Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a total free for all. Don’t expect yourself to know everything there is to know about childcare immediately. Parenting wisdom has developed over thousands of years, so give yourself a break. Luckily, there’s plenty of help out there for parents in need of a bit of extra parenting support. Today we’ll be reviewing 11 of the very best online parenting classes available in 2021. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What is an online parenting class?
Parenting classes exist to give help parents navigate the sometimes rocky road of parenthood. Joining a parenting class doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. Quite the contrary. Joining a parenting class is a way to help you feel more connected and involved with your children. A parenting class is a safe space where you can learn about different parenting techniques in a supportive environment alongside other parents who may be dealing with similar issues or have similar concerns. Choosing to take a parenting class is a great decision which will benefit you as a parent and your entire family unit.
Over the past year, our lives have moved online like never before. And parenting classes are no different. There are tons of online parting classes available in 2021. Taking a course online is a convenient option for busy parents, juggling those seemingly endless to-do lists.
The benefits of taking an online parenting class
Taking a parenting class, whether online or offline, comes with tremendous benefits. You’ll learn about different parenting philosophies and techniques, whilst being able to discuss your ideas, thoughts, and concerns in a safe and inclusive environment. Plus, you’ll gain the support of your class leader and be able to make use of their professional expertise.
As a dad, taking a parenting class either on your own or with your partner can be a liberating and confidence-building experience. Moms are inundated with parenting advice from the moment they become pregnant. Often dads can feel a bit left behind. Taking a class will help you feel more in control of your fatherhood. You’ll equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to be the best father you can be. Priceless.
Top benefits include:
- Educating yourself about child development
- Learning how to solve common parenting problems
- Learning what to expect as your child grows up
- Learning how to manage family relationships
- Gaining practical parenting skills – e.g., how to change a nappy.
What to look for in an online parenting class
Parenting classes range in style and topic so you’ll want to do some research before selecting an online program. There are various factors to take into account, including the breadth of the course, your own personal schedule, and the level of support on offer.
The first thing you’ll want to do is decide whether you need a compartmentalized parenting class or a comprehensive parenting class.
We’ve outlined the difference for you below. Basically, you need to decide between focusing on a specific issue or parenting as a whole.
Compartmentalized parenting courses target specific issues. That could mean a particular behavioral issue like fussy eating, for example, a particular age group, or a specific developmental stage such as potty training.
Comprehensive parenting courses are much more general. A comprehensive class is designed to offer help and advice about parenting all-round. You’ll be prepped in common behavioral issues and parenting techniques. This is a great option if you’re a new dad or expecting your first child.
Once you’ve decided whether to opt for compartmentalized or comprehensive coaching, factor in any other considerations that might be important for you. That could be scheduling priorities (are you able to attend the course?), support (will you be able to speak to a parenting expert for extra help?), or checking out some reviews.
11 best online parenting classes of 2021
To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of some of the best online parenting classes available right now in 2021. Below, you’ll find a diverse range of courses, each with a different focus. So have a peruse and pick the one that speaks to you and your parenting needs.
1. Meghan Leahy Parent Coach
Meghan Leahy is one of the big names in parenting. In fact, she is the Washington Post’s in-house parenting expert. Lucky for you, Meghan also offers on demand coaching and parenting classes. So, whether you’re after one-to-one coaching or looking to meet like-minded parents, you’ll find plenty of support. You’ll even be able to enjoy access to the MLPC resource center where you can access tons of free parenting resources.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
2. Peace at Home Parenting Solutions
Peace at Home Parenting Solutions offer a free parenting class and resources. You can choose between live online classes or class recordings that can be watched any time. All classes are led by a team of parenting experts and based on well-researched and practical solutions that help reduce stress, decrease negative behavior, and strengthen family relationships. During live classes you’ll be able to ask questions and chat with other parents taking the class. Pre-recorded sessions are also a great option for parents who would otherwise not have the time to attend a live class. You’ll be able to watch anytime, anywhere and pause, rewind, or restart the content as it suits you.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
3. Crossroads of Parenting and Divorce
Active Parenting’s class, Crossroads of Parenting and Divorce, is a five-step seminar for divorcing parents. The class is centered around the concept of ‘divorce abuse’. Divorce abuse is the emotional pain that divorcing parents can cause their children. This video-based seminar is designed to help you moderate your actions and prevent any undue harm to you children by showing you how to nurture positive post- divorce co-parenting relationships. Over the five seminars, you’ll be trained in how to keep you child out of the middle and allow your child to love both parents whilst working on your own recovery. You’ll be equipped with tools to help improve communication for positive relationships.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
4. Generation Mindful: Online Positive Parenting Course
The Online Positive Parenting Course by Generation Mindful will help you learn how to discipline your children ‘without yelling, shame, blame, or pain’. This class is designed to help you lay the foundations for a trusting parent-child relationship now and well into the future. The program is entirely self-paced and split into six parts. Plus, you’ll be able to access monthly live Q&A calls, community support, and live-coaching calls. A great, flexible, all-round parenting class with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
5. Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
This parenting class by Aha! Parenting.com is designed to help parents feel more confident and peaceful in their role as mom or dad. The course is based on Dr Laura’s book of the same name which helps parents understand exactly what is driving their child’s behavior and then offers practical tools to help. This 12-week self-paced program is ideal for parents who want actionable strategies to help during those brain-frying parenting moments.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
Click here to check out Dr Laura’s book on Barnes and Noble.
6. The Science of Parenting
The Science of Parenting is an online course by edX courses. The course addresses the confusion that surrounds parenting techniques and cuts through all of the discourse to the science of parenting. The course aims to provide a survey of the most important scientific findings across a wide range of parenting-related topics including: diet, sleep, discipline, learning, screen time, impulse control, and vaccination. Led by David Barner, a leading authority on cognitive development, alongside a series of leading experts, this is a great course for parents who want a scientific approach to parenting.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
7. Positive Parenting Solutions
This free online class aims to get your kids to listen without the yelling, nagging, or losing control. This could be the class for you if you want an affordable solution-packed resource. Founder Amy McCready is a best-selling author, mother of two, and self-proclaimed “recovering yeller”. Amy is passionate about the power of positive parenting and now wants to share her life-changing strategies with you.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
8. Baby 101: The Parenting Prerequisite
This course by Tinyhood is perfect for newly expecting parents. Baby 101 is Tinyhood’s flagship parenting course. The class is designed to walk new parents through everything they need to know before baby arrives. The course has been designed by experienced parents and certified experts to provide a curated selection of the most essential information. As part of the course, you’ll get 3+ hours of on-demand content, 40+ downloadable guides and checklists, and a certification of completion.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
9. Talking to Toddlers
Parenting Code are offering a free video lesson for parents. Talking to toddlers is a class full of free toddler parenting tips led by Chris Thompson, an author, parenting expert, and certified NLP practitioner. Chris’ video lesson covers everything you need to know about toddler communication and offers important tips to help you communicate effectively with your child and manage their behavior.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
10. Stressless Single Parenting Online Class
Brought to you by LifeMatters, the Stressless Single Parenting Online Class, is specifically targeted at single parents and primary caregivers. The class is designed to support parents in raising responsible, respectful children alone. The class is appropriate for any age of children with a clear focus on how to create a ‘family’ unit when there is only one primary parent around. This eight-week course is 100% online and allows you to read the material on any device. In the case of a court mandate, the class is also guaranteed to be accepted by the courts or your money back.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
11. The Nurturing Father’s Program (NFP)
Last but not least, here’s one just for the dads. The Nurturing Father’s Program is an evidence-based, 13-week training course for dads. The course is designed to equip men with the parenting and nurturing skills they need to raise a child. Each class is 2.5 hours long and provides proven, effective skills for nurturing healthy family relationships and child development. The program has already seen great success in schools, churches, State prisons, Halfway houses, parenting and counseling centers, military units, and community action agencies. This course if for all dads, no matter your background and is also available in Spanish.
Click here to find out more and sign up.
Pro parenthood is just an online class away
So, there we have it. There’s certainly no shortage of online classes and resources out there for parents. As a new dad, taking a parenting class can be a liberating and confidence-building experience. With classes ranging in price, focus, and structure, there’s a class out there to meet every dad’s needs.
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