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Pre-Parenting Counseling

Fireside_Hindu

Jai Lakshmi Maa
So there are a few things that strike me as odd.

For couples who wish to adopt or become foster parents some amount of state mandated preparation/classes/ workshops are required. Which is absolutely great and I'm glad it's a requirement. But what I've been searching for and can't find, are "Pre-Parenting" classes or counseling for couples who want to have children but want to make sure they understand the implications and responsibilities as much as possible before taking the plunge. After all - marriage counseling exists for similar reasons - making sure people know what they're getting into. Parenting classes exist but only after problems develop or after much stress and heartache and sadly sometime after the courts tell you to. But what if you want to stop any potential problems before they even start?

You'd think that for a society that likes to berate the actions of parents so much we would offer resources for those wishing to be as responsible as possible.

I haven't been able to find anything except minor references to sorta-kinda- related programs in other states (I live in PA) or articles debating the "should we have these"? ( Uh? Is that a real question?)

Anyway, am I completely blind? Does anyone know of any kind of "Pre-Parenting" programs that might exist? Does it have another name? (Pre-parenting was the only logical phrase I could think of - that and "Pre-Pregnancy")

Thanks in advance for any ideas or resources. =)
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
The other thing I was aware of was what was traditionally called 'pre-natal' classes, which contain a very small amount of this, focused almost entirely on the initial month.
In Australia (at least where I live) there is also mandatory contact with a community service post-birth, where the health of the baby is checked, and things like post-natal depression can be identified (sometimes...hopefully...)

Again, focus is on early period, only.
 

lunamoth

Will to love
I agree pre-parenting classes are a good idea. I have not heard of any specifically, and especially not in Australia since I am in the US.

However, a good parenting class in the states is called Love and Logic, and courses are offered often through community centers, churches, schools, etc. You can attend these even if you don't have children, and you would learn a lot about parenting from the instructor and from the other parents there.

It's a particular approach to parenting, and not everything works for everyone/for all situations. But, you can get a lot from the courses and just take what you like/need.

Positive Parenting Solutions | Educational Resources | Love & Logic®
 

lunamoth

Will to love
Another thought, you could try a family counselor. It would probably be more expensive than a course, but maybe not if you just go for one or two appointments.
 

Fireside_Hindu

Jai Lakshmi Maa
The other thing I was aware of was what was traditionally called 'pre-natal' classes, which contain a very small amount of this, focused almost entirely on the initial month.
In Australia (at least where I live) there is also mandatory contact with a community service post-birth, where the health of the baby is checked, and things like post-natal depression can be identified (sometimes...hopefully...)

Again, focus is on early period, only.


Yes, there are pre-natal classes here as well with a similar early focus. I know that every child is different with their own challenges so no book or class is going to prepare someone completely, but it would be nice to have coping strategies for stress and anger before the onset of sleepless nights ;) I just feel like if people had the option, they would take it and maybe more people wouldn't go into it with so much uncertainty. As is stands people get advice left and right from aunties, moms, grandmothers sisters etc, and that's great except that it's not presented in a concrete, organized way. Someone asked me f I could actually sign up for those classes for foster parents or adoptive parents, but I'm not sure. Maybe something to look into...
 

Fireside_Hindu

Jai Lakshmi Maa
I agree pre-parenting classes are a good idea. I have not heard of any specifically, and especially not in Australia since I am in the US.

However, a good parenting class in the states is called Love and Logic, and courses are offered often through community centers, churches, schools, etc. You can attend these even if you don't have children, and you would learn a lot about parenting from the instructor and from the other parents there.

It's a particular approach to parenting, and not everything works for everyone/for all situations. But, you can get a lot from the courses and just take what you like/need.

Positive Parenting Solutions | Educational Resources | Love & Logic®

Thanks for the link. I'll definitely look into it. At the very east I can email them and ask if they know of anything.
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
Yes, there are pre-natal classes here as well with a similar early focus. I know that every child is different with their own challenges so no book or class is going to prepare someone completely, but it would be nice to have coping strategies for stress and anger before the onset of sleepless nights ;) I just feel like if people had the option, they would take it and maybe more people wouldn't go into it with so much uncertainty. As is stands people get advice left and right from aunties, moms, grandmothers sisters etc, and that's great except that it's not presented in a concrete, organized way. Someone asked me f I could actually sign up for those classes for foster parents or adoptive parents, but I'm not sure. Maybe something to look into...

Makes a lot of sense. I was a primary teacher, so that filled some of the gaps around positive methods for dealing with discipline, communication with children, etc, but the sort of thing you are talking about seems very rational.
 

Melody

Well-Known Member
My .02...people interested in pre-parenting classes are most likely the ones who don't need it. Those who need it most likely won't go.
 
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