Hi, I’m Melissa Smith, PNP-BC and I believe parents deserve support, too.
After more than two decades in pediatric primary care and developmental-behavioral pediatrics, I saw how often families needed more than what a brief medical visit could provide to navigate challenging behaviors at home. I created my parent-coaching practice to offer the time, understanding, and practical connection-based support parents need when life with a young child feels overwhelming.
I help families of children ages 3–6 work through meltdowns, aggression, big emotions, and developmental or behavioral concerns with empathy, evidence-informed guidance, and a whole-family perspective, so parents can feel more confident in supporting their child through hard moments.
Parents need more than a quick appointment.
For more than 20 years, I worked as a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. I supported families through developmental assessments, behavioral concerns, and diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning differences, and other neurodevelopmental challenges.
Again and again, I saw how much uncertainty families were carrying with them every day and how little time a typical medical visit allowed for their questions, emotions, and day-to-day challenges that continued long after an appointment ended. Through my work and conversations with parents, I heard a common need: more time, practical guidance, and compassionate support for the hard moments at home.
That is why I created my parent-coaching practice. I now help parents of children ages 3–6 understand what may be underneath challenging behavior and feel more equipped to respond with calm, connection, and confidence.
Support for the moments that happen at home
Parent coaching gives you a supportive place to slow down, understand your child and yourself, make sense of the chaos, and build realistic strategies for your unique child and family to navigate hard moments with confidence. My approach is rooted in child development, evidence-informed guidance, and the belief that challenging behavior is information that something deeper may be going on, not a sign that you are failing as a parent.
Together, we work through concerns such as meltdowns, physical aggression or hitting, big emotions, difficult transitions, repetitive behaviors, behavioral challenges, and early developmental skill building. You will leave with practical tools to respond to big emotions, a clearer understanding of your child, and support that considers the well-being of the whole family.
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Ready for more support?
You deserve more than quick advice and one-size-fits-all parenting strategies. If you are ready for thoughtful, compassionate guidance tailored to your family, click below and let’s explore how I can support you and your family.
LEARN MOREMedical Disclaimer: Information provided by Nurture with Melissa is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Melissa Smith, PNP, BC. Although, I am a licensed and board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I do not provide medical or nursing care, diagnosis, or treatment through Nurture with Melissa. Using this website or participating in my programs does not create a nurse-patient relationship. The information and services offered by Nurture with Melissa on this website, in my programs, and in any related materials are for educational and informational purposes only and are not a substitute for individualized medical, nursing, psychological, or mental health care. If you have or suspect that you or your child is having a medical or mental health problem, contact your medical provider or professional provider promptly. If you have an emergency or concerns about you or your child’s safety or well‑being, call 911 or contact your local emergency services or crisis line immediately and seek in‑person care from a licensed provider. Do not disregard professional medical or mental health advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read or watched or been informed of in Nurture with Melissa.
