Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) is a DMV-based nonprofit educational organization that provides in-person and online classes to parents and all who care for children, toddlers, and teens.

Upcoming opportunities include:

Webinar: Parenting Neurodivergent Children
Sept 19 & Oct 16, 2024 • For parents of children of all ages.

For parents of children whose brains function differently than their “neurotypical” peers, managing distracted, disorganized, and disruptive behaviors can often feel overwhelming.

Part 1: Understanding Behavior
Sept 19, 2024

Gain insight into the root causes of your child’s challenging behaviors and uncover what those behaviors are truly communicating. With this understanding, parents can implement appropriate and compassionate interventions that not only address the behavior but also boost the child’s self-esteem, helping them feel seen, understood, and supported.

Part 2: Responding to Behavior
Oct 16, 2024

In Part 2, participants will explore strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, also known as “stress responses,” in a loving and supportive manner. The focus is on finding solutions that set children up for success in a world that can often be difficult for them to navigate.

Webinar: When to Set Limits and When to Let Go
Sept 26, 2024 • For parents of preschoolers through teens

Parents encounter daily challenges in setting and maintaining boundaries around cooperation at home, schoolwork, screen time, chores, sleep schedules, and respectful behavior. Feelings of discouragement and stress can often lead to a desire for greater control. However, attempts to exert control can result in more disconnection and discord, the opposite of the intended outcome. How can parents determine which limits to enforce and which to ease up on? This session offers guidance on letting go of what no longer serves the family and setting firm yet friendly boundaries around the things that truly matter.

Online Class: What Your Child’s Behavior Means
Beginning Oct 8, 2024 • For parents of children of all ages

Have you ever wondered, “Why is my child acting this way?” Parents deeply love their children, but at times, their behavior can leave them feeling annoyed, frustrated, angry, or worried. This class offers insights into understanding a child better, including the biological temperament that shapes who they are, as well as the challenging behaviors that can catch any parent off guard. Participants will learn how to decode these behaviors and respond with proven strategies to improve long-standing parent-child dynamics, leading to less conflict, more cooperation, and a stronger relationship with their child.