Posted on 06.16.2026, Tuesday

As a parent, you have arguably taken on the most important job! You have an incredible influence on your child’s life, and that kind of responsibility can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Most jobs come with some kind of training before you start, but parenting is the exception. You’re expected to figure it out as you go, like riding a bike for the first time with no one there to steady you. While advice from friends, family, and your own experiences can be a wonderful source of support, parenting education offers an additional layer of structured, skill-based tools to add to your toolkit. Seeking support isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of how much you care about your child and yourself.

What Is Parenting Education?

Parenting education provides practical tools, a better understanding of how your child grows and develops, and the reassurance that you are not navigating this journey alone. You are the expert on your own family, and parenting education simply provides additional research-backed strategies to help you feel even more equipped and confident. The strongest programs are interactive and evidence-based, where you build real skills in real time (Wyatt Kaminski et al., 2008).

Why Does It Matter?

Parenting education makes a real difference, and every parent deserves access to it! Parents often report feeling more confident, less stressed, and more connected to the people around them after participating in these programs (Rogers-Tanner & Idzelis Rothe, 2016). Your child can benefit too, with research pointing to increased positive behavior and a stronger bond with you. When you feel equipped to communicate warmly, set expectations clearly, and respond consistently, the whole family dynamic can shift for the better (Wyatt Kaminski et al., 2008).

Programs Available through Welcome Baby at Durham County Cooperative Extension

Durham’s Partnership for Children funds parent education programs through Welcome Baby, an organization dedicated to supporting Durham County families through free parent education, family resources, and community connection (Welcome Baby, n.d.). Welcome Baby offers several evidence-based programs, all facilitated by certified educators and available in both English and Spanish, with online and in-person options. Each of these programs is designed to meet families where they are. They’re culturally responsive, non-judgmental, and built around your family’s unique strengths and needs:

• The Incredible Years® Preschool BASIC: Designed for families with children ages 3–5, this free 14-week program meets weekly and walks you through topics including child development, emotional regulation, encouraging cooperation, and building school readiness skills (Welcome Baby, n.d.a). You’ll leave with practical tools for positive discipline and a stronger connection with your child, all in a small group setting where you’ll be supported every step of the way.
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program): Open to Durham County families with children ages 0–5, Triple P is a free, flexible program available at two levels depending on what your family needs (Welcome Baby, n.d.b). You’ll learn practical strategies for encouraging positive behavior, setting consistent routines, and navigating tricky moments like tantrums. Parents often walk away feeling calmer, more confident, and better prepared for whatever the day brings (Rogers-Tanner & Idzelis Rothe, 2016).
• Motheread:  If you’re looking for a way to bond with your child while building literacy skills at the same time, Motheread might be the perfect fit! This free 10-week program for families with children from infancy to age five uses books, poems, and storytelling as the foundation for both reading confidence and parent-child connection (Welcome Baby, n.d.c). You’ll learn how to make story time more interactive and expressive, use stories to talk about feelings and everyday life, and help set your child up for school success, all in a small, welcoming group setting.

These programs are completely free and built for all kinds of families, wherever you are in your parenting journey. Ready to learn more? Visit welcomebaby.org to explore programs and sign up!

References

Rogers-Tanner, S., & Idzelis Rothe, M. (2016). The benefits of parenting education: A literature review for Wilder’s Child Development Center. Wilder Research. https://www.wilder.org/wp-content/pdf-file/Wilder_ChildDevCenter_BenefitsOfParentEducation_LitReview_10-16.pdf

Welcome Baby. (n.d.). Our mission. https://welcomebaby.org/our-mission/

Welcome Baby. (n.d.a). The Incredible Years® Preschool BASIC. https://welcomebaby.org/parenting-classes/the-incredible-years-preschool-basic/

Welcome Baby. (n.d.b). Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). https://welcomebaby.org/parenting-classes/positive-parenting-program-triple-p/

Welcome Baby. (n.d.c). Motheread. https://welcomebaby.org/parenting-classes/motheread/

Wyatt Kaminski, J. W., Valle, L. A., Filene, J. H., & Boyle, C. L. (2008). A meta-analytic review of components associated with parent training program effectiveness. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 36, 567–589. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9201-9

Written by: Isabela Hockett, Service Learning Student