Most parents expecting their first baby seek prenatal classes to prepare for childbirth and early parenting. Postnatal parent programs are the next step and are gaining in popularity in the same way prenatal classes have in the last 20 years. Parents are referred to Family Education Services programs through friends or a health professional such as their family doctor or visiting health nurse. The principles and methods of adult learning are applied as courses are being designed. Parents are adult learners who vary in age, background, learning needs, and ability to learn.
Every effort is made to have participants feel comfortable and respected in the courses they attend.
Individuals are free to participate at their own level of comfort as they listen, ask questions, and join in group discussions. These courses provide a safe and supportive environment for peer networking and interaction. The course format allows parents the opportunity to become acquainted as they share their stories of successes and challenges. What Parents Say about the Courses Through verbal and written feedback, parents report that they enjoy the course atmosphere, which is informal and non-threatening, and provides a comfortable venue for discussion and dialogue with peers and helping professionals. Parents feel encouraged as their hard work in parenting is recognized and validated.