Parenting Speakers

Not every expert in parenting is a parenting speaker, and not every speaker who talks about kids qualifies either. So what exactly is a parenting speaker?

A parenting speaker is someone who delivers talks, keynotes, or workshops focused on parenting topics. These can range from early childhood development and discipline strategies to co-parenting after divorce or raising neurodiverse children. Their goal is to educate, inspire, and empower parents through spoken content.

They often come from diverse backgrounds - some are psychologists, educators, or pediatricians. Others are bestselling authors or social media influencers who've built a following by sharing their parenting philosophies. What unites them is their ability to translate complex parenting challenges into relatable, actionable advice.

Parenting speakers typically appear at conferences, virtual summits, school events, corporate wellness programs, or podcasts. For example, someone like Dr. Laura Markham might speak at a parenting summit about emotional regulation in children, while a speaker like Justin Coulson might be invited to a corporate event to talk about work-life balance for working parents.

In short, a parenting speaker is a communicator who helps parents navigate the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming world of raising children - not through theory alone, but through stories, strategies, and connection.

If you've ever tried to Google 'how to get my toddler to sleep' at 2 a.m., you already know how overwhelming parenting advice can be. That's where a parenting speaker comes in.

Parenting speakers cut through the noise. They offer curated, research-backed insights delivered in a format that's digestible and engaging. Instead of sifting through endless articles or YouTube videos, parents get direct access to someone who's done the legwork and knows how to communicate it effectively.

They also bring a human element that books and blogs can't match. A speaker can read the room, respond to questions in real time, and adapt their message to the audience. Whether it's a live webinar for new moms in Toronto or a school event in rural Australia, a skilled parenting speaker knows how to meet people where they are.

In corporate settings, parenting speakers are increasingly being brought in to support employee wellness. Companies like Google and Salesforce have hosted talks on parenting burnout, digital safety for kids, and managing remote learning. These sessions help employees feel supported not just as workers, but as parents.

Ultimately, parenting speakers are important because they offer clarity, connection, and confidence in a world where parenting advice is often contradictory and overwhelming. They're not just speakers - they're guides through one of life's most complex journeys.

Parenting speakers do more than just talk - they educate, inspire, and equip parents with tools they can actually use. Here's a breakdown of what parenting speakers typically do:

- Deliver Keynotes and Workshops. Parenting speakers are often invited to speak at conferences, schools, corporate events, and virtual summits. They might give a keynote on positive discipline or run a workshop on managing screen time for tweens.

- Tailor Content to Specific Audiences. A parenting speaker might adjust their message depending on whether they're speaking to first-time parents, single parents, or educators. For example, a talk for teachers might focus on how to engage parents more effectively.

- Translate Research into Actionable Advice. Many parenting speakers have backgrounds in psychology, education, or child development. They take academic research and turn it into practical strategies parents can implement immediately.

- Engage in Q&A and Coaching. After their talks, many speakers stick around for live Q&A sessions or even offer one-on-one coaching. This helps personalize the experience and deepen the impact.

- Create Ongoing Resources. Some speakers also write books, host podcasts, or offer online courses. Their speaking engagements often serve as a gateway to these longer-term resources.

Whether they're on stage at a parenting expo in London or joining a podcast from their home office in Cape Town, parenting speakers are in the business of making parenting just a little less overwhelming - and a lot more empowering.

Becoming a parenting speaker isn't just about having kids or reading a few books on child psychology. It's about crafting a message, building credibility, and getting in front of the right audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Parenting is a broad topic. Are you focused on early childhood development, parenting teens, co-parenting after divorce, or parenting neurodivergent children?
- Tip: Choose a niche that aligns with your experience or passion. The more specific, the better your chances of standing out.

2. Build Your Expertise
- You don't need a PhD, but you do need credibility. That could be through certifications (like Positive Discipline or Conscious Parenting), a background in education or psychology, or even a successful blog or podcast.
- Example: Dr. Laura Markham built her reputation through her clinical psychology background and consistent online content.

3. Create Your Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include a bio, headshot, speaking topics, testimonials, and a short video clip of you in action.
- Pro tip: Keep your speaker page updated and optimized for keywords like 'parenting speaker', 'child behavior expert', or 'family communication'.

4. Connect With Hosts and Event Organizers
- Start with local schools, parenting groups, libraries, and online summits. Use Talks.co to connect with virtual event hosts looking for parenting experts.
- Tip: Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio, then use those gigs to get testimonials and referrals.

5. Promote Your Talks
- Share clips on social media, write blog posts, and pitch yourself to podcasts. The more visible you are, the more likely you'll get booked.
- Bonus: Create a lead magnet (like a free parenting checklist) to grow your email list after each talk.

Follow these steps consistently and you'll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after parenting speaker.

To be a parenting speaker, you need more than just a microphone and a message. You need credibility, clarity, and channels to reach your audience. Let's break it down:

1. Credibility and Experience
Whether you're a parenting coach, psychologist, educator, or someone with lived experience, your background matters. Audiences want to know why they should listen to you. Credentials like a degree in child development or certifications in parenting methodologies (like Circle of Security or Love and Logic) can help. But so can a track record of helping families, running workshops, or publishing insightful content.

2. A Clear, Compelling Message
What's your unique take on parenting? Are you helping parents reduce screen time without meltdowns? Teaching dads how to connect emotionally with their kids? Your message should be focused and actionable. This makes it easier for event organizers to understand what you offer and for audiences to remember you.

3. A Professional Presence
You'll need a speaker page that showcases your expertise. Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to set up a profile with your bio, topics, testimonials, and a video reel. This is your digital handshake - make it count.

4. Speaking Skills
Even if you're not a natural on stage, you can develop your delivery. Practice storytelling, pacing, and audience engagement. Consider joining Toastmasters or taking a public speaking course. A confident delivery builds trust.

5. A Way to Connect With Hosts
You can't speak if no one knows you exist. Use Talks.co to connect with podcast hosts, virtual summit organizers, and parenting conference planners. Reach out with a short pitch that highlights your value.

In short, being a parenting speaker is about combining your knowledge with a platform and a plan. If you've got the passion, the rest can be built.

Yes, parenting speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience size, and the type of event. Let's break it down:

1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- New speakers often start with unpaid or low-paid gigs to build credibility.
- Established speakers with a strong brand or media presence can command thousands per event.

2. Types of Paid Opportunities
- Keynotes at Conferences: These are usually the highest paying. Parenting expos or education summits may pay $1,000 to $10,000+.
- Workshops and Webinars: These may pay less per session but can be recurring gigs. Think $200 to $1,500 per session.
- Corporate Wellness Programs: Companies bringing in speakers for employee parenting support often pay well.

3. Virtual Events vs. In-Person
- Virtual events often pay less but have lower overhead and broader reach.
- In-person events may cover travel and accommodation on top of a speaker fee.

4. Other Considerations
- Some speakers are paid in exposure, especially when speaking on high-traffic podcasts or media panels.
- Others monetize through backend offers like coaching or courses (see 'How do parenting speakers make money').

Bottom line: Yes, parenting speakers get paid, but the path to consistent income often includes a mix of speaking fees and other revenue streams.

Parenting speakers make money in a variety of ways, and the most successful ones diversify their income streams. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue models:

1. Speaking Fees
This is the most obvious one. Parenting speakers are paid to speak at:
- Conferences and expos
- School events and PTA meetings
- Corporate wellness programs
- Online summits and webinars

2. Product Sales
Many speakers create their own products to sell after their talks:
- Books (e.g., 'The Whole-Brain Child' by Dr. Dan Siegel)
- Online courses or workshops
- Parenting toolkits or printables

3. Coaching and Consulting
Some speakers offer 1-on-1 or group coaching for parents. Others consult with schools or organizations on family engagement strategies.

4. Affiliate Marketing
Speakers often recommend parenting tools, books, or services and earn a commission. For example, promoting a parenting app or a toy subscription box.

5. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
If you have a strong online presence, brands may pay you to speak or create content. Think baby gear companies or educational platforms.

6. Licensing and Syndication
Some speakers license their content to schools, parenting networks, or media outlets. This can generate recurring revenue without additional work.

By combining these income streams, parenting speakers can build a sustainable business that goes beyond the stage.

Parenting speakers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars per talk to six figures annually, depending on their business model, niche, and visibility. Let's look at the numbers:

Level of Experience	Typical Fee per Talk	Annual Income Range
Beginner	$0 - $500	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$500 - $2,000	$10,000 - $50,000
Established Expert	$2,000 - $10,000	$50,000 - $150,000+
Celebrity/Author Level	$10,000+	$150,000 - $500,000+

Factors That Influence Income
- Niche Demand: Speakers focused on trending topics like screen time, mental health, or neurodiversity often command higher fees.
- Geographic Reach: Speakers who can present virtually or internationally have more opportunities.
- Backend Offers: Those who sell coaching, books, or courses often earn more than those relying solely on speaking fees.
Example: A mid-tier parenting speaker doing 2 paid talks per month at $1,500 each, plus selling an online course that brings in $2,000/month, could easily make $50,000+ annually.
So while speaking alone might not make you rich, combining it with other income streams can turn it into a full-time business.

If you're looking to hire a parenting speaker, costs can vary widely based on expertise, location, and event type. Here's a breakdown to help you budget:

Typical Cost Ranges
- New or Local Speakers: $0 - $500 per event. Great for schools, libraries, or community groups on a tight budget.
- Mid-Level Experts: $500 - $2,500. These speakers often have a book, podcast, or online following.
- High-Profile Speakers: $2,500 - $10,000+. These are authors, media personalities, or credentialed experts.
- Celebrity Parenting Speakers: $10,000 - $50,000+. Think Dr. Shefali Tsabary or Dr. Laura Markham.

Additional Costs to Consider
- Travel and Accommodation: For in-person events, you may need to cover flights, hotels, and meals.
- Tech Requirements: Virtual events may require a high-quality streaming setup or moderator.
- Custom Content: If you want a tailored workshop or curriculum, expect to pay more.

Cost-Saving Tips
- Book speakers through platforms like Talks.co where you can compare profiles and negotiate directly.
- Consider virtual sessions to save on travel.
- Partner with other organizations to share the cost.

Ultimately, the cost depends on the value you're looking for. A great parenting speaker can educate, inspire, and shift perspectives - and that impact is often worth the investment.

Here's a list of some of the most influential parenting speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped how we think about parenting through their talks, books, and media appearances:

- Dr. Benjamin Spock: Author of 'The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care', he revolutionized parenting advice in the 20th century.
- Dr. T. Berry Brazelton: Known for his work on child development and the 'Touchpoints' model, he was a frequent speaker and media guest.
- Dr. James Dobson: Founder of Focus on the Family, Dobson was a prominent voice in conservative parenting circles for decades.
- Dr. Laura Markham: A clinical psychologist and founder of Aha! Parenting, she's known for her evidence-based, compassionate approach.
- Dr. Shefali Tsabary: A pioneer of conscious parenting, her TEDx talks and Oprah appearances have made her a global figure.
- Barbara Coloroso: A speaker and author known for her work on parenting, bullying, and discipline.
- John Rosemond: A controversial but long-standing voice in traditional parenting methods.
- Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish: Though more known for their books, their workshops and talks on communication have influenced generations.

These speakers have left a lasting legacy. Their ideas continue to influence parenting educators and speakers today.

Looking for today's top parenting speakers? Here are some of the most impactful voices currently shaping the global conversation around parenting:

- Dr. Shefali Tsabary (USA/India): A clinical psychologist and author of 'The Conscious Parent', she blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Her talks are featured globally, including on Oprah's SuperSoul Sessions.

- Janet Lansbury (USA): A former actress turned parenting educator, she's a leading voice in respectful parenting. Her podcast 'Unruffled' and speaking events are widely followed.

- Maggie Dent (Australia): Known as 'the queen of common sense', Maggie speaks across Australia and internationally on parenting boys, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

- Dr. Laura Markham (USA): Founder of Aha! Parenting, she's a go-to speaker for evidence-based parenting strategies. Her talks are popular with schools and parent organizations.

- Sarah Ockwell-Smith (UK): Author of 'The Gentle Parenting Book', she speaks across Europe and online about attachment-based parenting.

- Justin Coulson (Australia): A parenting researcher and speaker, he's known for his engaging style and practical advice. He frequently appears on Australian media.

- Kim John Payne (USA/UK): Author of 'Simplicity Parenting', he speaks globally on reducing stress and increasing connection in families.

- Dr. Tina Payne Bryson (USA): Co-author of 'The Whole-Brain Child', she's a frequent keynote speaker at parenting and education conferences.

These parenting speakers are not only experts in their fields, but also skilled communicators who connect deeply with diverse audiences around the world.

Myth 1: Parenting speakers are only for stay-at-home moms.
This assumption misses the mark. While many parenting speakers do connect with mothers, the field is far broader. Dads, grandparents, guardians, and even educators are part of the audience. For instance, Justin Baldoni, known for his work on redefining masculinity, speaks to fathers about emotional intelligence in parenting. His talks resonate with working dads in corporate environments just as much as with solo parents juggling multiple roles.

Myth 2: You need a psychology degree to be a parenting speaker.
Not true. While some parenting speakers have academic backgrounds in child development or psychology, many draw from lived experience, research, and community engagement. Take Janet Lansbury, for example. Her expertise stems from her work with RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers), not a PhD. What matters more is clarity, credibility, and connection with your audience.

Myth 3: Parenting speakers just give advice.
Actually, the best parenting speakers facilitate transformation, not just information. They lead workshops, host interactive webinars, and build communities. Think of someone like Dr. Shefali Tsabary, who blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Her talks go beyond tips and tricks - they challenge beliefs and spark deep reflection.

Myth 4: The market is too saturated.
It's easy to think that way, but the truth is, parenting challenges evolve with culture, technology, and policy. There's always room for new voices with fresh perspectives. For example, speakers focusing on neurodivergent parenting or digital safety for kids are gaining traction because they address emerging needs.

Myth 5: You have to be a perfect parent to speak about parenting.
This one's probably the most damaging. Authenticity wins over perfection every time. Audiences connect with vulnerability and honesty. Admitting mistakes and sharing growth journeys makes speakers more relatable. Brené Brown's popularity is proof that imperfection, when communicated with courage, builds trust.

When you look at the journey of successful parenting speakers, what stands out isn't just their knowledge - it's their ability to connect deeply with their audience. Take Dr. Laura Markham. She started as a clinical psychologist but saw a gap in how parents were being supported emotionally. Her website, Aha! Parenting, became a go-to resource, and her speaking career took off from there. She didn't just lecture - she listened, responded, and built a loyal following through empathy and evidence-based advice.

Then there's Jo Frost, known globally as Supernanny. Her rise wasn't conventional. She leveraged television to reach millions, but her real strength was in simplifying complex behavioral strategies into practical, digestible steps. Her speaking engagements now span continents, and she tailors her message to cultural nuances - what works in the UK might need tweaking in Japan or Brazil.

Another example is Carlos Whittaker, who blends parenting with faith, mental health, and social justice. His talks are raw and real. He doesn't shy away from tough conversations, like raising children in a racially divided world or navigating anxiety as a parent. His storytelling style pulls people in, and his use of social media to amplify his message has made him a sought-after speaker at both parenting conferences and corporate wellness events.

In South Africa, Nozipho Tshabalala has emerged as a powerful voice in parenting and education. While she's primarily known as a moderator and business speaker, her work in youth empowerment and family dynamics has led her to speak at parenting summits across Africa. Her approach blends economic context with parenting strategies, making her talks especially relevant in underserved communities.

What unites these speakers isn't a single path. It's their ability to adapt, to speak from a place of authenticity, and to meet parents where they are - whether that's in a boardroom, a church hall, or a Zoom room.

The landscape for parenting speakers is shifting in some pretty interesting ways. As family structures and societal norms evolve, so do the expectations placed on those who speak about parenting. Here's what's on the horizon:

- Intersectional Parenting. More speakers are addressing how race, gender identity, neurodiversity, and economic status shape parenting experiences. This means more nuanced conversations and more diverse voices on stage.

- Digital Parenting Expertise. With kids growing up in a digital-first world, speakers who can guide parents through screen time, online safety, and tech literacy are in high demand. Think of experts like Devorah Heitner, who focuses on raising digital natives with empathy and boundaries.

- Micro-communities and Niche Audiences. Instead of one-size-fits-all keynotes, we're seeing a rise in niche parenting talks: single dads, LGBTQ+ parents, parents of gifted children, or those raising kids with disabilities. These micro-niches are building strong, loyal audiences.

- Hybrid and Virtual Speaking Models. The pandemic normalized virtual events, and that's not going away. Parenting speakers are now expected to deliver value both onstage and through webinars, online summits, or even Instagram Lives. Platforms like Talks.co are making it easier to get booked for these kinds of appearances.

- Data-Driven Storytelling. Parents are more skeptical of anecdotal advice. They want research-backed insights. Speakers who can blend personal stories with solid data - and cite sources like the CDC, Pew Research, or UNICEF - will stand out.

Looking ahead, the most successful parenting speakers will be those who stay agile, listen to their audience, and aren't afraid to challenge outdated norms. The future isn't about louder voices - it's about smarter, more inclusive conversations.

- Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts and event organizers. It's especially useful for parenting speakers looking to build credibility through interviews and guest appearances. Tip: Use keyword-rich profiles to get discovered by the right hosts.

- SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can list your profile, pitch to events, and join speaker bureaus. Great for those just starting out or looking to expand internationally.

- Canva. For creating polished speaker decks, social media graphics, and event promo materials. Use their templates to design parenting-specific visuals that resonate with your audience.

- Parenting Science. A goldmine of research-backed articles on child development, behavior, and psychology. Referencing this site in your talks can boost your credibility with data-hungry audiences.

- Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual workshops and webinars. Pro tip: Use breakout rooms to facilitate small group discussions during parenting sessions.

- Mailerlite. A beginner-friendly email marketing tool to build your list and keep your audience engaged between talks. Segment your list by topic (e.g. toddler behavior vs. teen anxiety) for better targeting.

- Eventbrite. Whether you're hosting your own parenting workshop or looking for events to attend and network, Eventbrite is a solid resource. Use it to test new talk topics with live audiences.