Parent Ed 2.0

One thing has gotten easier during the pandemic

By Annie Garrett, M.Ed.

As a first-time parent in 2017, I found that returning to work after my parental leave meant parting ways with more than just my infant. It also meant leaving behind my parenting support group and the parentinfant programs we participated in. I yearned to return to the parenting group, but my work schedule wouldn’t allow for it.

Fast-forward to summer 2020. I’m working from home and decide to spend my lunch hour each Monday in an online parenting course through Hand in Hand Parenting (handinhandparenting.org). It was like having a blood transfusion. In a matter of weeks, my relationship with my daughter and my confidence as a parent feel restored.

Fast-forward another year, and my son is born. The parenting programs I’d had to abandon upon returning to work in 2017 are now available to us fully online, and research says this modality is just as effective as in-person classes. Talk about a pandemic silver lining!

But that’s not all. More options have opened up at low or no cost; Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS; peps.org), for example, now has a wonderfully simplified sliding-scale pay structure and offers programming for parents of teens as well as affinity groups for LGBTQ parents, single parents and others. Programs that lead with racial equity, such as Families of Color Seattle (focseattle.org), are finally out at the forefront where they belong. And longestablished institutions such as the University of Washington (ccfwb.uw.edu) are spinning out events (many of them for free) that better represent the broader community.

Here is a roundup of new offerings from local leaders in parent education:

Sound Discipline • sounddiscipline.org In its own words: “Sound Discipline offers parenting workshops in a relaxing, fun environment. All of our parenting workshops are currently offered online. … Parents build community and participate in activities designed to help them understand themselves, deepen an understanding of their children, and bring more peace and joy into the home.”

Online options: Most workshops/events are currently offered online.

Pricing: While most are fee-based, some workshops are free. Sound Discipline often partners with local organizations that will cover costs so that its members may attend for free.

The workshop recommendation of workshop recommendations: “Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way” is a renowned workshop with an international following.

Age range: Relevant for parents of children ages 0–18

Testimonials: “I think this is the only parenting class I have taken where I felt empowered and not riddled with guilt afterward.”

UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being • ccfwb.uw.edu In its own words: “We are committed to serving as a resource and partner in promoting the well-being of children and families through evidence-based programs, workshops and courses.”

Online options: Most workshops and events are currently offered on Zoom.

Pricing: Drop-in sessions are free and open to the public. See the full list on the website.

Age ranges: Varies by event/workshop. Some workshops cover topics related to parenting children and teens, while others are oriented toward parental self-care and education.

Child’s Temperament in Mind,” “Rooted in Compassion,” and “Cultivating the Mind-Body Connection.”

Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) • focseattle.org In its own words: “Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) is a nonprofit organization that is connecting parents to build a loving community of families of color. Our programs include parent groups, community resources and events, and racial equity consulting. … We equip parents and educators with tools to talk with children on identity, racism, inclusion and equity, and trauma-informed practices.”

Online options: Affinity group programs for parents of newborns, waddlers and children of multiple ages meet virtually for 8–10 weeks. Virtual consultations/presentations for the broader community are also available.

Workshops that wow: FOCS presentations on anti-racist parenting techniques are worth every penny. The organization delivers pre- and post-presentation materials and provides an interactive workshop that will get you thinking, talking and acting.

Pricing: Participation in affinity groups is free to families.

Ages: Offerings for parents with infants, waddlers or children of multiple ages are available.

Testimonial: “As new parents of a young infant, we thought it was imperative that we connect with other parents of color on parenting, social justice and community [topics]. Having the ability to be exposed to other cultures, opinions and backgrounds has really benefited us as a family. FOCS is the bridge of those relationships, conversations and experiences.”

Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) • peps.org In its own words: “Since 1983, the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped parents connect and grow as they begin their journey into parenthood. PEPS’ parent support programs educate, inform and create community.” Not just for babies anymore: PEPS may have been born in the ’80s, but it’s still hip! The organization has expanded its traditional infant-parent groups to run the range of development from expectant parent through parenting teens.

Pricing: PEPS offers flexible pricing, ranging from $0 to $399, depending upon your financial circumstances and the program you are choosing.

Age range: Prenatal–teen

Testimonial: “[Parenting is] a difficult journey, but it gets easier if you have a support network. … PEPS allowed me to build my village in Seattle, and three years after our first meeting, our group remains strongly connected with not only our first kids growing together but also our second kids starting to interact.”

Priceless Parenting • pricelessparenting.com In its own words: “These parenting classes incorporate the latest research in ways that touch both the head and the heart. Classes are designed for the ages of your children. You’ll hear real-life stories that make the ideas come alive. You’ll be able to apply what you are learning immediately with your own kids.”

Online options: Once you register for an online parenting class, you can start immediately. The classes take about eight hours to complete. Go at your own pace. You will be invited to join a monthly group coaching call for the first three months. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end.

Pricing: All of the above is included for $89.

Age range: Courses are broken up into three age groups: 0–5, 6–12, 13–18.

As they say in Positive Discipline courses, “Practice makes better.” May these resources help you gain perspective and confidence in your parenting practice and help you to become the parent you want to be, more often than not. ■ Annie Garrett, M.Ed., is a faculty member in parent education and manager of the early childhood education bachelor degree program at Seattle Colleges.