting situation.
As a certified parent coach I provide long-term solutions in collaboration with parents. With this approach we are able to address the unique challenges happening in individual homes. I work with parents individually, as a group, or partnered-pair. Some of parents’ top concerns are screen time management, conflict resolution, and improving overall family engagement.
Parent coaching is a holistic process- caring for your children requires caring for yourself. This is why the mission of MKG Parent Coach is bringing mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude to parenting, because the solutions we derive together are sustainable for the whole family.
How do you approach your area of expertise (what makes you different?)
Mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude are the foundations of parenting and start with one’s self. There isn’t an instruction manual for raising kids – but having strategies and understanding the personal needs of parents aids in showing up as your best self for your family. I ask key questions with specific suggestions to help implement new attitudes. I coach parents to build these mindsets both in and for themselves as well as in and for their children. Focusing on family values, I help parents set developmentally appropriate boundaries that enhance family well-being and help to manage family stress.
What drew you to this work?
Parents crave support. I know I did! Working with youth for over 10 years and listening to their parents’ hopes and challenges inspired me to learn more about ways to support families. The books, classes, and resources are great, but a lack of hand-in-hand support was the consistent refrain I heard from parents and craved for my own family. That is what a parent coach brings to a family, a sounding board and resource person for decisions that greatly affect you and your family.
“There isn’t an instruction manual for raising kids – but having strategies and understanding the personal needs of parents aids in showing up as your best self for your family.”
Merri Guggisberg
What do you love about your job?
I love family! Being a parent coach celebrates families and all the joy that has the potential to grow there – when we give it the ability. Celebrating with parents they implement one of our strategies that brings peace to their family is one of my greatest joys! My mission is to support parents and their personal goals to become a healthy, tight-knit family.
Describe the person that is best fit for you and your services.
My services are a great fit for a parent who feels like they are barely getting through the day. They feel like they are just surviving – spending lots of time on auto-pilot. Structuring their day, counting the hours until kids’ bedtime. Parents and caregivers who crave more joy, balance, and engagement in their family life should connect with my services.
What results can people see when they work with you? What’s possible?
Imagine being able to have a conversation with your child that incorporates mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude? Parent coaching has the potential to break down generational parenting choices that impede the lasting relationship you have with your child. Let’s help create a joyful legacy together – one where your child feels safe, seen, and heard.
What do you wish more people understood about what you do?
Parenting is a process – not perfection. Parenting is also a job – and jobs require training to be good at them. Kids didn’t come with an instruction manual, and we aren’t born effective parents, we learn skills through parenting experiences. Our kids look to us as their primary role models, and coaching helps us exercise our parenting muscles.
What’s fascinating you right now?
I love to continue to learn and engage with our community in innovative ways. Even before the end of the year, I will be joining a podcast, collaborating in adolescent mental health and development – bringing my expertise and support to parents. I write and tailor each workshop and parent education session I deliver to meet the needs of the audience.
In what ways do you find yourself working alongside other health + wellness professionals?
I am privileged to collaborate on well-being panels, host education resource events, and give and serve as a referral partner.
What does self care look like to you right now?
Thank you for asking about my own self-care, I think it is so valuable to take time to care for oneself. It helps me show up more authentically. My self-care is walking in nature – every day! I start my Minnesota mornings on a walk with our dog, and it sets the tone for the day. For me, walking supports my physical, mental, and emotional health. I also love baking! I have so much fun baking fall treats and sharing them with friends and family.
What do you love about living and working in the Twin Cities?
This is home! I love the schools that my kids attended, the faith community connections, and all the opportunities to learn. There are an abundance of ways to meet new people, learn a new skill, attend an event that excites me to explore more and more in the Twin Cities. I’m overjoyed that MKG Parent Coach can have its home here.
Favorite local restaurants?
This is an easy question ~ I love trying new restaurants. My current favorites include FoodSmith Bistro and Pub in West St. Paul, Hope Breakfast Bar, really any place my family is suggesting. Always great to gather around the table for food and fun conversations.
Other favorite local businesses in the Twin Cities?
I am a longtime lover and supporter of small and local businesses. I think it is especially fun when businesses combine multiple concepts in one space, like Vendella – a coffee shop and gift shop in one or Froth and Cork, and coffee shop by morning and wine bar by night.
What’s your favorite social media platform, and where can people connect with you on social media?
Find me on Facebook and in my Facebook Group. I’m also on instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.
How can people work with you?
Schedule connection call
Join free facebook group
Private message: merri@mkgparentcoach.com