Nobody is a born parent. Parenting classes help people become better parents. I don’t think that you become a parent as soon as you have a kid. Some people still lack the proper parenting skills. They need to learn and get training to become better parents. Honestly I have learnt with experience.
Unfortunately, the culture I live in does not support the idea of parenting classes. But I am a strong advocate of giving parents some parental advice and training before they have kids or plan kids.
This blog explains the whole concept of parenting classes. It highlights the need and importance of these classes for both children and parents.
What are Parenting Classes
Training sessions or classes that help parents develop or improve their skills of:
- Disciplining their kids
- Offering support to their kids and
- Helping them to grow their kids
are known as parenting classes.
The basic purpose of these classes is to eradicate child abuse. They also help in the removal of mistreatment of children from their parents. Childhood trauma is real. Some parents have a greater capability of passing their generational trauma to their kids. Shouting, physically and emotional abuse are part of generational trauma. These classes make sure that parents identify their shortcomings and improve them to parent their children in a better manner.
Parenting classes promote positive parenting practices.
Another purpose of parenting classes is to make parents aware of the child’s physical and psychological developmental changes. This would help parents expect realistic achievement of milestones from their children.
How Long are Parenting Classes
There is no fixed duration of these classes. In some countries, they might last for a few hours. However, they might be a few weeks to months-long in certain cases. It depends upon the availability and suitability of the parents and which classes they want to attend.
In the case of court-ordered parenting class, the duration ranges from four to six hours. Other parenting classes with certifications might also last from six to twelve weeks. It depends on you which certification you choose.
Online Parenting Classes
Ofcourse online parenting classes include the one on one or group sessions or courses that you can take from the comfort of your homes. Online parenting classes are best for those parents who cannot take time to physically attend classes. In case they already have kids to look after or a tough job then online parenting classes ease the overall process of learning.
One thing that you should keep in mind is that these classes are not just for parents to be. If you are a parent struggling with terrible twos, toddler tantrums and teen issues you are also eligible for these classes.
Love and Logic Parenting Classes
Parenting classes that are built on the idea of love and logic are known as love and logic parenting classes. Love and logic advocates that let children make mistakes and learn from their consequences. I think this concept is right in most of the cases.
If your child scatters legos then he or she will not learn about putting them in the toy basket unless he or she puts their feet on them and gets hurt.
I think the “love and logic” phenomena is a universal one. Even in later life children will learn better from their own personal experiences.
Love and logic parenting classes advocate that parents should not use threats, anger and repeated warnings to teach their children. These classes teach parents strategies to set limits in a respectful and loving way.
Advantages of Parenting Classes
These classes have several advantages for both children and parents. Let’s have a look at some of them:
Effective Communication:
Effective communication is the key to every human relationship. These classes help parents identify the best way to communicate with their children.It is better to always keep open communication with your children. I always encourage my sons to tell me all about their day at school when they return home.
Good Source of Information for New Parents:
New parents or parents generally have no experience raising kids. These classes can therefore make them learn the basics of how to handle their child especially in the newborn phase. This includes breastfeeding tips, setting a night routine, bathing the baby etc.
Emotional Management:
When I had my first baby some eight years ago nobody told me about the psychological changes I was going to experience as a first time mom. Postpartum depression was one of them.
These classes therefore teach parents emotional regulation and management.
Support System:
Having a strong support system is very important. When you attend physical classes you get an opportunity to engage and network with other parents as well, This helps you build a strong support system. You can get along with other parents who are also in the same boat as you.
My Two Cents
Living in a country where I really don;t have the opportunity of parenting classes I wish I could advocate the need of these classes through this platform. PC’s are not just important for the wellbeing of parents but also for a better upbringing of children. Parents should make sure that they are both physically and emotionally fit to have and deal with children before they plan them.