By Barbara Harvey

“Our children didn’t come with a manual, but what if we told you the next best thing exists, and it could transform your parenting journey?”

In today’s fast-paced world, where cultural pressures and systemic inequities shape every stage of childhood, Black parents deserve more than just instincts and internet advice. We deserve support, strategy, and science. That’s where parent education comes in. It is a powerful, proven resource designed to empower you and strengthen the bond between you and your children.

What if we told you that parenting is a learnable skill: one that can be sharpened, supported, and tailored to fit your family’s unique values, traditions, and needs?

Let’s dive into how parent education can help you raise emotionally healthy, culturally grounded, and resilient children while preserving your peace and power as a parent.

“What if we told you that parenting is a learnable skill: one that can be sharpened, supported, and tailored to fit your family’s unique values, traditions, and needs?“

What Is Parent Education—And Why Should You Care?

Believe it or not, parent education is an actual field of study, with certifications and even doctoral-level training. The first parent trainers were educated as early as 1960, and today’s professionals bring research-backed guidance to real-world parenting. (Yes, parenting has homework too, but this time, it pays off.)

Fun Fact: The author of this piece, Barbara Harvey, earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in parenting in 1995 and is nationally certified as a Strengthening Family Worker through Temple University.

Parent educators work with adults to help them raise confident, emotionally secure children. But the real secret? It all starts with you, the parent.

The Four Habits of Highly Successful Parents

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, thriving families often share these four intentional habits:

1. Daily Self-Awareness and Self-Care

Your child watches everything you do. That’s why it’s crucial to model emotional regulation and self-care. One practical tool is Family Time Out (FTO), a 15-30 minute period when everyone in the household takes solo time after work or school to reset.

Ideas for FTO:

• Journaling
• Yoga
• Napping
• Drawing
• Coloring
• Soft music (no screens!)

Benefits:

• You model daily self-care for your child
• Kids learn “time-outs” are not punishment, but tools for emotional health
• The entire family recharges for peaceful evenings

2. Healthy Co-Parenting or Spousal Relationships

Children thrive when they witness mutual respect and unity at home. Parent education explores communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting skills for couples and co-parents alike.

3. Using Science to Connect With Your Child

Using evidence-based programs like Parents as Teachers or Nurturing Parents helps adults build knowledge in child development, brain science, family structure, and emotional intelligence. These frameworks are powerful and culturally adaptable.

4. Creating Community With Other Parents

No one parents in a vacuum, especially not Black parents navigating the intersection of systemic racism, cultural expectations, and generational trauma. Connecting with other parents brings strength, accountability, and shared wisdom.

You can take a quick quiz to evaluate your current parenting habits at Parent Quiz | Harvey’s Parent and Family Consulting Company.

What Kind of Parent Educator Do You Need?

There are three types of educators to choose from depending on your needs and budget:

Peer Educators

• Not formally trained
• Share wisdom from lived experience
• Best for relatable, real-world tips
• Ideal for learning from someone who’s “been there”

Paraprofessionals

• Hold 40-hour certificates or associate-level training
• May facilitate national programs like Active Parenting or Parents as Teachers
• Great for accessible, structured learning

Professional Parent Educators

• Hold bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees
• Trained in psychology, child development, family systems, and trauma-informed care
• Some specialize in supporting parents of children with special needs
• Can help you re-parent yourself if you want to break generational cycles

Where Can You Find a Parent Educator?

Look in these spaces:

• Schools
• Childcare centers
• Faith-based institutions
• Hospitals
• Nonprofit organizations
• Health clinics

They may work through:

• One-on-one coaching
• Group classes
• Home visits
• Virtual workshops

To connect with certified parent educators in Georgia, visit NPEN – For Parents.

Why This Matters—Especially for Black Families

Too often, Black parents are judged before we are supported. But you deserve the tools to raise your children with joy, intention, and cultural pride. Parent education isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building what’s possible.

Community-based parent education can feel like a family reunion with a purpose—culturally affirming, deeply supportive, and rooted in shared values. When we invest in our growth, our children soar.

Barbara Harvey is the Chief Consultant of Harvey’s Parent and Family Consulting Company, serving Metro Atlanta families through churches, schools, and nonprofits. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and serves on the Guiding Council of the National Parent Education Network. Find her on LinkedIn or view her NPEN profile here.