A Guide to Online Parenting Classes: A Transformational Journey for Every Parent
Mar 15, 2024
Parenting is no easy task. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. Thankfully, the internet has made it easier for parents to access resources and support that can help them navigate this transformative journey. Online parenting classes can be rewarding, or they can be a waste of time and money,
Whether you're a first-time parent looking for guidance or a seasoned pro seeking new insights, these classes offer a wealth of knowledge and practical tips. Every parent can benefit from parenting classes.
With the power of the internet, online parenting classes provide a flexible and personalized learning experience. You can access valuable information anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. From strengthening your communication skills to understanding child development, these classes cover a wide range of topics that address the specific challenges parents face.
How do you know which parenting classes to invest in?
Benefits of Online Parenting Classes
When searching for parenting classes, which benefits are important to look for?
- Online parenting classes should allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Whether a stay-at-home parent or a working professional, being able to access valuable information anytime, anywhere.
- The range of topics: do they cover fundamentals of human growth, or are they just surface-level fixes? Remember, at the end of the day, you are working for a healthy and secure relationship; you can't fake it. Topics like effective discipline strategies for fostering emotional intelligence are for you and your child.
- A community aspect that the professionals lead. This is important because you do not want to be led by other parents who have the same problems, you want to be guided by the person that has experience and knowledge in the strategies that they are coaching. Without professional wisdom, the community tends to become a place where you rant and rave with each other. There will be no growth. Growth happens when you have someone push back, and you find blind spots.
- Is there direct access to the professional? Having direct access and two-way communication with the professional parent coach is where the magic happens when you are looking to be a better parent. Having the debriefs of the tools where the parent coach can ask you questions to go deeper to find out the why behind your actions allows you the chance to have more ah-ah moments at a greater frequency. Open Group Coaching calls also allow you to see different situations from your perspective, leading to even more ah-ah moments.
Types of Online Parenting Classes Available
Online parenting classes come in various formats, catering to different learning styles and preferences. One popular option is self-paced courses, where you have access to pre-recorded videos, articles, and worksheets without any community or direct coaching. These courses allow you to learn at your own speed and revisit the material whenever you need a refresher. They are ideal for individuals who prefer a more independent learning experience.
Positives:
Convenience: Flexibility to access resources at any time, fitting into busy schedules.
Self-Paced Learning: Allows individuals to absorb information at their own speed.
Privacy: Opportunity to learn and reflect without the pressure of immediate interaction.
Broad Accessibility: Accessible to individuals regardless of location or time zone.
Negatives:
Limited Feedback: Lack of real-time guidance and personalized support may hinder progress
Isolation: The absence of community connection and shared experiences may lead to feelings of isolation.
Accountability Challenges: Without regular interaction, individuals may struggle to stay motivated and accountable for implementing strategies.
While you may not receive immediate feedback, self-paced learning models encourage self-reflection and personal growth, empowering you to discover insights and solutions within yourself. Without the pressure of immediate interaction, you have the freedom to explore and learn independently, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence in your parenting journey. Online parenting classes have flexibility in accountability, allowing you to take ownership of your progress while still benefiting from our supportive community and resources whenever you need them.
Online parenting programs also have different formats that include varying types of community interaction and coaching.
Communities:
Parent/client lead: These communities run on parent-to-parent interactions, with light guidance from professionals.
The positive of this format is that you get to connect with parents from around the world who are having the same problems as you, and you can feel less alone and be seen by your peers. You could also benefit from the accountability and the fun that you might have within the community.
What you miss with Parent Lead communities is possible growth. When we stay where is it comfortable, maybe it could be complaining about the kids, your tiredness, you will not be able to see the blind spots that need to be examined and unearthed.
Coach Lead Communities: The professional is steering the ship. The coaches(s) are the ones who give the community prompts and lead the conversation. They are heavily involved in the conversations.
The positive of this format is that you are being led by a professional who knows where the common roadblocks are and how to solve them. They know the best way to communicate, and they often model (or discipline) the methods and techniques that they teach within their courses.
It might feel intense and uncomfortable. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is where the most growth happens.
Live Coaching:
Q&A Style (One-Way Coaching):
This is a style of live coaching in which you, the parent, have a question, and you post that question. The coach has a LIVE call where they address these questions directly without further communication to you.
You get your questions answered in a manner that allows you to implement it the best you know how with the information provided. There is more anonymity.
There is no room for push-back or further questions that the coach can ask to see if they are missing some information.
Hotseat Coaching (Two-Way Coaching)
Hotseat coaching is when you get on a group coaching call, and you might have posted a question, and the coach and you are able to have a dynamic conversation about your question.
You are able to get to experience the methods and techniques that the coach is teaching within the courses, and you and the coach are able to talk through the question in depth and, most of the time, uncover more questions that you have. As a spectator, you get a chance to see that method and tools from a different perspective.
It can be intimidating and intense to be in the hot seat. Sometimes, it will bring up emotions that you didn't even know were there.
One - One Coaching
This is when it is closed, coaching only you and the coach.
This allows for maximum individual support.
This is where you can have a great amount of growth due to the individualized support, getting them to the bottom of your specific pain points
Most of the time, this is the most expensive option, and you lose out on being the observer working through situations in the home.
As you can see, there are varying ways to work with a parent coach online. What is important is that you find a safe parent coach. You want to be the best parent for your child, but most times, it means that you need to work on your methods, behaviors, beliefs, and techniques, and that will only work if you feel safe.
How Online Parenting Classes Work
Online parenting classes operate on various platforms, each with its own features and functionalities. Most classes are accessible through a website or a dedicated online learning platform. Upon registration, you will receive login credentials that grant you access to the course materials.
The course materials typically consist of videos, written content, quizzes, and worksheets. These resources are designed to deliver information in a clear and engaging manner. Videos may feature expert instructors, interviews with parents, or real-life scenarios to illustrate key concepts. Written content provides in-depth explanations and actionable tips, while quizzes and worksheets help reinforce your understanding of the material.
Some online parenting classes also have a community component, such as live classes or live coaching.
Many online parenting classes also offer certificates of completion or badges to acknowledge your participation and successful completion of the course.
Finding the Right Online Parenting Class for You
With the abundance of online parenting classes available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of your learning experience, consider the following factors when selecting a class:
- Safety: You are about to work on the most important piece of your life with a person from the internet, you and your family. Safety should be your top concern. Are they practicing what they are teaching and coaching? Do you feel safe in their presence to share details of your parenting life? Life as a parent is not always pretty, being able to share the nasty parts of your parenting journey with someone who will not judge you, but support is important.
- Reputation and Credibility: Research the instructor or organization offering the class. Look for reviews, testimonials, and credentials that demonstrate their expertise in the field of parenting. What experts and scientific research are they sourcing their coaching strategies from?
- Course Content: Review the course syllabus or description to ensure it covers the topics you are interested in or need assistance with. Consider the depth of the content and whether it will cover below-surface topics, such as emotional intelligence, not just scripts.
- Learning Format: Determine which learning format suits your preferences and schedule. Do you prefer self-paced courses or live interactions? Are you looking for one-on-one coaching or group sessions?
- Community and Support: Consider whether the class offers opportunities to connect with other parents and seek support. Online forums, group coaching sessions, or access to a community of like-minded parents can enhance your learning experience.
- Cost and Value: Evaluate the cost of the course and whether it fits within your budget. How long do you have access to the material? How many, and which type of coaching is provided? Is it the correct amount of accountability for your needs?
- Parent or Child Focused: What does the program center itself on? Are they teaching you how to change your child's behavior or your own? Research shows again and again that you can not control anyone but yourself.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the online parenting class that best fits your needs and preferences.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Online Parenting Classes
To maximize the benefits of online parenting classes, it's essential to approach them with intention and commitment. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your learning experience:
- Set Goals: Identify the specific areas of parenting you want to improve or learn more about. Set goals for what you hope to achieve through the class, whether it's fostering better communication or implementing effective positive discipline strategies.
- Create a Schedule: Allocate dedicated time for your online parenting class. Treat it as you would any other commitment or appointment. By setting aside uninterrupted time, you can fully engage with the material and reflect on how it applies to your own parenting journey.
- Journaling: Actively engage with the course materials by taking notes. Summarize key concepts, jot down your thoughts, and highlight actionable tips. This process helps reinforce your understanding. Science proves that writing things down allows you to process the information. These are your journals. Your handwriting is just fine!
- Engage in the Community: If the online parenting class offers discussion forums or live Q&A sessions, make an effort to participate. Engaging with other parents and the coach can deepen your learning experience and provide valuable insights from different perspectives.
- Apply What You Learn: As you progress through the course, apply what you learn in real-life situations. Experiment with new strategies, observe the results and make adjustments as needed. True transformation happens when you put theory into practice and then debrief what happens to keep improving.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support when you encounter challenges or have questions. Whether it's engaging with the class community or seeking guidance from the instructor, leveraging the available support can enhance your learning journey.
By approaching online parenting classes with intention and actively engaging with the material and support systems, you can unlock the full potential of these transformative learning experiences.
Success Stories from Parents Who Have Taken Online Parenting Classes
The impact of online parenting classes can be profound, as evidenced by the success stories of parents who have taken these courses. Let's explore a few real-life examples:
Case Study 1: Bridget's Journey to Positive Parenting
"I had been on the positive parenting side of social media for four years, and I agreed with many of the technics and figured that with their fast tips and tricks, I would be able to implement them in my house naturally.
This was not the case, so I kept searching and found MegAnne; to me, she was different. I again said this would come naturally if I just put the time in the free spaces. 6 months after consuming all of MegAnne’s free content, I still was not seeing any significant change.
Still, we had uncontrollable outbursts, and I felt lost after these outbursts.
I decided to start the journey into the paid programs, Raising Respectful Kids and then Class Pass.
I put in the work by watching the videos and journaling, and I started understanding the foundations and feeling confident about how to respond instead of reacting.
I knew this was where I wanted to go, so I invested my time and money into becoming a #kindsquad member.
Finally, with MegAnne and the kindsquad in my pocket, I could let go of all the other content and “shoulds” in my life.
As I worked the process, I now see my oldest son from a new perspective.
Before the program, I perceived his behaviors as signs of ADHD, which made me fearful of sending him to school and having a hard time.
After using the C.L.E.A.R. Method and Positive Parenting philosophy, the truth was that his behaviors had more to do with how I interacted with him than medical problems.
MegAnne’s program supported me in finding my new authoritative parenting style. I no longer fear my son is ADHD because his behaviors have nearly stopped.
I can now tune into his needs at the time. This is a skill that I have had to practice and embrace in the process.
The transformation of the relationship between my son and me is invaluable. I am reaping the benefits of the choice I made starting MegAnne’s Positive Parenting Journey.
I can use her method and positive parenting philosophy in any situation with my kids or family. When something does escalate to something that doesn’t feel good, you can reflect, pinpoint where it went wrong, and focus on practicing there next time.
I used to cry and have extreme guilt after a big blow-up because I didn’t have the tools to reflect and find where things went off the tracks.
Now, I feel good about the mistakes because I have a system to reflect and say OHHHH, that is where we (I) went wrong.
I feel good about the parent I am becoming. I am proud of myself!
Does positive parenting work? With MegAnne, the answer is YES. You don’t have to do things you feel uncomfortable with. Instead, MegAnne sheds light on the places that we can improve.
You might even wonder if you have been given the manual to parenting."
~ Bridget T. - C.L.E.A.R. and Kind Parents Client - Mom of 2 ~
Case Study 2: Cyndi and her yelling
"Yelling. Oh, the yelling. Yelling was always just something that happened. I was the mom who felt it was the only way to get things done. When my daughter pointed it out as one of my shortcomings, it crushed me.
A friend sent me a few of MegAnne’s TikTok videos. MegAnne was offering one of her Gentle Parenting sessions, and after talking to my husband, we decided what we had to lose.
It was a great decision, and I am glad I took the classes. I had a big ah-ha moment in one meeting where MegAnne pointed out that yelling is a choice 🤯.
We now have come to joint agreements that they understand and have buy-in, which makes conversations around them much lighter.
For example, tv: We came to a family agreement that the tv would not go on if the family room was not picked up. This still leads to tears and frustrations, but we have an agreement we can come back to, and it often leads to action, whether a clean room or a conversation on who should do what or when it will get picked up.
My need to fix and rescue is also something that I am working on. A great example is when I take my kids to sporting practices/games. I would be on the sideline telling them to participate or behave.
I have realized that my role is only to get them to the practice/game, and not be the coach. I often sit in discomfort, but it has helped me set boundaries for myself and allowed me not to be a mean/embarrassing mom.
The C.L.E.A.R. method allows me to reflect more on my actions and how these impact my family.
I have intentionally worked not to yell as much, but when fractures happen, I seek to repair them and not just deny/forget about them.
I have also realized that I can be ambiguous, and children need clearer direction. When I would say in a minute, they would assume that meant in a minute.
Now I know to be clearer and hold myself to what I agree.
I want to be the person my kids feel safe with, someone they can turn to and not out of obligation. During a meeting that hit home, I want my kids to visit me when they are older because they want to, not because they have to.
There is no negative to joining. You will unlock being a better parent, partner, co-worker, etc. It is not all fun and games, and there will be tears, but you will see the transformation within yourself and your kids that will make your “what do I want for my kids in 20 years” become more of a reality.
~ Cyndi N. - C.L.E.A.R. & Kind Parents Client - Mom of 3 ~
Common Misconceptions about Online Parenting Classes
Despite the numerous benefits and success stories, there are some common misconceptions surrounding online parenting classes. Let's address a few of them:
- After you watch the class, everything will make sense, and your home will be transformed into a quiet, peaceful, always happy home. This is not true; the classes, coaching sessions, and other resources are there to support your individual journey, which takes time and dedication. You will learn tools that will help you navigate the ups and downs of parenting and self-discovery
- This can replace therapy. Many coaches are not therapists. Parent coaching and talk therapy are in parallel fields. Sometimes, the lines become grey, and with a safe and professional parent coach, they will make that line is clear for you.
- Not as Effective as In-person Classes: Online parenting classes are often perceived as less effective than in-person classes. However, research has shown that online education can be just as effective, if not more so when designed and delivered thoughtfully. The flexibility and personalized learning experience of online classes can actually enhance the effectiveness of the material.
- Lack of Interaction and Engagement: Some believe that online parenting classes lack the interaction and engagement found in traditional classroom settings. While the format may be different, many online classes offer opportunities for live interactions, discussion forums, and virtual support groups. These features foster engagement and create a sense of community among participants.
- Parents shouldn't have to take parenting classes. They should just know (only bad parents need parenting classes). Being a parent is a job. Although, we do not always think of it that way. The hard-hitting question is, would you hire someone to take care of your child full-time without the awareness, education, and practice to take care of children? I think the answer is NO. We inherit our parenting beliefs and tools from our childhood, and there is so much new research into how to raise humans. Online parenting classes can expand your awareness, give you the education you need, and provide the support to practice in your home.
It's important to challenge these misconceptions and recognize the value and effectiveness of online parenting classes. By embracing these courses as a legitimate and transformative learning tool, parents can access the knowledge and support they need to thrive in their parenting journey.
Online Parenting Class Resources and Websites
To help you get started on your online parenting class journey, here are some reputable resources and websites that offer a wide range of courses:
1. Be Kind Coaching: Parent Coach MegAnne Ford offers serval forms of parenting classes, from 5-day email series to a coaching program with classes, and hot seat group coaching to one-on-one coaching calls. Mastering Parenting through Awareness, Education, and Practice. Pricing from Free to $3,000. C.L.E.A.R. Method Mini-Course, and get introduced to the method you can use all day, every day!
2. Positive Discipline - Jane Nelson: Teach your children important social and life skills with our parenting program of encouragement and mutual respect for every life stage. Parenting Class for $69 and Books.
3. Gottman Institute: The Gottman Institute provides online parenting classes based on the research and expertise of renowned relationship therapists Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman. Their classes focus on building emotional intelligence in children and fostering healthy parent-child relationships. ~$130 Course
4. The Mom Psychologist, Dr. Jazmin: Are you ready to finally see better behavior? A self-paced program for parents of young children (10 and under) designed to take the guesswork out of positive discipline, whether you're a first-time parent or parent to multiples. ~ $200 - $300
These resources are just a starting point, and many more online platforms and organizations offer parenting courses. Take the time to explore different options and find the resources that align with your specific needs and goals.
Parenting is a transformative journey that requires constant learning and adaptation. Online parenting classes provide a unique opportunity to access valuable knowledge and support at your own pace and convenience. From understanding child development to mastering effective communication, these classes cover a wide range of topics that address the specific challenges parents face.
By embracing the power of online parenting classes, you can unlock your full potential as a parent. The flexibility, personalized learning experience, and sense of community offered by these classes can empower you to navigate the joys and complexities of parenthood with confidence and resilience.
So, embark on this transformational journey, and let online parenting classes be your guide. Explore the resources, find the right class for you, and dive into the wealth of knowledge and practical tips they offer. Embrace the growth, connect with like-minded parents, and watch as you evolve into the best parent you can be.
Remember, the journey of parenthood is not meant to be traveled alone. With online parenting classes, you can join a supportive community of parents who are also on their own transformational journey. Together, let's navigate the wonderful world of parenting and create a brighter future for our children.
Created: March 15, 2024
