MSU Extension/ Parent Education
MSU Extension/ Parent Education

Free July Parenting Classes & Resources | MSU Extension

We are proud to share these fantastic upcoming programs on behalf of the MSU Extension Child and Family Development team! Summer is fully underway, but parenting challenges and professional development needs don’t take a vacation! Whether you are trying to handle toddler tantrums, looking for ways to co-parent more effectively, or working as an early childhood professional needing MiRegistry credits, Michigan State University Extension has you covered this July.

The best part? All of these online classes and workshops are completely free.

Take a look at what is coming up this month, find the track that fits your schedule, and register today! If you need to reach out directly, please reach out to your local Extension office or find a Child and Family Development team member near you!

1. Weekly Parenting Workshops: Extension Extras

Think of these as your bite-sized, Tuesday night parenting tune-ups. You can sign up for just one topic that catches your eye, or join us for all four.

July Schedule:

July 7: Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Science for Children

Discover easy, fun ways to nurture your child’s natural curiosity and bring STEM to life at home.

July 7 Science Workshop Graphic

July 14: Positive Discipline

Move away from yelling and toward solutions that actually teach self-control.

July 14 Positive Discipline Graphic

July 21: How Children Develop

Learn what is normal behavior for your child’s age group so you can set realistic expectations.

July 21 How Children Develop Graphic

July 28: Together We Can: Co-Parenting

Strategies for putting children first and communicating effectively with your parenting partner.

July 28 Together We Can Graphic

2. Deep-Dive Parenting Series

If you are looking for more intensive support and long-term strategies, these multi-week series are game-changers. Note: Both of these series offer Certificates of Attendance and are eligible for MiRegistry Credit!

The Parent Talk System

Do you feel like the children in your care aren’t listening to you? This 6-week series is for parents and caregivers of children of all ages and is designed to improve communication and provide practical verbal strategies for raising confident, caring, responsible children. Topics include eliminating unwanted behavior, setting limits, teaching about consequences, giving effective feedback, promoting independence, and developing character.

Parent Talk Series Graphic

Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting

Are you wondering how to gain greater cooperation from your children? Struggling with chores or routines? This 5-week parenting education series explores developing routines, emotional control, rules, and relationships, while learning to be a calm, assertive parent.

Guiding Principles Series Graphic

3. Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators

Are you an early childhood professional looking to expand your toolkit and earn MiRegistry Credits? We have two live webinars and a customizable in-person workshop available this month.

Live July Webinars:

In-Person Request: Including All of Us

This intensive, free 6-hour training provides an opportunity for child care professionals to learn about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood. Participants explore their own beliefs and learn ways to incorporate anti-bias education into their work to build environments of equity.

  • How to book: This program can be taught in one 6-hour session or two 3-hour sessions. It is approved in the MiRegistry system, and completion certificates are available. To schedule a workshop at your location, contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu.

4. Learn on Your Own Time: Self-Paced Classes

Can’t make it to a live scheduled class? No problem. These free online classes can be completed on your own at your own pace, and they are MiRegistry approved!

  • Positive Discipline Online: Helping young children learn self-control is vital to their future success. This class features separate tracks for parents/caregivers and professionals, with MiRegistry credit available.
    👉 Register Here
  • Infant Safety (“Sleeping, Crying, Driving”): Partnered with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council, this self-directed course contains videos and interactive content on infant safe sleep, handling extended crying, and child transportation safety guidelines. A certificate of completion and MiRegistry credit are available.
    👉 Register Here
  • MI Parenting Resource: A free statewide online program designed to support caregivers in strengthening parent-child relationships and gaining tools to enhance positive child behaviors.
    👉 Register Here

Stay Connected for More Resources

MSU Extension is always adding new resources, articles, and upcoming events. Use the links below to check out their pages and follow along on social media so you never miss an update!

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