Parent Coaching
Coaching as a Parent: Guiding Your College Student with Confidence
At MCC, we believe that student success is stronger when families are informed, engaged, and empowered. As your student navigates the college experience, your role naturally shifts—from managing to mentoring, from directing to coaching.
What Does It Mean to “Coach” as a Parent?
Parent coaching is not about solving problems for your student or making decisions on their behalf. Instead, it’s about:
- Asking thoughtful questions that prompt reflection
- Listening more than instructing
- Encouraging independence while staying connected
- Affirming effort and resilience, not just outcomes
This coaching approach allows your student to take ownership of their journey while knowing you’re there as a trusted guide and source of support.
Why Coaching Matters in College
College is a time of rapid growth—academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. Students are building critical thinking skills, learning time management, facing challenges, and discovering their identity. Your support as a parent or family member remains vital—but how that support is offered makes all the difference.
Coaching gives students space to:
- Learn from setbacks
- Celebrate small wins
- Develop confidence in their own decisions
- Build the lifelong skills they’ll need in the workplace and beyond
Coaching in Action: Try These Conversation Starters
Instead of asking: "Did you get all your work done?"
Try asking: "What’s one assignment you enjoyed doing this week. Is there one that you found challenging?"
Instead of saying: "You should talk to your professor."
Try saying: "What have you already shared with your professor about this situation?”
Instead of checking every deadline:
Ask: "Are you finding it easy or tough to stay on top of everything at school right now?”
Encouragement Without Pressure
The goal is not to be perfect—it’s to be present. Coaching means staying engaged in ways that build your student’s confidence and self-reliance. You may be surprised how powerful your encouragement can be when it sounds like belief instead of pressure.
We’re Here to Help
Each month, our MCC Parent Newsletter offers tips, conversation prompts, and timely information to help you support your Highlander with confidence and care. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this information delivered directly to your inbox.
If you have questions about how to best support your student, feel free to contact the MCC Success Coaching Services team at 254-299-8226 or email success@mclennan.edu.
Contact Information
254-299-8684
Our office is located on the second floor of the Student Services building.
Hours of Operations:
Fall & Spring: M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Summer: M-Th, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.