Free September 2026 Parenting Classes & Resources from MSU Extension
Looking for practical parenting support you can access from home? Michigan State University Extension has a full lineup of FREE online classes for parents and caregivers this September.
Parenting brings plenty of questions, and sometimes a little information, reassurance, or a new strategy can make a big difference.
Michigan State University Extension’s Child and Family Development team offers free online learning opportunities covering everything from screen time and early literacy to toddler behavior, emotional development, stress, anger, and family relationships.
We’ve gathered the September 2026 opportunities below so Livingston County families can easily find the topics that interest them.
All of the opportunities below are FREE!
Extension Extras for Parents
MSU Extension’s Extension Extras are one-time online workshops designed to help parents navigate the challenges, concerns, and joys of parenting.
The September sessions are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30–9 p.m. ET. Register for one topic—or attend as many as you’d like.
September 1: Screen Time for Young Children
Screens are part of everyday life, but figuring out how they fit into early childhood can be challenging. This session gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn more about screen time for young children.
September 8: Introduction to Positive & Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs)
Learn about positive and adverse childhood experiences and how experiences during childhood can influence development, well-being, and resilience.
September 15: Working Together to Develop Early Literacy Skills
Early literacy begins long before a child learns to read independently. Explore ways parents and caregivers can help infants and toddlers build the early skills that lay the foundation for later reading and learning.
September 22: Back to the Basics: Skills in Infant & Toddler Care
Caring for infants and toddlers brings lots of questions. This workshop returns to the basics and shares information and strategies for supporting young children during these important early years.
September 29: Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
Toddler behavior can be challenging—and it is also communication. This workshop helps parents and caregivers learn more about young children’s behavior and strategies for responding to challenging moments.
Extension Extras for Parents
Tuesdays • 7:30–9 p.m. ET • Online • FREE
Building Early Emotional Skills (BEES)
Biting? Tantrums? The “terrible twos?” If you’re raising a child ages 0–3, Building Early Emotional Skills (BEES) is designed specifically for you.
This four-week series explores how young children develop social-emotional skills while also helping caregivers manage the stress that can come with caring for little ones.
Topics include temperament, stress and caregiver triggers, feelings and emotion coaching, biting and conflict, tantrums, and helping children build a strong social-emotional foundation.
Dates: Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15 & 22
Time: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. ET
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting
Want more cooperation from your children? Struggling with chores, routines, or discipline?
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting is a five-week series for parents of children of all ages. The series explores routines, emotional control, rules and relationships, and what it means to be a calm, assertive parent.
This series begins in August and continues into September.
Thriving Together: When a Family Member Has a Disability
Families come in many forms, and disability can affect relationships and experiences throughout the family.
Thriving Together: Parenting and Family Relationships When a Family Member Has a Disability is a free online opportunity to explore family relationships and parenting when disability is part of the family’s experience.
Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 7–8:30 p.m. ET
RELAX: Alternatives to Anger for Parents & Caregivers
Parenting can be stressful. RELAX: Alternatives to Anger offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn strategies for understanding and managing anger.
Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 1–2:30 p.m. ET
Can’t Make a Scheduled Class? Learn at Your Own Pace
A scheduled online workshop doesn’t work for every family’s calendar. MSU Extension also offers free self-paced learning opportunities you can complete when it works for you.
Positive Discipline
Learn how adults can create environments and experiences that help young children develop self-control. The course includes both a parent/caregiver track and a professional track.
Infant Safety: Sleeping, Crying, Driving
This self-directed course was created by MSU Extension in partnership with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council. It includes information about infant safe sleep, coping with extended infant crying, and safely transporting your child.
MI Parenting Resource
The free online MI Parenting Resource helps caregivers strengthen parent-child relationships and learn new tools for encouraging positive child behaviors.
Parenting is something we keep learning as we go.
Whether you have a specific challenge, want to better understand your child’s development, or simply want a few new ideas for your parenting toolbox, these free opportunities are here to support you.
Looking for More Support?
If you’re raising a young child in Livingston County and aren’t sure where to find the information, program, or resource you need, Help Me Grow Livingston can help.
When You Don’t Know, Help Me Grow!
Call or text a Care Coordinator at 844-464-0005.
