Health and wellness coaching provides personalized, continuous support that is often missing in traditional healthcare. By working closely with kids, teens, and their families, a health coach can focus on:

Behavior Change. Health coaches are trained in evidence-based techniques to encourage lasting behavior change. They help children and teens set achievable goals, overcome barriers, and build habits that stick. In fact, research shows that children who work with a health coach are 50% more likely to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors such as regular physical activity and balanced nutrition.

Managing Chronic Diseases. For kids already dealing with obesity or mental health conditions, health coaches offer tailored guidance to manage these issues in a way that integrates into their daily lives. One family we worked with saw their teen improve their eating habits and gain newfound confidence in managing their daily routine, leading to better health and emotional well-being.

Preventive Care. Health coaches emphasize prevention, focusing on healthy lifestyle habits like nutritious eating, physical activity, stress management, and sleep hygiene to reduce the risk of future health problems. These skills often extend into adulthood, equipping young people with the tools they need to manage their health for life.

Empowerment and Education. Rather than focusing solely on treatment, health coaches work to empower children and families. They help build self-efficacy, teaching young people how to take control of their health and make informed choices. This sense of empowerment is crucial, especially as teens begin making more independent decisions about their well-being.

Holistic Support. The coaching approach goes beyond physical health, considering emotional and social factors that influence health and well-being. This holistic, patient-centered care is especially important for kids and teens, who need support that considers all aspects of their lives. Health coaches provide a safe space for youth to discuss challenges they may face at school, with peers, or at home.

Leveraging Technology for Better Engagement. Through digital health platforms, health coaches can provide continuous, flexible support. Virtual coaching options ensure that families can access guidance from wherever they are, making it easier to fit health coaching into their busy lives.

The Long-term Impact of Health Coaching. By working with a health coach, children not only achieve immediate health improvements but also gain lifelong skills. These sustainable habits whether it's making healthier food choices or managing stress, are key to preventing chronic diseases later in life.

The Pediatric Health Coach Academy is a National Board of Health & Wellness Coaching Approved training program that specializes in health and wellness that includes nutrition health coaching and mental health coaching for children, teens and families. Contact us at info@pediatrichealthcoaching.com to learn more about our Pediatric Health Coach Certification.