From an early age, our development is distinctly malleable and directly impacted by those around us.  Above all, the central figures early in life, our parents, inform our behaviors and ability to make connections later in life. Many parents are ignorant of the impact they have on their children. In order to prevent this misconception, child psychology classes should be mainstream and affordable. Cohesive and reliable parenting classes can improve emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social development in children. There is a connection between what parents know about parenting and child psychology and how they interact with their children. Parents with more knowledge employ more positive parenting techniques. Parents with less knowledge utilize more negative parenting practices.  

Above all, it is the obligation of a parent to be responsive, responsible, and reliable. Parenting affects a child’s development in many areas. According to the Center for Mental Health, parenting impacts cognitive development, and the social and problem-solving skills, time management, and discipline that accompanies it. It also affects mental development and the capacity for innovation, overcoming failures, receiving feedback, and accepting reward and punishment. In physical development, infants learn about exercise and curating a proper diet. Children are instinctively observant, and their socio-cultural development comes from their imitation of parental and peer behaviors.  

Parents need support to fulfill these duties of aiding child development. Significant milestones in early development are key and often unacknowledged by many parents. The fact that these milestones remain unknown can be detrimental to society’s next generation. And many people are callous and nonchalant when it comes to addressing these problems. When people are willing to enter discourse about these issues, children can grow up to be more accomplished, confident in their identity, and helpful to the world.  

The U.S. Child Welfare and Information Gateway asserts that “parent education programs focus on enhancing parenting practices and behaviors, such as developing and practicing positive discipline techniques, learning age-appropriate child development skills and milestones, promoting positive play and interaction between parents and children, and locating and accessing community services and supports.” The results of these parenting programs will benefit society. These skills are encompassed in the principles of child psychology. Child psychology studies the conscious and subconscious areas of child development, as well as how a child may interact with the people and environment around them. As such, learning about child psychology will provide a well-rounded understanding of the results of good parenting so that parents can decide their preferred method of parenting.  

Many people might argue that parenting classes are useless due to the expensive prices of classes, child development books, and the expertise and advise of friends with children. These resources are valid, but to possess a concrete understanding of child psychology, taking education classes is the best solution. Education classes are responsive; they focus in the areas that are needed and intended to build from current knowledge. They also encourage dialogue; when people talk about parenting, they may reach a greater understanding of what it means to be a parent and feel confident when their child arrives. These classes can also build a parenting network – it is through experiences such as these that many people meet future parents. An increase in affordable education can help parents practice positive parenting techniques. 

According to Child Welfare, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) states that parent education is a source to prevent child abuse and neglect as well as establishing permanency in the household. Many children suffer because of parental ignorance. Therefore, it is the obligation of the parent to understand to establish a method of parenting in which the child feels loved, safe, and supported. 

While parenting can come naturally to some, there are many people who may need additional support to understand child psychology, to effectively respond to their child’s needs, and to cope with the stresses of parenting. And while parents may not need parenting classes to survive, it may help their children to thrive emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Affordable and easily accessible education classes will encourage parental empowerment and competency as well positive child development.