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Taking parenting classes should be the decision of each parent without any obligations. This article will cover the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of parenting classes. Also, you will learn about things that parents learn during classes, and the kinds of parenting classes you can take.

What is the purpose of parenting classes?

Parenting support program aims at assisting and enhancing the parents’ good practices and behaviors such as “developing and practicing positive discipline techniques, learning age-appropriate child development skills and milestones, promoting positive play and interaction between parents and children, and locating and accessing community services and supports.”

Many may say parenting comes naturally, and that’s right! but we need to face the fact that other parents do need additional support and guidance on how to grow their kids, and understand child development. Today, we have about 30% of parents depressed because it’s no lie that parenting is a full-time job that requires your psychology, and physical presence.

What would you benefit with parenting classes

Being involved in parenting classes can help promotes the use of positive parenting practices, such as using positive language, planned discipline, and family routines. This increase the parent’s knowledge with child development, and communication approaches.

Children with parents participating in such programs have good social skills and good behavior.

Parenting classes help parents to have a positive attitude and confidence in their parenting skills. Positive self-esteem tends to increase, and feelings of self-mastery about parenting.

These classes improve communication skill among family members and this result in better understanding without a negative atmosphere.

Parents may also improve mental health, including a decrease in depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, and stress.

Parent education programs help parents learn other ways to physical punishment and change the family mindset regarding appropriate expectations of children, appropriate family roles, and other values that discourage the use of corporal punishment.

Turning to parent classes may not always be your answer

There may be rules that you learn from parenting classes that may not be helpful with your child because every family is different.

Sometimes as a parent, you must do what is best for your child. As a parent you should know what is right and bad for your child.

Parents need to spend time with their children. Getting to know your children by talking and doing some activities with them is always more valuable than spending time at these classes.

For parenting advice, you can ask your relatives or read parenting books instead of paying for parenting classes.

What are type of parenting classes

Expecting Mom Classes

These classes are taken by pregnant parents. The class helps parents to understand pregnancy journey, and what is expected. “Childbirth classes discuss topics such as labor and delivery, coping strategies during labor, epidurals and pain medications, medical procedures and what to expect both at the hospital or birth center and during the recovery period.” says Jill Ceder.

New Parents Classes

This is a good class for overwhelmed parents over a new baby. These classes will help you to know your role. And as you meet other parents, you will learn something from them as well. You will learn to breastfeed, changing of nappies, and deal with post-partum. These classes support infant development.

Special Need Classes

There are special classes for those parents who have gifted babies, and with medical challenges. “Whether it’s co-parenting after a split, dealing with adoption or foster parenting, or facing a medical challenge, these classes provide strategies, resources and support for managing the issues”, say Jill Ceder

Child Development Classes

Are you scared to deal with toddler tantrums? these classes are for you! These classes will help you to grow your toddler positively. You are taught potty training, dealing with toddler tantrums, sibling rivalry.

Where to take your classes

• Local Clinics
• Hospitals
• Pediatrician offices
• Internet
• Social Services
• Books

Other organizations may need you to pay for parenting classes, while others are free. You need to check first.

Parenting Books You Must Have

Investing in books is a good and wise decision you could ever done since the book will always be there which means you will have access to information every time you need it without having to pay again. Here is a list of recommended books for parenting: