Best Emotion Coach: Parents or Teachers
Table of Content
Intro
The Case for Parents: Coaching Starts at Home
The Case for Teachers: Coaching in Real-Time, Real-World Moments
Where They Overlap — and Why Both Matter
So… Who Plays the Bigger Role?
Conclusion
Best Emotion Coach: Parents or Teachers
Every adult who interacts with kids wants the same thing — to see them grow into emotionally strong, self-aware, and confident human beings. But when it comes to guiding children through big feelings and tough moments, a question often bubbles up: Who holds more influence — parents or teachers? This isn’t about assigning blame or claiming superiority. It’s about understanding the unique emotional coaching power each role carries — and how they complement each other more than we may think.
Emotion coaching, at its core, is the process of helping children recognize what they’re feeling, learn how to name it, and find healthy ways to manage it. Whether it’s a meltdown over a broken toy or the quiet anxiety before a school presentation, these moments are rich opportunities to teach emotional literacy. But who’s better positioned to seize them?
In this blogpost, we’ll explore both sides. You’ll see the advantages, the blind spots, and the real-life impact of emotional coaching from both home and classroom perspectives. And if you're wondering how to actually apply this in your daily life, whether you're a parent juggling dinner and bedtime or a teacher managing a full classroom my book Dropped by a Maze includes role-specific guides that walk you through exactly how to show up powerfully in your own context.
Let’s get started.
The Case for Parents: Coaching Starts at Home
Ever notice how children seem to mirror the moods of their parents?
That’s no accident. From the moment they’re born, kids are watching how we respond to life — and learning from it.
Parents are a child’s first emotional teacher. The home is where they first see what anger looks like, how sadness is handled, and what comfort sounds like after a tough day. And because home is where emotions show up most honestly — in the messy moments, the bedtime routines, the after-school meltdowns — it's also the place where emotional coaching can happen most naturally.
Simple moments, like sitting together at dinner or calming a tantrum in the hallway, are powerful coaching opportunities. You don’t need a perfect script — you just need to be present, and willing to guide.
But here’s the honest part: not all parents were taught how to regulate their own emotions, which makes this work even harder. That’s why the parent-specific section in my book includes coaching scripts and real-life examples that fit right into your day — no extra time or training required.
Because emotion coaching isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trying, showing up, and learning alongside your child.
The Case for Teachers
What better place to learn emotional skills than in the middle of real life?
That’s exactly what happens in classrooms every day. Teachers guide children through frustration, group work, exclusion, and even friendship conflicts — all in real time. The school setting mirrors the outside world: kids learn how to share, wait their turn, speak up, and stay calm when things get tough. It’s not just about lessons on the board. It’s about handling emotions in the moment — when someone cuts in line or when a game gets too competitive.
Many teachers also bring tools from their training in classroom management and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). These help them set clear boundaries while modeling empathy and patience.
Of course, teachers are stretched thin. With large classes and tight schedules, it’s hard to give every child the one-on-one emotional support they may need. That’s why the teacher’s section in my book includes fast, actionable tools that fit into busy school days without adding pressure. Because even a 30-second response from a trusted adult can teach a child how to pause, name their feelings, and respond with care.
Where They Overlap — and Why Both Matter
It’s not about choosing who’s more important — it’s about how parents and teachers can work together.
Emotion coaching works best when kids get the same messages at home and at school. When a child hears “It’s okay to feel angry, let’s talk about it” from both their parent and their teacher, that message sticks. It becomes safe. It becomes normal.
What makes this even more powerful is that parents and teachers often see different sides of a child. A parent might notice anxiety at bedtime. A teacher might see frustration during group work. When those insights are shared, kids get better support — and that’s what they really need.
This is why my book includes simple communication templates to help parents and teachers check in with each other and share emotional insights without pressure or overwhelm.
Because when the home and school environments feel emotionally safe, kids don’t just survive, they thrive.
So… Who Plays the Bigger Role?
It’s tempting to pick a side, but the truth is, both parents and teachers play powerful roles — just in different ways. Parents leave a long-term emotional imprint. From birth, kids look to their parents for how to name and manage feelings. Even quiet moments at home can shape how a child learns to feel safe and seen.
Teachers, on the other hand, guide emotional skills in action. In a classroom, children learn how to manage frustration, work through conflict, and speak up for themselves — all with a teacher’s support in real time.
You might be wearing one of these hats. Or maybe both. Either way, take a moment to reflect:
What’s one small way you’ve helped a child understand their emotions recently?
What’s one area you’d like to grow in?
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or both, my book offers role-specific tools to help you understand your emotional coaching strengths and work through the areas that feel tougher.
Conclusion: Emotion Coaching Is a Shared Journey
Emotional coaching isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about showing up with kindness, listening with patience, and creating space for big feelings.
You don’t have to do everything at once. You can start with one deep breath, one curious question, or one calm response — that’s where growth begins.
If this topic spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you:
Are you a parent or teacher? What’s one emotion coaching moment that stood out for you this week?
And if you want help navigating this journey, my book has step-by-step tools tailored to your role — so you’re never guessing your way through emotional coaching.
Ready to take the next step? Order your copy today.
FAQ
Who has the bigger impact on a child’s emotional development?
It’s not about who’s bigger, it’s about how their influence shows up. Parents often shape deep emotional beliefs. Teachers help kids apply those skills in everyday life.
Is one role more important than the other?
They’re complementary, not competitive. Emotion coaching is strongest when parents and teachers work together, reinforcing the same language and emotional safety.
What age group does emotional coaching work best for?
It works at any age. Toddlers, tweens, or teens, though the approach shifts as kids grow. My book breaks down what works best for different ages and settings.
Where can I get more support or tools?
My book includes role-specific guides for parents and teachers, plus ready-to-use activities, scripts, and coaching prompts. You can order your copy today or explore coaching options.
What’s the biggest mistake people make in emotional coaching?
Trying to “fix” or rush emotions instead of making space for them. Kids don’t need perfection, they need presence. The book shows you how to slow down and connect first.
