Discover parenting solutions you can access from the comfort of home. This November, Michigan State University Extension offers a series of free online classes aimed at supporting parents and caregivers.
Parenting often comes with a myriad of questions, but sometimes just a bit of guidance or new strategies can significantly help.
Michigan State University Extension’s Child and Family Development team provides an array of free online workshops that touch on subjects like screen time management, early literacy, toddler behavior, emotional growth, stress, anger management, and family dynamics.
The following is a compilation of opportunities available in October 2026, specifically for Livingston County families to easily locate topics of interest.
All of the opportunities below are FREE!
Extension Extras for Parents
The Extension Extras by MSU are designed as single-session online workshops to aid parents in navigating the complexities of parenthood.
Sessions in September occur on Tuesday evenings from 7:30–9 p.m. ET. You may register for any number of topics you choose to attend.
The Parent-Talk System
If you struggle with getting children to listen or find yourself repeating instructions, this six-week series is tailored for parents and caregivers of children of any age. It focuses on enhancing communication and equipping you with verbal strategies for nurturing confident and responsible children. Topics include reducing unwanted behaviors, setting boundaries, understanding consequences, delivering feedback, fostering independence, and character building. Attendees can obtain certificates of attendance, and the course is eligible for MIRegistry Credit.
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting
Gain more cooperation from your children with this five-week series aimed at parents facing challenges with chores or discipline. The series covers establishing routines, emotional regulation, rules, and forming relationships while fostering a calm, assertive parenting approach. Certificates of attendance are available, and the course is eligible for MIRegistry Credit!
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Class Dates: Mondays, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
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Class Times: 7:00-8:30pm ET
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Class Dates: Tuesdays, November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15
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Class Times: 11:30am-1:00pm ET
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For more information, contact Courtney Aldrich at aldric82@msu.edu
Building Strong Adolescents
Are you navigating the teenage years with your child? This five-week series helps parents and caregivers of children aged 9-16 to set limits while promoting independence and fostering positive relationships. Certificates of attendance are available.
Extension Extras for Professionals
These complimentary online workshops offer professional development training hours for early childhood professionals and are eligible for MIRegistry Credit.
Title: Exploring Parenting Styles
In-Person Workshop: Including All of Us
Description:
“Including All of Us” is an in-depth training designed to educate child care professionals on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in early childhood. The program encourages participants to explore their beliefs and worldviews and find ways to incorporate anti-bias education into their work. It aims to create equitable environments that nurture social-emotional skills and prepare children for success. The program, six hours long, can be taught in one session or split into two three-hour sessions. Completion certificates are available, and the program is MiRegistry approved.
Can’t Make a Scheduled Class? Learn at Your Own Pace
If a scheduled online workshop doesn’t fit your family’s calendar, MSU Extension also offers free self-paced learning opportunities for when you are available.
Positive Discipline
This course helps adults create environments and experiences that cultivate self-control in young children. It includes separate tracks for parents/caregivers and professionals.
Infant Safety: Sleeping, Crying, Driving
A self-directed course developed by MSU Extension in collaboration with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council, covering infant safe sleep, managing prolonged crying, and safe transportation.
MI Parenting Resource
The online MI Parenting Resource is free and assists caregivers in strengthening parent-child relationships and exploring new tools for positive child behavior encouragement.
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.
Read More Here
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