There is no shortage of information and opinions about parenting. It can be tough to find reliable and affordable resources that will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to feel like a confident, informed mom.
This article covers the basics of how to find high-quality parenting classes without wasting your money or leaving you more confused or anxious than you started.
Step 1: Identify your learning goals
Parenting classes cover a plethora of topics, such as parenting skills and disciplinary styles, practical how-to’s like feeding or infant CPR, and tips on how to educate your child in their newborn and toddler years before formal schooling.
Make a list of all the questions that you want your parenting classes to answer, and identify classes that will address those questions. If you search for a class with your personal objectives in mind, you will be able to more quickly assess whether a particular class will suit your needs or waste your time and money.
Step 2: Decide what class format will meet your learning goals
Once you’ve determined what you hope to achieve in your parenting class, consider your learning style and personal needs to determine what type of parenting class will best help you reach your goals. For example:
- Are you more of an independent reader and thinker, or do you like classes with lots of discussions?
- Do you want to meet other parents in your local community, or do you want access to a national expert?
- If you’re taking parenting classes to fulfill legal requirements, which classes will comply with those obligations?
Also, consider your personal beliefs and worldview as you search for a parenting class provider. Make sure that the class you attend aligns with the values that you want to pass on to your child.
Step 3: Research classes with your criteria in mind
Now that you know exactly the kind of parenting education experience you have in mind, you can perform a strategic search.
Online Classes
You can find hundreds of online parenting classes. Like I said before, determine what is important to you. Whether it be positive parenting or breastfeeding 101, you will be able to find an online course to meet those needs. As I researched classes, here are a few programs I liked:
- Topics: A wide variety of topics, ranging from mental health to potty training to sleep hygiene
- Length: Live or recorded sessions
- Cost: ~$27 each. However, check their FAQ page for options to get free access
- Topics: Early childhood development, behavior genetics, family structure, breastfeeding, and learning styles
- Length: 5 Weeks
- Cost: Free!
- Topics: Parents of young children who are struggling with discipline, emotional regulation, and their own self-care. The course was designed by Dr. Laura Markham, who has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
- Length: 12-week course
- Cost: $159, partial scholarships are available
In-Person Classes
If you prefer in-person instruction, the easiest way to find a local parenting class is to use keyword searches that target the questions you want the class to answer (for example, breastfeeding or sleep training) and your zip code or town.
Ask your OBGYN or doula about where to find local parenting classes. Often the hospital you’ll give birth at will offer child health and safety classes and breastfeeding classes for free.
A nationwide resource is 211, a phone number you can call that is operated by the nonprofit United Way. If you call 211, you can get comprehensive information on available social services in your area, including parenting classes.
More Parenting Resources
Disclaimer: The following parenting resources are here to help you on your journey. She Might does not endorse any particular parenting site or receive compensation for listing them on ours. You are the expert on your family and what you are looking for as far as support goes, so we encourage you to look into multiple options and find what aligns best with your goals and family.
- Cooper offers expert-led parenting support through virtual group sessions, drop-in coaching, an on-demand library of parenting tools, and a vibrant community. With personalized advice from child development professionals, parents can address urgent challenges and access research-based resources anytime.
- Taking Cara Babies Offers online classes and resources to help parents teach their babies (0-4 years) healthy sleep habits using evidence-based, emotionally supportive techniques.
- Huckleberry provides personalized sleep and routine tracking for children, offering data-driven advice to improve sleep, feeding, and development.
- BabyCenter is one of the biggest digital parenting resources. They create content for every stage of pregnancy and parenting. They also have apps.
Trusting Your Inner Parent
There are countless options for parenting classes, but give yourself permission to trust your parental instincts. All parents have discovered how to raise their children through trial and error, and you will too! Don’t believe the lie that you are helpless without the perfect parenting class. Instead, treat these classes as opportunities to broaden your perspective on the world of childrearing, with the chance to take what works for you and let go of what doesn’t.
While moms are especially prone to self-doubt, remember that those feelings are normal and not a sign that you are not capable of motherhood. In fact, self-reflection about parenting is an indicator that you care about being a good parent; truly, that is enough to make you the perfect parent for your child.