This article was provided by MINES’ affiliate provider, Danielle Buchanan, Shifting Narratives Counselling

Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest transitions. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, navigating sleepless nights with an infant, or balancing the busy schedules of young children while managing work and everyday responsibilities, parenthood can feel both deeply rewarding and incredibly demanding.

Many parents find themselves asking:

  • How do I balance my own needs with everyone else’s?
  • Why do I feel overwhelmed, even when I’m doing my best?
  • How can I be more present with my children without burning myself out?

If any of these questions resonate with you, you’re not alone.

Through the MINES & Associates Employee Assistance Program (EAP), eligible employees have access to four confidential parent coaching sessions designed to support you through this season of life. Parent coaching is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and develop practical tools that help you feel more grounded and confident as both a parent and an individual. MINES offers parental coaching as part of its wellness services to support employees and their families through the challenges of parenthood and work-life balance.

What to Expect

As a Certified Professional Coach specializing in career, life, and parent coaching, I work with clients internationally and understand that no two parenting journeys are alike.

Our first session isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about getting to know you.

We’ll explore:

  • What it’s like to be you in this stage of life.
  • Your unique strengths, challenges, and priorities.
  • The pressures you’re carrying at work, at home, and within yourself.
  • What support would feel most meaningful right now.

From there, we build a personalized approach based on your goals.

Supporting Your Nervous System

Parenting often activates our stress response. When we’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or constantly meeting everyone else’s needs, our nervous system can remain in a state of survival.

One of the foundations of my coaching is helping parents become more aware of their nervous system and learning ways to regulate it through simple, practical strategies. Together, we’ll explore co-regulation—how feeling calm, connected, and supported ourselves helps create safety and connection for our children.

When parents have the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with themselves, they often discover they have greater patience, clearer communication, and more capacity to respond rather than react.

Coaching That Meets You Where You Are

Whether you’re:

  • Adjusting to life with a new baby,
  • Managing toddler emotions,
  • Returning to work after parental leave,
  • Feeling pulled between career and family,
  • Or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again,

parent coaching offers a compassionate space to explore what’s working, what isn’t, and how to move forward with greater confidence and balance.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before asking for support. Sometimes having someone alongside you for a few focused conversations can make a meaningful difference.

Learn More

If your organization offers the MINES & Associates Employee Assistance Program, you may be eligible for four confidential parent coaching sessions as part of your wellness benefits. These coaching services are designed to help employees navigate personal and family challenges while supporting overall wellbeing.

If you would like to learn more about parent coaching or have questions about how MINES’ parental resources can support you, please call us or visit our digital intake today.

Parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the support, awareness, and tools to care for yourself while caring for those who matter most.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

About the author:

Danielle Buchanan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, a Certified Professional Life Coach, and a Certified NeurOptimal® Trainer. She supports adults, youth ages 14+, and groups by creating a trusting, safe, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel seen and heard.

Danielle has specialized training in Grief, Suicide to Hope, Advanced Narrative Therapy, Life Span Integration Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her work often supports individuals navigating significant loss, including the loss of a loved one, career, relationship, or sense of self.