Choosing the Right Parenting Seminar

Parenting workshops and seminars come in lots of different varieties, and the best way to choose the right parenting seminar for your needs is to do your homework before you sign up.

Selecting a Parenting Seminar

Identify your needs. With lots of venues to choose from, it's easy to think that a generic all-inclusive seminar will cover all the bases. Instead of taking a general approach, identify your specific needs and locate a seminar that targets those areas. Seminars designed to give parents general tips on child-rearing won't have the focus you want if you're really after information on how to curb your toddler's tantrums. A focused seminar, like one designed to address drug related problems, health issues, or learning disabilities will give you more of the information you need than one that takes a broad brush approach.

Check sources. Don't rely solely on the promotional material offered by seminar presenters. Check the credentials of any expert participants before you sign-up. Promoters shouldn't be shy about providing background information and certifications for their speakers. It's also a good idea to get some word-of-mouth recommendations from parents, teachers, or others you trust.

Watch out for hype. Some seminars are more about selling a product, like a book, than they are about offering solid, useful information. When you do your research, watch out for marketing materials that put too much emphasis on products the organizers may want to sell you. Free or inexpensive seminars are the biggest offenders, although this can be a problem with presentations that you've paid good money to attend.

Evaluate the talent. Once you have information about seminar speakers, check to see if they've published books or articles on your subject of interest. Doing your homework will make the seminar more useful and give you good clues about the likelihood that the presentation will address your needs. If you have a permissive parenting style and the speaker's last article was entitled, "Because I Said So," you may want to reevaluate your plans.

Be prepared. Like most educational opportunities, the more you bring with you in terms of insights, questions, and observations, the more you'll gain from the experience. Make a list of questions. There may be a question and answer session after the presentation. Even if there isn't, just going through the process of formulating questions will help prepare you to make the most of the information that is offered.

Making sure that the parenting seminar you select speaks to your needs is the best way to get good value for your time and money.