Updated: Aug. 25, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 1, 2015
While I hold three degrees in psychology and counseling, the one credential that seems to matter most to parents seeking advice is absent from my resume: I don’t have kids. Friends and even acquaintances have always turned to me for guidance during their personal dilemmas. It’s a gift I possess, though it sometimes feels like a burden. My analytical nature and love for problem-solving make me an ideal candidate for a counseling role.
Over a decade ago, I dedicated myself to this field, and yes, I was certainly a late bloomer. I delved into child and adolescent psychology, interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, and addiction, ultimately choosing to work with preteens and teenagers—a demographic that many of my peers shied away from due to its challenges. But those challenges were precisely what drew me in.
With years of experience under my belt, I’ve engaged with a diverse range of youth—from middle schoolers to college athletes. I’ve co-facilitated process groups, taught life skills, and led personal development activities. A highlight of my career was working alongside my supervisor in an in-school prevention program, where we supported over 300 students annually, helping at-risk kids realize their potential. My colleagues began to see me as a trusted authority in adolescent counseling.
However, when it comes to parents, the reception is less than warm. Despite my extensive experience and qualifications, I often find myself facing the same question: “Do you have kids?” The moment they learn that I do not, my insights become irrelevant. It seems that for many parents, having firsthand experience with children is a prerequisite for being taken seriously, regardless of one’s education or professional experience.
I get it; after all, would I trust a dog trainer who didn’t own any dogs? Or consider purchasing pet products from someone who didn’t share a love for animals? It’s natural to seek advice from those who have walked the same path. Even in treatment settings, individuals often turn a deaf ear to counselors who haven’t battled their own addictions. The preference is for someone who truly understands, not just someone who has learned through textbooks or lectures.
In retrospect, perhaps I should have considered a career in pet psychology—but alas, I’m not pursuing any more degrees. At 43, I have no intention of having children simply to gain credibility in the parenting arena. Instead, I’ll continue to express my knowledge through writing, hoping that readers recognize that while I may not be a parent, I was once a child. I survived that journey, and that experience holds value.
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In summary, though I lack personal parenting experience, my background in counseling and working with youth equips me with insights that can still resonate. I hope to bridge the gap between theory and practice for those who might benefit from a different perspective.
Keyphrase: Expert Parenting Advice Without Kids
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