Need help? How about a parent coach?

SHALINI MELWANI is a parent coach – and the founder of Parenting Empowered – who helps mums and dads learn strategies that can help them build a stronger connection with their children, among other things. We find out more!

Give us a bit of background to yourself and your time in Hong Kong.

First and foremost, I am a mother of three beautiful adult kids. I’ve been in Hong Kong for over 30 years, originally from the USA. Hong Kong has been a fabulous place to bring up kids given the diversity in the classroom which opened them up to a plethora of cultures. 

Personally, I was always working from home growing my luxury marketing business for 17 years, and then I made a clear decision to turn my career around 360 degrees and trained to become a parent coach and consultant.

Why did you become a parent coach?

I decided to take this career move given my personal experience bringing up my third child who struggled through the Hong Kong school system given that he has ADHD and had very high anxiety at the time. 

Through all my research here and in the US, fierce networking, leaving no stone unturned, and trying to get him and the family on track, I decided to use my knowledge and experience to help other families navigate this maze of a system. If there is one take away it’s that ‘parenting is 80% connection and 20% guidance’. The more connected you are to your kids, the easier it is to guide them.

What are some typical challenges when parenting coaching would help?

I would have to say the lack of support in some schools for kids with mild learning differences such as ADHD, anxiety and other challenges. Many of these kids need accommodation in mainstream classrooms, yet it seems like some schools struggle to adapt. Having spent much time in the US and engaging with various schools, it appears that educational institutions worldwide are encountering difficulties related to the challenges of neurodiverse students.

What services does Parenting Empowered provide to help parents? Can you give a specific example of how a session might look?

I provide support for families who may want closer connection with kids of all ages as well as support and advocacy for families who have kids with mild learning differences such as ADHD and anxiety.

The first thing we do is to generally have a 20-minute discovery call so I can get a clear picture of what’s going on and the parent can decide if they want to join a group class or prefer personal private coaching. 

If they prefer a group class, depending on what they’re looking for; I run two separate classes:

1. Parent Effectiveness Training Class: A series of eight three-hour classes run over eight weeks. Parents will learn strategies to gain a stronger connection with their kids through science-backed communication skills such as active listening and collaborative problem solving, and through self-reflection, role-playing and workbook work. I do have many counsellors join this class as well.
2. Calm and Connected: A seven-week class offering strategies to parents of kids with ADHD. This class also offers science-backed strategies similar to the above and focuses on specific challenges faced by these neurodiverse kids and their families.

The parents who I see privately usually meet with me once a week on Zoom. 

Besides working with parents, I also run teacher training professional development sessions for schools that want strategies in the classroom for kids with ADHD.

You’re a student coach too; tell us about that.

As a student coach, I empower both neurotypical and neurodiverse students to take ownership of their learning potential. I guide them in setting self-directed goals and developing effective strategies to achieve academic success. By fostering self-awareness and identifying individual strengths, I help students unlock their full potential. Through personalised support and encouragement, I assist them in overcoming challenges and building confidence.

What other projects are you involved with?

I facilitate workshops in schools and other venues on topics including growth mindset development, goal-setting strategies, instilling values, parenting and screen time management, homework management techniques and other relevant subjects. 

Additionally, I participate in panel discussions with professionals from fields such as law, psychology and school counselling, addressing a range of family-related issues. 

Given my personal experience parenting a neurodiverse child, I am grateful to have contributed my story to the best-selling anthology, Shaken and Stirred But Not Deterred: Stories of Empowerment, published by Global Influencers Publishing House.

What do you like to do in Hong Kong outside of work?

In my leisure time, I enjoy engaging with Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene, taking advantage of the world-class museums, auction houses, art galleries and other exceptional exhibitions. I also appreciate the natural beauty here, frequently visiting the beaches and kayaking in Stanley during the summer months. Outings to Lamma Island with my children and all the dogs are a particular favourite. Other hobbies include playing tennis and reading.

Find out more about Shalini’s parenting coaching options at parentingempowered.com.