Is there such a thing as being stupid as a Kids Life Coach?
One of my Christmas presents last year was the book: “The Psychology of Stupidity”. It was a unique book (perhaps a little “stupid" and I am not even sure I would recommend it....) and I finished it as my last read for 2024.
It was a quirky, strongly opinionated, science backed yet eye-opening take on how we all have our “Wait, what was I thinking?” moments! Some of us more than others though…The book was comprised of essays by prominent scientists and professors around the world giving their opinions of "stupidity".
These opinions found in the book really made me reflect on some of my own “stupid” moments from last year! We all have them right? It also led me to ask the question "Is there such a thing as being stupid as a Kids Life Coach?"
It turns out the answer I found is a resounding YES!
In my time training Kids Life Coaches since 2009, I have had many exemplary students but I have also see many students that flounder and fail...what is the difference between the two types? Well it turns out the book gave me some of the answers I needed.
1. Confirmation Bias: We all love finding info that backs up what we already believe—even when it’s totally wrong and others can prove it. We all know that “stupid” Kids Life Coach spouting their own “truth” based only on their own unsolicited opinion..not one fact in sight? I’ve met a few of those in my time! They don't put in the work and do a quick weekend course and think that being a "parent" or a "teacher" will equip them. Anybody who isn't willing to learn and grow it turns out is stupid! Tip: Challenge your personal beliefs as a Kids Life Coach! Step out of your comfort zone and look for and reflect on opposing views that do not involve your own truth. It’s uncomfortable, but apparently it’ll make you smarter.
2. Cognitive Dissonance: That moment when you know you’re wrong but refuse to admit it. Ummm…I had a few of those moments of my own with my husband in 2024 ☺️The wife is never wrong…right? 😬 But what if this happens in your coaching sessions with a child or worse yet...their parents? A clever Kids Life Coach will always work from a solid foundation of theory and this is what our Level 2 training provides but there is also comfort found in the knowledge that we can't know all there is to know. So admitting when you don't know and making an effort to correct your knowledge deficit by finding out...is one of the most clever things you can do as a Kids Life Coach. Tip: The book encourages us to own up to our mistakes. Honesty and self-reflection help us grow—and they save us from awkward backpedaling.
3. Pack Mentality: Following the crowd just because “everyone else is doing it.” is one of the stupidist things a Kids Life Coach can do (in my opinion!). You see, I have worked in this field for long enough to know wolves dressed up in sheep's clothing. If the "guru" or "expert" or "influencer" says something...it turns out that a stupid Kids Life Coach will believe it all....no questions asked. Sadly, this happens all too often. Often it isn't the shiniest, most visible or marketable methods that get results...it's the ones that stand the test of time and get results because they are grounded in ethics. Tip: Question an "expert" "guru" or "professional" when things feel off. Trust your intuition and stay true to your values of honesty, integrity, and doing what’s right—even if it means going against the grain.
So why did I share this blog? Because as a Secret Parent, it's crucial to *teach children* to think critically, trust themselves, and stay true to their values—even when it’s tough. If we want to raise thoughtful, independent children, we have to lead by example as Kids Life Coaches. Let's be the adults who aren't afraid to admit when we're wrong, challenge the status quo, and trust our own instincts.
So is there such a thing as being stupid as a Kids Life Coach? Absolutely yes...but I know that isn't you...the fact that you are reading this tells me otherwise! You have put in the time to learn, to grow, to practice and to show up as your authentic self. You believe in best practices and professional supervision and you work towards raising the standards for coaching children collectively! To me that is very very clever! Exactly what children need in a world filled with so many toxic influences, so keep up the great work!
