My latest post for the Early Learning Hub was a post that previously appeared on my blog earlier this summer.  They really liked it and so it was just posted to their website here.  Below I’ve included the post again.  I hope you enjoy!I think that when parents see the words “parenting class” or “parenting education” they think “Oh, somebody got in trouble” or “Oh great, another person trying to tell me how I should raise my kid”.  With this post, I’m hoping to dispel that notion and encourage every parent to explore the parenting education opportunities in their community.

I’m not just writing this because I facilitate multiple parenting education curricula.  Throughout my blog posts I’ve mentioned that being a dad is my passion, and that I thoroughly enjoy any chance I get to talk with other parents about kids and the ups and downs of being a parent.  I’ve found that parenting education classes are one of the best places for this.  Each of the curricula that I have learned and experienced so far are based on hearing from the parents and their experiences.  They each give parents a voice.  The curriculum is there to say: “here is the research, here are some tools based off that research that we think will help”.  Then it’s up to the parents in the group to decide if that is something that makes sense or works for them or their family.  I try to remind parents of that every time I lead a session.

Too many times society and other parents shame and judge and try to make other parents feel bad for their parenting style and choices.  As a blogger, facilitator and a dad I’ve always tried a different track that has really become my personal mantra: I want to share with you my experience, what has worked for me…if you like it, great!  I hope it works for you too.  If not, that’s great too.  I hope you find something that works for your family.  But, I know this parenting thing is really hard…it’s so difficult!  But, one of the things that really helps me and encourages me is talking with other parents and listening to their experiences and ideas.  Parenting education is a great source for this.

I have yet to participate, facilitate or experience a parenting education class where I haven’t taken some great idea home to my own kids.  Each curriculum has new insights, new ideas, new activities that help me in my own fatherhood journey.  I can’t get enough of it and can’t wait to see what new ideas and activities I get next.  I love seeing the passion and dedication these parents have for their kids and am especially encouraged by seeing other like-minded dads wanting to be more and more involved in the raising of their kids.

Wherever you are in your parenting journey and however you feel regarding your success so far there’s an amazing parenting class or curriculum that can give you a great activity or tool to use with your kids. Please check out the Hub’s calendar for classes and opportunities near you!

This is fatherhood…