Parenting Classes in Washington DC - Supportive Education for Parents of Children with Developmental Differences

Parenting Can Be Overwhelming—But You're Not Alone

If you're raising a child with unique sensitivities or developmental challenges in the DC area, you probably feel like you're the only one. You intuitively know that you're not, but it sure feels like all the families around you have it figured out. You might find yourself constantly navigating behavioral issues, struggling with transitions, or wondering why traditional parenting education doesn't seem to apply. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

What Our Parent Education Program Offers

First and foremost, our parenting classes bring you into a supportive family of folks who GET what you're going through. Whether you're in or outside of the Washington DC area, we provide a space where parents connect and learn together. Within the first couple of minutes of the first class, you'll see heads nodding and receive looks of understanding and support for what you thought you'd been going through alone.

Our parent education program helps you gain insight into your child's developmental stages, understand their behaviors, and develop strategies that actually work. Whether you're looking for tools to manage daily struggles or simply seeking reassurance that you're on the right path, you'll find guidance and resources in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

What You'll Learn in Our Co-Parenting Education Classes

Parenting can be exhausting and confusing, especially when your child's needs feel more complex. Our classes for parents and caregivers of children with developmental differences provide in-depth discussions and practical techniques to help parents:

Develop Practical Parenting Skills

We'll discuss how to set boundaries that work, how to help your child cope with big emotions, and how to create an environment that supports your child's development without constant power struggles. These parenting skills work for young children through adolescence.

Strengthen Your Parent-Child Relationship

More than anything, your child needs to feel seen, heard, and understood. The techniques we share will help you foster trust and connection while still providing appropriate discipline and guidance toward independence.

Understand Your Child's Developmental Stage

Gain a deeper understanding of how your child processes the world around them. Many sensitive children experience emotions more intensely and may struggle with behavioral regulation. By learning what's happening beneath the surface, you'll be better equipped to respond with empathy and patience.

Class Format and Parent Education Approach

Our classes meet online, and we keep class size small to allow for individualized support and attention. Meetings generally last about an hour, since we know folks are busy; and classes are offered roughly quarterly in 8-week sessions.

Every child—and every parent—is different. That's why our approach is not about one-size-fits-all parenting advice but rather giving you the tools to work with your child's unique strengths and challenges.

We focus on:

· Meeting You Where You Are: There's no "right" way to parent—just the way that works best for you and your child's developmental needs.

· Practical Parenting Tools for Everyday Life: We provide actionable steps you can start using right away to improve your family dynamics.

· Connection First Philosophy: Building a strong foundation of communication and trust is key to lasting behavioral change.

Upon completion of our parenting education classes, parents receive a certificate that may be recognized by county courts for those in co-parenting or divorce situations requiring parent education.

Topics We Cover in Our Parenting Skills Program

Parenting isn't just about managing behaviors—it's about understanding what's beneath them. Our early intervention approach helps address challenges before they become entrenched patterns. Some of the areas we discuss include:

Setting Clear, Loving Boundaries in Parenting

Creating clear, loving boundaries that help your child feel secure while also reducing conflict. Discipline doesn't have to be rigid or harsh—in fact, it works best when it's consistent and compassionate. We provide specific tools to help parents navigate this challenging aspect of parenting.

Emotional Regulation Strategies for Child Development

Helping your child regulate their emotions so that everyday situations don't escalate into major behavioral challenges. Many children need additional support in learning to self-soothe, and you'll walk away with techniques that make a real difference in your family life.

Balancing Independence and Family Connection

Encouraging independence while maintaining connection. It's a delicate balance—giving your child space to grow while also providing the reassurance they need to feel safe and supported. These parenting skills are essential for healthy child development at every stage.

Creating a Calm Home Environment

Establishing a calm and cooperative home environment where both you and your child feel heard and respected. You'll learn how small shifts in your parenting approach can lead to more harmony in daily family routines and transitions.

What Parents in Our Program Are Saying

Finding Gabriele was such a lucky break for our family. We felt empowered by the strategies she showed us. We can’t thank Gabriele enough! -Family in NW DC

Gabriele Nicolet is a brilliant, kind and exception therapist and human being! Her wisdom, expertise and patience truly changed my son's life. There is no one better in the business (and I've met many!). - Rebecca Maltzman

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Parent Education Program

  • Our parenting program covers a wide range of child development issues including behavioral concerns, transitions, routine disruptions, communication difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more. We help parents understand their child's developmental needs, and many of our families do not have a formal diagnosis.

  • Unlike generic parenting education, our program is specifically designed for families with children experiencing developmental differences. We provide specialized tools and strategies that work for these unique parenting situations.

  • Yes! While we cover core parenting skills that benefit everyone, we also make time to discuss individual family challenges and provide personalized strategies.

  • All our classes take place online via Zoom.

  • At this time we are not recognized by the court system for co-parenting requirements.

Join Us: Take the Next Step in Your Parenting Journey

Parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual, but our program offers the next best thing. You'll leave with new perspectives, practical parenting tools, and the confidence to navigate your child's developmental needs with greater ease.

Let's work together to make your parenting journey smoother and more rewarding. The parent-child relationship is at the heart of development, and strengthening this connection creates the foundation for your child's growth.

Whether you're preparing for the challenges of a newborn, navigating the toddler stage, or helping your child through school transitions, our program provides the support you need as a parent or caregiver. Foster parents and all family structures are welcome.

Our whole-family approach helps parents cope with the overwhelm that often comes with raising children with developmental differences. You're not alone in this journey—connect with other parents facing similar challenges while learning techniques to assist your child.