Before we dive into the question, “Why is parenting education important?,” let’s discuss who parenting classes are for. Parenting classes are great for new parents or parents who want to improve their relationship with their children. Seeking out additional education doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Actually, quite the opposite! Maybe something’s not working in your home right now, but you’re here looking for answers. Parenting classes can help you develop productive communication and discipline tactics so you can experience peace in your home.
A Cognitive Connection is a cognitive and behavioral therapy center in Colorado Springs that also offers parenting classes based on the latest child development research. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, we’d love to help support you and your family, so reach out if you have any questions or would like to sign up for a class.
What Does Effective Parenting Look Like?
Effective parenting can look different depending on your family circumstances, expectations, and child’s personality. However, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has created a few guidelines for effective parenting based on over 30 years of research.
They propose that there are five basic pillars of effective parenting:
- Responding appropriately.
- Preventing risky behavior.
- Monitoring your child’s interactions.
- Mentoring your child to encourage certain behaviors.
- And modeling positive behavior.
How you implement these pillars in your home can vary, but try to focus on creating a positive and encouraging environment while guiding your children toward desired behaviors.
Signs You Could Benefit From Parenting Education
There are a few signs you could benefit from parenting education. If you find yourself:
- Feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a parent
- Not knowing how to handle your child’s behavior
- Disagreeing on discipline tactics with your partner
- Struggling to maintain strong relationships with your children
These are all signs that you could benefit from learning more about parenting and how to be a better parent. Taking the time to learn more about child development, communication methods, and discipline tactics can help you create a positive home environment for your family.
6 Benefits of Parenting Classes
You’d probably tell anyone that your children are your top priority and you want them to have the best lives possible. So, doesn’t it make sense that you would like as much information as possible when parenting them?
Whether you’re a first-time parent or are preparing to have your fifth child, you can learn valuable skills and techniques by attending parenting classes. Parenting classes cover various topics, so be sure to choose one that’s tailored to the needs of your family. Some benefits of attending parenting classes include:
1. Master Parenting Basics
Even if you’re experienced with children, becoming a parent for the first time can be frightening. Suddenly, you’re responsible for someone’s life and feel like you have to become an expert in everything from potty training to academics. Parenting classes can ease your fears by preparing you for your child’s different developmental stages and providing actionable advice for tackling them with confidence.
2. Learn Current Research
As a parent, you already have your plate full and constantly juggle multiple to-do lists. Because you’re busy, it can be difficult to find time to research different parenting techniques and how to raise a happy, healthy child. Parenting workshops will help you stay updated with the latest findings and learn about proven parenting tactics.
3. Increase Engagement
Researchers have found that one of the pillars of a student’s academic success is their parent(s) involvement. A 2018 literature review revealed that children perform better when parents:
- Read to them
- Hold them to a high standard
- Communicate about school
- Support and encourage their children’s learning (e.g., through homework help, verbal affirmation, etc.)
Attending parenting classes can help you learn how to be positively involved in your child’s academic journey.
4. Find A Parenting Style That Fits Your Child’s Personality
Did you know that matching your parenting style to your child’s personality has a huge impact on their success later in life? One study by the University of Washington found that using a parenting style catered to your child’s personality can decrease the chances of developing anxiety or depression by up to 50 percent.
Conversely, using a parenting style without your child’s personality in mind can unintentionally increase the chances of your child becoming depressed or anxious. If you have multiple children, you may need a slightly different parenting style for each, which may feel overwhelming initially, but a good education class can help you find the right fit.
5. Build Confidence
As a parent, it’s common to question your choices and wonder if you’re doing a good job. Parenting classes provide a safe space to speak with other parents who feel the same way. Talking with others helps you feel less alone and reminds you that you’re doing your best.
In addition, attending parenting classes is a great way to help build confidence and feel decisive in your parenting decisions. Being a confident parent will help your child feel more confident as
6. Create A Support Network
One of the most important benefits of attending parenting classes is building a support network. So often, parenting can feel impossible, and it’s essential to have a network of other parents who understand how you feel and can offer words of encouragement or a listening ear.
Even though parenting classes aren’t designed as a support group, you’ll naturally create a support network from other attendees who are facing similar problems. Simply having a chance to hear the parenting struggles that someone else is facing can instantly help you feel less alone.
A Cognitive Connection Can Help You Be the Best Parent for Your Child
Parenting classes aren’t just for first-time parents; they’re for anyone who wants to improve their parenting skills. Every child is unique, and every child responds differently to parenting tactics. That’s why it’s crucial to explore your options and learn why one parenting method may be more successful in your home than another. If you’re ready to create well-rounded parenting strategies, meet other like-minded parents, and feel confident in your parenting abilities, then schedule a consultation with the A Cognitive Connection team to learn more about our parenting classes!
