Coaching mom and dad: is it possible?

November 2015

A few days ago I read a story about someone coaching their mother in powerlifting. And by powerlifting, here, I mean it lato sensu: including the basic movements of squatting, pushing and pulling in an exercise program is powerlifting for the purpose of this discussion.

So I decided to ask around and check who succeeded in this very hard task. Most coaches and even experienced athletes that tried it failed. It is an inherently hard task, since it implies in inverting the power relation. Mom wiped your ass and Dad helped you with your math homework. You are still a child to them even when you are old enough to be a parent. It is hard for them to accept instructions (orders) from their children, since in the great order of things, they are the ones giving you orders.

How do some people succeed? Is there a different mindset required from the parent-coachee-athlete? A different mindset from the son-daughter-coach?

Let us hear what some people who managed to coach their parents have to say.

PLW - Are you a professional coach? Have you coached older clients/athletes before you coached your parent?

PLW - Which parent did you/ are you coaching?

PLW - How and who had the idea of starting this training program? Whose initiative was it?

PLW - How does your parent deal with your instructions to the exercises, especially when you need to correct something?

PLW - Did you ever have to handle a rebellious attitude at some exercise or activity you thought was important? How did you manage this situation?

PLW - What advice do you have for people who wish to coach their parents?