7 Reasons why you should do a parenting course

To be honest, I don’t know.

I mean, we are quite happy to do professional development to advance our careers. And many companies expect us to keep up with training and development as trends might change and new technology or laws come into effect.

And yes, I completely agree that professional development is a good idea. I want my hairdresser to know what she is doing! I want my kids’ teachers to be up to date with the latest curriculum requirements. I want my GP to know about the latest treatments and available medications. I want the engineer to design that bridge to the latest safety specifications.  

But yet, we often parent on the fly…

We can raise the next generation without stopping to think about it, without planning or training.

Really?

In my opinion, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT job you will ever have! And yet, many refuse to do some research, get training, or even just listen to others in order to become a better parent.

Why?

Is it because we don’t want to be told what to do? Or is it because we fear judgement and criticism? Maybe someone will think there is something wrong with my family? Or it is just too much effort? Or maybe, just maybe, we don’t want to delve too deep into those unresolved issues from our own childhoods?

But what about all the amazing benefits if we decide to attend that parenting course, workshop or lecture? There are plenty of benefits, but here are my Top 7:

1. Understanding the developmental stage your child is in and what to expect.

Whether it is introducing solids, toilet training, school preparedness or pre-teen hormonal changes, each phase of development is different with its own challenges. By understanding what to expect, you will be much more prepared to manage it better.

2. Improve communication

Research has shown that children with involved parents perform much better in school, independent of their intellectual ability. Imagine the impact on your children if you can learn not only how to instruct and teach your children, but also how to listen to them and ‘read’ their cues so you can guide them in a way they feel loved, accepted, respected, heard and valuable.

3. Confidence as parent to raise confident children

Parenting courses will boost your confidence level, especially during those tricky situations when it matters most. And, if your children see that you are confident as a parent and in your decision making, automatically, they will feel safe and more confident themselves.

4. Realise you are not the only one

We all feel our own struggles are unique. But as soon as you connect with other parents, hearing the issues and stories of others, it will make you realise that you are not the only one struggling with a certain issue. And all of a sudden, that problem might just shrink in size…

5. Understand the dynamics of the different temperaments in your home

By understanding your child’s specific temperament or personality type (and your own as well), you might just be able to understand why your child reacts so completely different from you, and that it is all A-OK. If we truly understand the strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to thrive, we will be able to provide a home where they can fully develop into the amazing people they are meant to be. And in the process, we might grow as well.

6. Breaking unhealthy generational cycles

This one is huge! Many families have a cycle of specific issues going from one generation to the next. This can range from substance abuse to the ‘silent treatment’ as a form of manipulation. But imagine if you can break that cycle and give your children a whole new legacy they can carry on to all future generations?

7. Long-term strategy

We need to work ourselves out of a job and someday send our children into the world as mature adults. Parenting classes can be for the immediate crisis or developmental stage we find ourselves in, but often it gives us a perspective of where we want to go and how to get there. And, if we keep our eye on that long-term goal, we will be better equipped to manage the crisis at hand today.

Looking at this list, the benefits are far greater than any discomfort or monetary outlay that might keep you from doing a parenting course.

Parenting courses not only made me a better parent, but also a better person in general, as it is all about relationships and communication.

So, go for that parenting course! Sign up today! And to make it really easy, I run parenting workshops that will tick all these boxes.