Parent Education

​Every parent can benefit from information and/or support at some point along the parenting journey. Positive parenting guidance provides parents and caregivers with knowledge, resources and support to develop skills that enhance child and family well-being - skills such as understanding child development, responding appropriately to a child's needs and coping with challenges of parenting. Parenting​ requires continuous learning and growth to accommodate children’s changing needs.

Many factors can impede a parent's ability to meet the demands of parenthood. Lack of knowledge or preparedness for parenting can result in unrealistic or developmentally inappropriate expectations of children. Personal challenges such as poor physical or mental health, lack of coping or relationship skills or substance abuse can interfere with parenting. Environmental factors like the lack of financial security or high levels of stress can also adversely affect parenting. Adverse parenting practices have the potential to interfere with children’s growth, behavior and emotional health. When such practices rise to the level of child maltreatment, there is a significant increase in the risk of negative life outcomes for children in adulthood. 

Research has shown the enormous impact that positive parenting practices can have on children's social, emotional, and ​​intellectual development, particularly during the early years. Parents recognize the importance of this development to their child’s overall well-being. When children display healthier, less challenging behavior, parents are also more likely to enjoy their parenting role. 

 

The Prevention Board has prioritized investment in evidence-informed parent education because the research shows parent education can reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect by encouraging positive parenting strategies that promote safe, stable and nurturing relationships.