"Parenting can be such a thankless task at times and to attend a course with Heather - a calm, non-judgmental supportive figure who has plenty of practical and learnt experience - was such a productive way to spend a morning. I also enjoyed using my brain cells in more of an academic way concerning day to day practical life skills where I normally act without really thinking! Thank you." Freya
Heather Rutherford
I'm an experienced parenting educator and a co-parenting specialist, but first and foremost, I'm Mum. I have three wonderful children, and on this incredible journey I've learnt more from them about parenting and, probably most importantly, about myself, than I ever imagined possible.
I set up The Parenting Partnership in 2016. I signed up for my first positive parenting course in 2006 when I realised that we needed help with our three young children. The tools and skills that I learned helped transform our young family. I saw, among many things, how vital it is to understand a child's temperament and emotional world before addressing their behaviour, and to communicate more consistently, calmly, and positively. I'm a much happier parent, and probably more fun too! No more shouting, less questioning myself or wondering how to discipline. I'm happy knowing that I won't always get it right, but that I have the tools to give it my best shot. Everything I've learned has been invaluable in helping me navigate my family through my cancer and divorce.
I'm fascinated by the science behind parenting and wanted to help other families, especially those navigating separation and divorce. I trained with the fabulous team at the Parent Practice to become a licensed, certified educator. I'm a Care for the Family licensed facilitator, a co-parenting specialist and the parenting consultant at the schools' advisory service, Talk Education. I am on the Advisory Board of the UK charity The Separated Parenting Programme Directory.
I specialise in supporting co-parents. Having experienced my own divorce, I believe that separated families can thrive with content, resilient kids who feel deeply connected to both their parents, but it does take understanding and hard work.
I work with parents to help them shift their parenting partnership from a romantic one to one centred on parenting their children through my evidence-based Parenting Partnership Process.
A little bit more about me: I was born in England, grew up in the US and worked in finance for over 20 years, both in New York and London. I have a BA in French and Politics and an MBA from London Business School. When not writing blogs, coaching parents or speaking, I love playing padel and spending time with my three kids, family and friends and walking our two Labradors, Alfie and Ernie, in the Cotswolds.
Work with me
1 to 1 Coaching
One-session initial consultation: 90 minutes
We'll discuss your concerns and explore your family story. We'll agree on your goals, and you'll learn parenting skills and strategies you can use immediately to help your family thrive.
The Parenting Partnership Process:
Over six 60-minute sessions, we'll explore your unique family story, goals, and challenges. You'll learn and practice a full range of effective positive co-parenting skills to help your unique family thrive. I support you every step of the way as you become the calm, confident and connected co-parent you want to be. I work with one parent at a time, and my approach is grounded in Dan Siegel’s Four S’s and John Gottman’s research. It sits alongside mediation, legal advice and therapy.
Workshop, Talks and Training Sessions
I provide training in family law firms and at industry conferences. I have had the pleasure of working with both the Family Mediators Association and Resolution, providing regular training as well as conference keynotes and workshops. I speak on a range of topics including:
Parenting Through Separation and Divorce: Helping Children Thrive
Raising Resilient Kids through Separation
Helping Children with Anxiety
Supporting the Emotional Journey through Divorce: A Child's Point of View
If you’re a family law professional with a client who would benefit from one-to-one support, I’d love to hear from you.
