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17 online parenting classes: Free and low-cost options

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If you’re looking for a parenting class, but don’t need to go in-person, it’s possible to go online. Online parenting classes can even provide insight into how to be better for your children and create a healthier environment.

Typically, online parenting classes contain the same content as in-person parenting courses, but the content can be accessed through a computer or smartphone — and some of the lessons and tools may be digital.

Here are some of the websites with online parenting classes we reviewed:

  • Positive Parenting Solutions (best overall)
  • OnlineParentingPrograms.com
  • ActiveParenting.com
  • Center for Divorce Education
  • Course for Parents
  • Happy Heart Parenting

Our top choices for websites with online parenting classes:


Court-ordered parenting classes: OnlineParentingPrograms.com

Parenting classes for all families: PositiveParentingSolutions.com

Why we like this website:

*Courses for specific needs, including co-parenting, high-conflict, teens and more
*Court-order certificates
*Accessible and affordable pricing
*Financial assistance available
Why we like this website:

*Hundreds of positive user reviews and accolades from media outlets
*Practical advice based in discipline research
*Video, written and audio tools
Save $20 on Online Parenting Programs classes using code WSM20 >>FREE 60-minute class followed by a live Q&A with Amy >>

Overall best online parenting program: Positive Parenting Solutions’ 7-Step Parenting Success System

Positive Parenting Solutions’ 7-Step Parenting Success System is our recommended online parenting course for these 3 reasons:

  1. Based on the proven principles of Adlerian Science and Positive Discipline
  2. Hundreds of positives reviews
  3. Proven track record of helping parents overcome power struggles and get their kids to listen without nagging, yelling or losing control

Positive Parenting Solutions is a suite of 36 practical parenting courses that have helped more than 75,000 families, taught by Amy McCready, author of bestselling books If I Have to Tell You One More Time…: The Revolutionary Program That Gets Your Kids To Listen Without Nagging, Reminding, or Yelling, and The Me, Me, Me Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World

Positive Parenting Solutions covers these topics:

  • Taming Morning Mania
  • Managing Mealtime Madness
  • Curing the Bedtime Blues
  • No More Chore Wars
  • MBST: Secret Weapon for Better Behavior
  • Potty Training 101
  • Raising Adventurous Eaters
  • Stopping Sibling Bullying
  • Divorce & Parenting Apart (more about parallel parenting in this post)
  • Getting Your Partner on the Same Page
  • Stronger Than Ever Parenting Partners
  • Help for Homework Hassles
  • 3 R’s of School Success
  • Keeping Kids Safe from Bullying
  • Help for Struggling Students
  • Terrific Teens Parenting Skills
  • Technology Survival Plan
  • Sex Talks…Simplified
  • 14 Talks by Age 14
  • Responsible Social Media
  • Curing the Entitlement Epidemic
  • ABCs of Allowance
  • Say NO to Rewards & Praise
  • Business Systems for the Family

The course promises “specific, battle-tested techniques, not fluffy classroom theory, as well as word-for-word scripts you can rely on, even in the heat of high-stress tantrums and fights.”

Access to private 1-on-1 parenting coaching calls, and a private Facebook group.

30-day money-back guarantee.

FREE 60-minute class followed by a live Q&A with Amy.

Founder Amy McCready is a frequent contributor to the TODAY Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CNN, CBS This Morning, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, and The Today Show.

Pros of Positive Parenting Solutions 

With hundreds of positive reviews online, Positive Parenting Solutions is a solid option for parents who want to learn how to improve how they parent and raise their children.

Here are some of the pros of choosing Positive Parenting Solutions:

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Different price levels to suit your budget and payment plans are available
  • Less expensive than going to a family therapist
  • Comprehensive, evidence-based instruction that is proven to be effective
  • Highest membership level (Gold Level) gives you access to course founder, Amy McCready, 1-on-1 coaching, and private Facebook community access
  • Short, on-demand videos are perfect for a busy lifestyle
  • Easy-to-follow courses
  • Help desk access

Cons of Positive Parenting Solutions

The biggest con of Positive Parenting Solutions is that these are not court-approved parenting classes. If you need a parenting course to meet that requirement, you’ll have to check with your state for approved classes.

Other cons include:

  • More expensive than some other online options
  • Workbooks are expensive to buy ($25 each) and lengthy if you choose to print them
  • Instruction style addresses a lot of the why before getting to the solution 
  • Recorded coaching calls, offline course access, and private Facebook community only available with a Gold Level membership
  • Parenting-In-Your-pocket mobile app is not available with Bronze Level membership
  • Lack of diversity among the test subject interviewees in the training videos

Parents’ review of Positive Parenting Solutions

Here’s what parents who have taken McCready’s courses have to say: 

Positive social media review of online parenting classes from Positive Parenting Solutions.
Positive Facebook review of online parenting classes from Positive Parenting Solutions.
Facebook review of online parenting classes from Positive Parenting Solutions.
Positive review of online parenting classes from Positive Parenting Solutions.
Review of online parenting classes from Positive Parenting Solutions.

Also, check out these Reddit threads to see more feedback from parents who have used the program:

Read our review of Positive Parenting Solutions or try a FREE 60-minute class followed by a live Q&A with Amy >>

Best court-ordered online parenting classes website: OnlineParentingPrograms.com

The online classes offered by Online Parenting Programs focus on different aspects of family circumstances. These are online courses ranging from 2 to 12 hours. 

Online Parenting Programs offers comprehensive classes on co-parenting and divorce accepted by 1,400 counties in the United States. If you need to complete a court-ordered co-parenting course, the site offers several class options — starting at $29.99 for a 2-hour course — that meet the minimum requirements for most counties.

Save $20 on Online Parenting Programs classes using code WSM20 >>

Participants take a multiple-choice exam at the end to qualify for a certificate of completion. Financial assistance is available. The website is easy to navigate and find the specific class that meets your needs.

Programs offered include:

Pros of Online Parenting Programs 

Online Parenting Programs is a court-approved option, so if you need to fulfill this requirement, you can check to ensure the classes are recognized in your county.

Here are some of the pros of choosing this online option for co-parenting classes:

  • Approved in over 1400 counties across the nation
  • Classes are affordable, starting at $29.99
  • Discounts available if you need financial help
  • 84% of parents who took the classes would recommend them to other parents
  • Instruction is evidence-based
  • Free access to an online parenting knowledge center
  • Instant access once you pay
  • Self-paced course
  • Take the final exam again for free if you do not pass the first time
  • Download your certificate as soon as you pass your class
  • Option for subtitles and voice overs in Spanish
  • Incorporates diversity and inclusion to represent different groups of parents
  • Toll-free customer number or email if you have questions

Cons of Online Parenting Programs 

  • Some classes take a long time to complete, up to 24 hours in length (the more time, the more it costs)
  • Co-parenting classes are not approved in every jurisdiction — you’ll need to verify your local court’s acceptance
  • Not all classes are court-mandated
  • Must complete the class you select within 30 days

Reviews of Online Parenting Programs

Here are some testimonials featured on the Online Parenting Programs site.

Site review of online parenting classes from Online Parenting Programs.
Review of online parenting classes from Online Parenting Programs.

Use code WSM20 to get a $20 discount on any OnlineParentingPrograms.com class >>

Interested in 50/50 parenting? Read my book, The 50/50 Solution: The Surprisingly Simple Solution that Makes Moms, Dads and Kids Happier When Parents Split (Sourcebooks, March 26, 2024)

Cover of The 50/50 Solution book by Emma Johnson.

Best online co-parenting class for parents going through divorce: Online Parenting Programs

No matter if you are still BFF after divorce or about to rip each other's heads off, divorce and breakups in families with kids are a struggle for parents, the children and even extended families.

OnlineParentingPrograms.com’s co-parenting course was created in partnership with New Ways for Families and Bill Eddy of the High Conflict Institute — an award-winning consulting firm that employs psychologists, attorneys, judges and law enforcement experts to help people and families resolve conflict. 

These online parenting classes for divorce, and online divorce education, can help make the transition easier, and set your family up for success long-term. Courses range from 4 to 12 hours long, as well as one 2-hour class for military families facing divorce.

Learn more about online co-parenting and divorce classes and get your $20 discount >>

Best online co-parenting class for high-conflict parenting when court-ordered: Online Parenting Programs

OnlineParentingPrograms.com offers a series of co-parenting classes just for parents who are separated or divorced, and have a high-conflict situation in their families — whether the parents struggle to get along, children are having a hard time adjusting, or other difficult family dynamics exist.

“High Conflict Co-Parenting: Parenting Without Conflict,” available in four options from 6 to 16 hours, satisfies court requirements for parents who are required to take a high-conflict parenting class in most counties. You can use the chat feature on the Online Parenting Programs website to verify the class is accepted in your county. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course to turn in. 

Use code WSM20 to get a $20 discount >>

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Online parenting classes website: AhaParenting.com

Aha! Parenting offers a variety of online resources to learn about parenting. You can read articles, listen to a podcast and even buy books. However, you can also sign up for the Peaceful Parent Happy Kids online course. This course is a 12-week class that walks you through the parenting method developed by Dr. Laura Markham, child psychologist, author of three bestselling parenting books, including Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting.

With the course, you get weekly audio lessons along with transcripts, worksheets and journal prompts. You also receive exercises you can do with your child. Members get access to an exclusive Facebook group where you can interact with other parents and trained coaches. Registration is limited, and you can only sign up to go through with a cohort, since this is a set 12-week course. Topics include:

  • Peaceful Parenting 101
  • Regulating Your Own Emotions
  • Connecting With Your Child
  • Parenting for Emotional Intelligence
  • Discipline
  • Self-Care
  • Developing resilience, self-discipline and grit
  • Healing Your Triggers
  • Siblings

There are a lot of resources on the website that can help you develop a relationship with your child and develop your own emotional intelligence. Aha! Parenting and Dr. Markham have been featured in major news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Parents, WebMD and others.

Blending families? How to make a blended family work

Best parenting class from Aha! Parenting:

Aha! Parenting’s marquis course is Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, a self-paced 12-week online program that promises “more peace, joy and connection” with your children. 

Aha Parenting customer review.
Aha Parenting customer review.
Aha Parenting customer review on Facebook.

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Online parenting classes website: ActiveParenting.com

You can enroll in an online class with Active Parenting and get access to informational videos and lessons, as well as quizzes. On top of that, you can participate in discussions with other parents. There are activities and lessons developed by certified educators. There are three courses based on the age of your children, as well as two different courses that include a focus on Christian parenting and co-parenting in divorce situations.

Depending on your jurisdiction requirements, some of the Active Parenting courses might be eligible to fulfill court requirements. Check with your court to find out. When you complete the course and pass the final quiz, you can get a certificate to show the court that you’ve met the requirements.

This website is fairly easy to navigate, and you can easily take quizzes, sign up for online parenting classes or find an in-person parenting class “near me.”

Court-monitored communication? Get a co-parenting app

Online parenting classes website: Center for Divorce Education

The Center for Divorce Education offers several online parenting courses and resources for divorcing parents. “Children in Between” is a 4-hour, court-approved parenting course that discusses the most common parenting pitfalls and teaches parents how to overcome obstacles and reduce stress. 

The course price varies by location, but in most states, it costs between $45 and $70 for 30-day access. Upon course completion, you can download, print, or email your certificate.

The Center for Divorce Education also offers an 8-hour high-conflict version of the “Children in Between” course and a course for children and their parents to take together (designed for children ages 7 to 14). 

All of the Center for Divorce Education’s online classes are optimized to fit all screens and have been accepted in more than 250 judicial districts and statewide in Florida, New York, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Online parenting classes website: Course for Parents

Course for Parents offers its online Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course starting at $25 for a 4-hour self-paced course. It also offers the following course options: 

  • 8 hours – $45.00
  • 12 hours – $65.00
  • 16 hours – $85.00

Course For Parents courses are recognized and accepted by most states to satisfy court requirements. Course for Parents offers a lowest-price guarantee, meaning they’ll beat the price of any similar courses offered at a lower price. They also offer a money-back guarantee if your certificate is not accepted by the court. 

Course certificates are available for download and printing upon course completion. 

Online parenting classes website: eNew Beginnings Parenting Class

The eNew Beginnings Parenting Class is an online course built around the New Beginnings Parenting Program, which helps parents and children adjust to a new normal after divorce.

Based on 30 years of research and funded by the National Institutes of Health, the class focuses on four main principles:

  1. Positive activities to have more fun with your children
  2. Listening tools to get your children to share more
  3. Effective tools to decrease your children’s misbehaviors
  4. Practical tools to protect your children from conflict with your ex

Using a series of videos, along with downloadable handbooks, the eNew Beginnings Parenting Class offers separate courses for moms and dads, broken down into the following class options:

  • 10-week course for mothers – $69
  • 10-week course for fathers – $69
  • 6-week course for mothers (court accepted) – $49
  • 6-week course for fathers (court accepted) – $49

Each unit in the course includes about 30-40 minutes of online videos, which are meant to be watched at a unit per week, though you can move at your own pace and courses never expire.

At the end of the 6-week course, you must score at least 70% on a final exam to receive a certificate that can be presented in court. The 10-week program does not fill a court requirement.

eNew Beginnings is recognized by scientific journals, including the Journal of American Medical Association, and offers a free trial for a period of 6 days to the first unit in the course.

Online parenting classes website: Happy Heart Parenting

Happy Heart Parenting offers two court-approved classes — one on parenting and one on co-parenting — for $39, with a money-back court-approval guarantee. 

Both courses cover parenting essentials, including lessons on communication and proper discipline. Happy Heart Parenting courses are self-guided and can be completed in 6 hours. You can download and print out your certificate of completion at the end of your chosen course. 

Online parenting classes website: LifeMatters.com

If you’re looking for something straightforward and simple, the LifeMatters parenting classes can help you focus on the essentials. The website guarantees that it offers court-approved parenting classes that are accepted in all 50 states, so if you need something to help you meet court-required criteria, this website might be able to help.

There are rapid parenting class options that focus on various age groups for your children, as well as co-parenting classes for those going through divorce. With these classes, you read online material and take required tests. When you pass, you receive a certificate that can be presented to the court. LifeMatters also offers eight-week courses with personal coaching, with more in-depth help and daily lessons and activities. These courses also focus on different age groups and situations.

LifeMatters encourages you to submit the information to a lawyer, social worker or court for pre-approval, and offers a money back guarantee if the family court doesn’t end up accepting the certificate.

Online parenting class: Neuroscience for parents: How to raise amazing kids

This 3.5-hour video course is the No. 1 most popular parenting class on Udemy, which means you can watch as part of your membership, try for free — or pay $19.99. This class is aimed at people who want to deeply understand their kids' brain structure, and how to best raise well-behaved, high-achieving children.

Teachings include:

  • Understand why your children act based on brain development and structure
  • Understand the impact of your parenting style
  • Adapt communication and reactions to the kid's active brain structure
  • Grow your children's self-esteem
  • Help my children develop a strong worldview
  • Help my child develop a more efficient study method
  • Foster the natural talents of my children

Udemy claims more than 63,000 people have taken the course, which enjoys a high 4.6/5 rating based on 8,440 ratings.

Online parenting classes website: OnlineParentingCenter

OnlineParentingCenter offers a number of online, court-approved parenting classes starting at $24.99. All of its courses are self-paced and come with a low-price and court-approval guarantee. If you find a cheaper parenting class with the same hourly/weekly specifications, you’ll pay 50% of the competitor's price.

OnlineParentingCenter offers its classes in two formats: 

  • By the hour – classes range from $24.99 for a 4-hour parenting class to $149.99 for a 52-hour parenting class
  • By the week – classes range from $24.99 for a 4-week parenting class to $149.99 for a 52-week parenting class

OnlineParentingCenter’s parenting courses do not require you to complete any tests to qualify for certification.

OnlineParentingCenter also offers courses on: 

  • Adoption
  • Child development
  • Fostering
  • Teen parenting

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Online parenting classes website: PeaceatHomeParenting.com

Peace at Home Parenting Solutions offers an annual membership that offers unlimited access to past trainings and classes. There is also a free parenting class available through this website. Peace at Home continually updates its offerings. This website also stands out as one that offers online parenting classes in Spanish.

When you purchase individual classes or a membership, you can get access to printable handouts to work on in your own time, as well as monthly Q&As. There are also live classes, and you can receive recordings to watch on demand later. Finally, there’s a Facebook group that allows you to interact with other parents and get information from experts.

The board of advisors includes a number of people from different areas of healthcare and fintech, and includes licensed social workers.

Online parenting classes website: PricelessParenting.com

At Priceless Parenting, you can find parenting classes for various ages. Additionally, this website features court-ordered parenting classes. You can choose classes that can be accomplished online in a few hours, or you can sign up for instructor-led classes. There are also a number of presentations available at Priceless Parenting, taught by Kathy Slattengren, who has a M. Ed. and is a specialist at helping parents with children with behavioral issues.

Parenting classes include lessons that you can follow at your own pace, as well as unlimited access to various resources. You can also join monthly group sessions via Zoom and take advantage of the private Facebook group for parenting support. This resource is recommended by social workers, counselors and lawyers, and has also received a Mom’s Choice Award.

Free online parenting classes website: EdX.org

If you’re more interested in free parenting classes to learn how to be a better parent, EdX can provide you with classes from top universities. Some of the offerings include “The Science of Parenting” from UC San Diego and “Developmental Psychology” from IsraelX, a consortium of leading academic institutions in Israel.

These classes include lectures, assignments and work you can do on your own. They are free to watch, but you won’t have access to instructor help or certifications. In order to get an experience more reminiscent of a classroom or course, you need to pay. However, there are classes available from 140 well-known institutions.

Best free parenting class from EdX.org:

We recommend the Science of Parenting is a free 5-week course (3-5 hours weekly) taught by University of California San Diego psychology professor David Barner. Topics covered include: 

  • Infant sleep, forms of discipline, breastfeeding, language and math learning, screen time, bilingualism, and autism.
  • How to compute the contribution of genetics to a trait, how kids can effectively study for tests.
  • Best practices for sleep training, discipline, and feeding.

Free online parenting classes website: calparents.org

The Child Parent Institute (formerly the California Parent Institute) runs this website designed to provide online parenting classes for those in Sonoma County. However, you can find resources to help you no matter where you are. There are online live classes that you can register for in advance. This includes classes in Spanish as well as English. 

Classes include co-parenting help, anger management, creating strong families and other topics that might be of interest for someone hoping to create a healthier emotional environment for children. It’s also possible to take advantage of parenting resources in person.

Best free parenting class from calparents.org:

Calparents.org’s free Parenting Your Teen class is a popular, free online four-week parenting course that periodically is offered to the public. 

Free online parenting classes website: Parent Club

The Center for Children and Families at Florida International University offers the Parent Club, which provides online parenting workshops in English, Spanish and Creole. This site partners with The Children’s Trust. However, the classes are aimed only at those with children up to 12 years old.

With the Parent Club, you sign up for workshops on specific dates. Then, you attend online. The workshops are designed to help you create a positive learning environment, be a better parent, help children develop skills and deal with negative feelings. 

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Free online parenting classes with certificate: uptoparents.org

UpToParents.org is a free resource for parenting classes. It is court-approved in some jurisdictions, so you’ll need to check with your local court to verify you'll receive proper credit.

The website offers a workshop-style class that you can access online and take on your own time. It focuses on teaching students how to successfully co-parent.

The main focus is on helping children navigate divorce, marital separation, or challenges that cause issues between non-married parents. UpToParents.org gives parents tools to support and protect their children. Upon completion, you will get a certificate that you can show as proof of taking a co-parenting class.  

26 Comments

Are there parenting classes for grandparents? I watch my grandchildren a lot and my 31 month old grandson is a challenge!

I am doing cps and I have mental disorder and have financial problems. I need to do a parenting class for courts. Do you know of any that are accepted by courts and don’t cost. I would be greatful for any info. Thanks

I need help finding a online parenting without conflict class that’s free finding n doing these things are so stressful can someone help me n know any online pages

I have an open cps case right now and I’m sure they are going to require me to do parenting classes. I need to find a class in fort worth near me that will be accepted by my cps caseworker and the judge. I am looking for free claases please. Online or in person classes

I have an open cps case right now and I’m sure they are going to require me to do parenting classes. I need to find a class in fort worth near me that will be accepted by my cps caseworker and the judge.

Hello my name is Marisol Chavez and i am a single mother that needs help getting started with my parenting classes.

I need parenting classes that is approved by the court system in Kentucky. I would like to find a free class or a low payment class

Hello my name is Shayla and I want to learn how to be more like a parent than a friend I do set boundaries but I feel like I’m too harsh with the yelling cause I’m frustrated. I’m a single mother of three boys. 1 year old 4 year old and 7 year old. I need some free courses if possible. Thanks.

I’m looking for a free parent class I’m on disability I need it for the court’s on line or in person in the Bronx NY..

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