Discover a wealth of parenting resources available from the comfort of your home this October, courtesy of Michigan State University Extension. These free online classes aim to support parents and caregivers in navigating the complexities of child-rearing.
Navigating the world of parenting often leaves many searching for guidance and reassurance. Sometimes, a new perspective or strategy can make a world of difference.
The Child and Family Development team at Michigan State University Extension is offering a variety of free online learning sessions, tackling topics such as screen time management, early literacy, toddler behavior, emotional development, stress, and family dynamics.
Here’s a curated list of opportunities available in October 2026 for families in Livingston County, making it easy to dive into topics of interest.
All of the opportunities below are FREE!
Extension Extras for Parents
The Extension Extras from MSU Extension are designed as single-session online workshops to aid parents in the myriad joys and challenges of raising children.
These sessions are scheduled for Tuesday evenings, 7:30–9 p.m. ET throughout September. Choose your preferred topics or attend multiple sessions.
October 6: The Importance of Outdoor Play
October 13: RELAX: Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
October 20: NO CLASS
October 27: Exploring Parenting Styles
The Parent-Talk System
Struggling to get the children in your care to listen? This six-week series is tailored for parents and caregivers of all ages, focusing on effective communication strategies to foster confident and responsible children. The program addresses topics including eliminating unwanted behaviors, limit setting, consequence education, effective feedback, independence, and character building. Certificates of attendance are provided, and MIRegistry Credit is available!
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting
Seeking greater cooperation from your children? This five-week series for parents of all ages covers routines, emotional control, discipline, and fostering positive relationships, emphasizing calm and assertive parenting. Certificates of attendance are available, and MIRegistry Credit is provided!
Extension Extras for Professionals
These online workshops offer professional development training hours for early childhood professionals. Eligible for MIRegistry Credit!
Title: Essential Skills for Learning and Life
Title: How Children Develop
In-Person Workshop: Including All of Us
Description:
This intensive training provides child care professionals with insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education. “Including All of Us” allows participants to explore personal beliefs and worldviews, incorporating anti-bias education into their work. The goal is to create equitable environments that nurture children’s social and emotional development, preparing them for lifelong success. This six-hour in-person program can be completed in one or two sessions, with completion certificates available and approved in the MiRegistry system.
Can’t Make a Scheduled Class? Learn at Your Own Pace
For those with busy schedules, MSU Extension provides flexible, self-paced learning options to fit into your lifestyle.
Positive Discipline
Explore how adults can create environments that nurture young children’s self-control. The course offers both a parent/caregiver and a professional track.
Infant Safety: Sleeping, Crying, Driving
Developed in partnership with the Livingston County Child Abuse Prevention Council, this course covers infant safe sleep, managing prolonged crying, and safe transportation methods.
MI Parenting Resource
This free online resource strengthens parent-child relationships and offers tools to encourage positive child behaviors.
Parenting is something we keep learning as we go.
Whether facing specific challenges, seeking to understand child development better, or simply adding new strategies to your parenting toolkit, these free resources are here to help.
Looking for More Support?
If you’re a parent in Livingston County and need additional resources, Help Me Grow Livingston is available to assist you.
Read More Here
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