Family relationships matter and parenting education can help

University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Dodge County

Families can thrive without the help of their parents or caregivers. Building strong relationships is key. University of Wisconsin Extension Dodge County offers high-quality, well-researched information to help you do just that. What we know is that parents are their child’s first and best teacher. Some parents may be naturally skilled at parenting. Others may need guidance or additional support in order to understand child development and positive discipline.

Parent education equips caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need. Parents and caregivers are taught tools and strategies to foster a healthy and happy environment that allows children to thrive mentally, emotionally, as well as physically. These are some of the key benefits you may get from parenting education programs.

It improves parental competence and empowerment as well as parental satisfaction.

Positive parenting practices such as planned discipline, routines and nurturing behavior are encouraged.

It increases social connections between parents where they can exchange parenting advice, offer emotional support and share resources.

This improves child behavior. Parents who take part in parenting education programs often see an increase in prosocial behavior and decreases in bad behaviors in their children.

It improves parent-child interactions, which results in a greater understanding between family members.

This improves parental mental and physical health.

Reduces corporal punishment and child abuse risk by educating parents about alternative punishments to physical punishment.

Source: Wilder Research, wilder.org.

Pattie Carroll, UW Extension Dodge County- human development and relationships educator encourages parents to check out the statewide virtual parenting programs offered through UW Extension Institute of Human Development & Relationships. Scroll to the bottom of the page and see a calendar of virtual parenting programs offered at https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu or visit Dodge County Extension at https://dodge.extension.wisc.edu.