Zeina Fakhouri

Where I am today is exciting and surprising at many levels and when looking back, I wonder “how did I end up here?” Maybe it is after a few planned steps, but in many instances, it was several unexpected surprises. We quite often get complacent and opt to be reactive in life, but living in this ever-changing, fast paced world, we must be equipped with the right mind-set and be ready for the unseen.

My story as a Parent Coach started when my husband and I moved to Dubai from Amman, Jordan, in 2010. Having spent most of my adult life in the corporate world, I knew it was time to embrace a fresh start. Coming to Dubai was one of those second chances you rarely get and I was adamant I would seize the opportunity. I had started devising all these grand plans in my head and having barely settled in a new country for my new life and aspirations, things took a sharp turn. I became a mom for the first time, and the joy I felt can’t even be put into words.

Yet, soon after, I started experiencing fear: fear of responsibility, fear of failing my daughter, fear of losing all my ambitious plans, and fear of being away from my family in a totally new city. If you have ever felt my fear, I have good news for you as ultimately it is an experience of a magnificent new form of love, the love of a mother for her child.

Parenting is one of humanity’s most noble expressions of genuine feelings, sacrifices, and resilience. I could have played along and dealt with matters as they come, but I knew it wouldn’t be fair to myself or my child, so I didn’t spare any time. I was hungry to learn, research, and read all I could; I was determined to do it right! This is when I discovered PCI in 2017, and fell in love. I recognised that I could support others in a way that I, too, would hope to be supported: through empowering parents to recognise strengths within themselves. No one should have to be thrown in the deep end.

In January 2017, I started working at my daughter’s primary International school where I have continued to be involved for over five years now. With a community from various backgrounds, I had numerous opportunities to work with children and parents alike, and though challenging, the knowledge and skills learnt were invaluable. Education is at the core of everything, and I would continuously pursue a deeper understanding of parenting while focusing on teenage years and their challenges.

Teenagers had caught my attention when I volunteered at my church and I realized the huge struggle they face today. Therefore, I felt obliged to dedicate a significant part of my time to better understand their challenges and psychology, complementing my experience with early childhood.

Today I am involved with many parents from abroad and within my community, from school, church, and extended family and, to put it simply, having the support of a parent coach is as much about you as it about your child. It is fundamental to think of yourself and love yourself before giving back to your kids.

This is who I am and it is my calling to help as many parents as I possibly can, so let me take your hands to explore the pleasures of parenting. The journey is yours and I am here to help you shape your dreams, face your fears, and realize your potentials as a family.

I do not promise it will be easy, but I promise it will be worth it.