Helen Zimprich: From Struggling with Math to Empowering Parents

Helen Zimprich’s journey into parenting coaching began with a personal challenge. When her son Elias struggled with math, despite his understanding of the material, Helen realized that a shift in mindset could make all the difference. What started as a quest to help her son blossomed into a deep passion for guiding parents. Now, as a certified parenting coach, Helen empowers families to reconnect with their instincts, communicate effectively, and raise confident, resilient children. In this interview, she shares her transformative journey and insights into nurturing stronger parent-child relationships. Helen also offers practical advice for managing emotions and fostering a deeper connection with your child, proving that parenting doesn’t have to be a perfect journey—just a compassionate one. With her unique perspective, she helps parents find peace and confidence in their instincts.

Can you share more about your personal journey into parenting and how it led you to become a parenting coach?

Around two years ago, my son Elias struggled significantly with math. Despite our hard work to fill the gaps in his understanding, his grades didn’t improve. Determined to help him, I bought Mindset by Carol Dweck to explore strategies for improving his outlook. Elias had come to believe that he couldn’t succeed in math, even though he understood the material. While reading the book, I learned about the profession of parenting coaching. I thought, Wow, this is exactly what I want to do in life—helping parents raise happy and thriving children.

I began researching and discovered the JAI Institute for Parenting, which focuses on gentle parenting and offers a parent-centric program that I found truly amazing. Seven months later, I became a certified parenting coach. Now, I adore helping mothers grow into strong, confident versions of themselves. I’ve turned my passion into my profession, and I couldn’t be happier.

You emphasize the importance of listening to a child’s feelings. What are some practical ways parents can develop this skill?

I believe that as parents, we often get so caught up in our “adult” world that we forget to consider our children’s feelings. For instance, a child’s insistence on drinking only from a blue cup might seem trivial to us, but for the child, it’s a genuine concern. Their feelings are real and distinct from our harsh, hectic world. When a child feels overwhelmed, they need soothing and acknowledgement.

Daniel Siegel highlights that for healthy brain development, children must feel seen and heard. How can a child grow into a strong and confident individual if their parents dismiss their emotions? A powerful mantra I’ve learned is, When your child is at their worst, they need you the most. Parents should strive to understand their child’s perspective by asking questions like, “Why is this important to you?” and, “Why do you feel this way?” By approaching with curiosity and empathy, parents can foster understanding and strengthen their connection with their children.

You openly admit that no parent is perfect and that emotions like anger and frustration are normal. How can parents manage these emotions in a healthy way?

The first step is recognizing that our children are not a threat to us. Most of the time, we yell because we’re frustrated over something like bedtime resistance or refusal to brush our teeth. We need to ask ourselves, Is this battle worth fighting? Remembering that our children’s brains are still developing and that they often can’t act differently helps us remain calm.

A helpful mantra is, My child is not a threat; they are only five years old, and I choose peace. If anger still arises, closing your eyes and counting to three before responding can make a significant difference. Small steps like this can prevent yelling and promote a calmer household.

When we lose our temper, it’s crucial to repair the rupture. Apologizing is the most important step. Losing our temper is inevitable at times, but it’s how we handle those moments that matter. By being kind to ourselves, showing self-compassion, and sincerely saying, “I’m sorry,” we not only mend the relationship but also model valuable lessons for our children, such as resolving conflicts and taking responsibility for our actions.

What are the most common concerns parents bring to you, and how do you address them?

Many parents today feel disconnected from their instincts. They’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice: “Don’t spoil your child,” or, “Don’t carry your baby all the time.” For example, mothers often come to me feeling conflicted because they want to hold their baby but are told not to by their mother or mother-in-law. Through coaching, these parents regain confidence in their instincts and feel empowered to follow their path.

Another common concern is a lack of connection with older children, which often stems from poor communication and excessive screen time. In today’s world, parents and children alike are glued to their devices. I encourage families to rebuild trust and connection by prioritizing face-to-face interactions. One of my goals is to bring families back to the dinner table—without phones.

If you could give one piece of advice to new parents, what would it be?

The most powerful reminder is: It’s only a phase; it will pass. Parenthood is a journey full of ups and downs, but every phase—no matter how challenging—is temporary. Trust the process, be kind to yourself, and practice self-compassion. You’re doing an amazing job.

What is one parenting myth that you strongly disagree with, and why?

The idea that children can manipulate parents is a dangerous myth. Children under six—and even older—simply don’t have the cognitive ability for such complex thought. To manipulate, a child would need to think, If I cry loudly, my mom will stop cleaning and spend 30 minutes cuddling me instead. This level of reasoning is far beyond their developmental stage.

When babies cry, it’s because they need us. When toddlers cry, it’s because they need help regulating their emotions. Self-soothing is not something children can do on their own; it’s our job as parents to guide and support them.

If you could go back in time and give advice to yourself as a first-time mom, what would you say?

I wish I had known the mantra I mentioned earlier: When your child is at their worst, they need you the most. Understanding that young children have underdeveloped brains and often can’t behave differently was a game-changer for me. In tough moments, I remind myself, This is just my sweet little boy. He’s only five. Breathing deeply, counting to three, and keeping this perspective works like magic.