Parenting courses

Build confidence in your parenting skills at a time and pace that suits you. Our free online parenting courses offer guidance and tips from experienced parenting coaches.

An adult lying on a carpet next to a baby who is sitting. The adult is holding colourful toy blocks and smiling at the baby.

Building Blocks to Parenting

Our first course, for parents and carers of 0 to 5 year olds is available now. Register here for Building Blocks to Parenting.

Register for our free course

Register here to start learning. You’ll be taken to a page to set up your free courses account. We’ll ask you some questions about your family to help us understand how we support families in need. Your answers will be anonymous and won’t affect your access to the course.

Once you’re registered, you can access all the modules and pause and come back to them at any time.

 

What you’ll learn

In Building Blocks to Parenting, our parenting coaches will support and guide you through the unique challenges of parenting 0 to 5 year olds. They’ll offer techniques and ideas to support your child, develop a close bond with them and build your confidence as a parent or carer.

Once you’re registered, you can access all the modules from the links below or from your courses account.

Early parenthood

Becoming a parent or carer, whether it’s your first time or you’re welcoming another child, brings lots of new experiences and emotions. This module gives advice on what to expect, adjusting to the changes in your family, and where to get support if you need it.

Finding your parenting style

Parents and carers have different parenting styles, and that’s OK. In this module you’ll reflect on your own unique parenting style and think about how you want to be there for your child, now and as they grow. Learn how to manage differences in parenting styles with others who care for your child.

Supporting your child's emotional development

Emotional development is about learning to understand and handle feelings. This module shows you some simple ways to support your child’s emotional development, as their parent or carer.

Understanding big emotions, tantrums and meltdowns

In this module, you’ll learn why children have tantrums and meltdowns, how to make emotional outbursts less likely, and when to set firm boundaries to keep everyone safe.

Supporting your child through a tantrum or meltdown

Tantrums and meltdowns can feel hard for you and your child. This module gives tips to support your child through them, so it feels easier for both of you.

Building confidence and self-esteem

You want your child to feel comfortable, confident, and self-assured. Sometimes it can seem hard to know how to help, but the good news is, you can. This module shares some ideas to build your child’s confidence and self-esteem, one step at a time.

Developing communication skills

The way you communicate with your child, even before they’re born, helps grow your bond and develop important skills for your child. This module explains communication milestones, offers tips for communicating with your child, and explains where to get support if they need more help.

The magic of play and connection

Play is a big part of childhood. It helps your child learn and grow in many ways. When you join in, it helps your child connect with you too. This module shows how play helps your child develop, ways you can get involved, and ideas for play, even if you don’t have much time.

Experienced parenting coaches

This course was created by Action for Children’s experienced parenting coaches. Having supported thousands of families through all stages of parenting, they understand the unique challenges of parenting 0 to 5 year olds.

Our parenting coaches come from a variety of family support backgrounds. They’ve worked in children’s centres, family hubs, early help services, schools and childcare settings. They’ve supported thousands of families through our award winning Parent Talk service.