Are you a new or expecting mom, eager to learn all you can about raising your baby?
Do you have a child entering a new age group and want to gain wisdom from experts on how to navigate those changes?
Or, maybe you just want to connect with other parents and grow your parenting skills.
If so, many resources are available for parenting classes in Fargo and Moorhead. These resources can provide the opportunity to learn new parenting techniques while engaging in community with other moms and parents in the area.
Parenting Classes in Fargo & Moorhead
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
Moorhead Community Education offers several courses through ECFE that are available to any local residents. Courses are available during the daytime, evenings, and weekends to fit your busy schedule.
The whole family can attend these classes. This gives your kids a chance to play and learn from others, while you connect with other parents and gain parenting insights from a family educator. Parent-Child Separating courses include a breakout session just for the parents, while kids are supervised in a preschool setting and engage in meaningful play. Whereas, Parent-Child Non-Separating courses keep parents and their kids in the same classroom throughout the entire session, where they learn and play together. And School Readiness courses help preschool kids to prepare for school.
Most courses are available for families with children ages birth to age five. Classes are open to anyone in the Fargo-Moorhead area, but Moorhead school district residents do receive a discounted rate.
Visit the Moorhead Community Education website for more information and to register for classes.
Peace Academy
This local preschool program is about more than just learning for kids – they also offer education opportunities for parents! Classes and workshops are offered monthly on a variety of topics, and may feature local speakers and experts. Some classes provide childcare on site. Visit their website to find a list of upcoming classes offered.
Sanford Health
Sanford provides classes to families in our community, free of charge. While many of the classes are focused on new or expecting parents, there are also several classes for parents of older children or teens.
Unique classes such as Baby Sign Language and Infant Massage provide opportunities to acquire new skills. And they also offer free fitness classes for expecting and postpartum moms! Visit the Sanford website and type “Fargo” or “parenting” to see all they have to offer.
NDSU Extension
NDSU offers a variety of classes that are free for North Dakota residents. Current parent education opportunities can be found on their website, including classes in the Nurtured Heart Approach.
The Village Family Service Center
The Village offers classes on Parenting the Love & Logic Way. This course gives parents tools to address arguing and back talk, setting limits appropriately, and other parenting struggles with older children.
Beyond Boundaries Therapy & Wellness
Beyond Boundaries will offers classes on various topics, including infant milestones, feeding, and other specialized topics. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for class announcements!
Great Kids Therapy
This pediatric therapy clinic also offers parenting classes on occasion. Please visit their Facebook page to find out the latest information and offerings.
Midwest Family Support & Advocacy
Midwest Family Support and Advocacy offers an ongoing, weekly support group to parents and caregivers of children with a disability or who are neurodivergent (and also offer 8-week support group series). Find out more on Facebook page or email [email protected].
Online Courses & Resources
While not local to the FM area, there are dozens of online options for parents to learn skills, techniques, and ideas to add to their parenting toolbox. Below are some examples of online options that I have found to be helpful.
- Parents Lead is a state-wide initiative to get parents more involved in their children’s lives, and provide helpful tips and tricks on connecting with their kids.
- Nurtured First focuses on gentle parenting and providing an emotionally safe and nurturing home for your children.
- Big Little Feelings provides skills concerning emotional regulation, specifically for toddlers.
- Feeding Littles emphasizes feeding techniques and help with picky eating for babies, toddlers, and older kids.
So help yourself out and take the time this year to try one of these parenting classes in Fargo. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other parents, learn new ideas, and continue to create a safe, loving, and supportive home for your children.
