Parenting is a continuous journey of learning. Each new stage in a child’s development brings situations that may raise questions or uncertainty. It is completely natural not to always feel confident as a parent, and it is exactly at those moments that the need for support and guidance may arise.
As a parent, it is worth learning and seeking new knowledge proactively, not only when problems occur. New knowledge helps you better understand your child and cope with everyday life with greater calmness and confidence.
Why is developing parenting skills important?
When you as a parent feel supported and informed, it is easier for your child to grow and develop. This benefits family life and also supports the child’s coping in kindergarten, school, and relationships with others.
Research shows that consciously and consistently applied parenting skills, a trusting relationship with the child, and a safe home environment support a child’s development and well-being. Conscious parenting helps protect children from greater difficulties and prevent issues such as behavioural problems, anxiety, low self-esteem, or exposure to addictive substances.
Parenting is a skill – training helps develop it
Evidence-based training programmes have been developed to support parents. These are intended for all parents – both for prevention and for addressing existing challenges. Evidence-based means that the training is grounded in research and has proven positive effects on parenting skills and child well-being.
Parenting programmes help you to:
- understand your child’s behaviour and development,
- build a close and trusting relationship with your child,
- cope with everyday situations and questions related to your child,
- create a safe and supportive environment for your child,
- feel calmer and more confident as a parent and make informed choices even in challenging situations.
Becoming a parent – whether for the first time or again – is always a major life change.
It brings a lot of joy and closeness, but also fatigue, a new daily rhythm, and a desire to understand your baby. At times, it can all feel overwhelming. It is important to notice what your child needs, find ways that support adaptation, and also remember your own needs.
We are introducing the Triple P Baby programme in Estonia to support parents on this journey. The programme provides knowledge on how to build a safe and trusting relationship with your baby, understand sleep and crying, and cope with the emotions that come with becoming a parent. It also helps parents find ways to support each other. Practical exercises and discussions offer support in dealing with stress, anxiety, or sadness.
The programme consists of eight sessions: four take place in a group setting and four individually, focusing on each family’s specific situation. The programme can be started already during pregnancy – individual sessions always take place after the child is born.
The Triple P Baby online programme (approximately 7 hours of self-paced learning) allows parents to complete the programme online if they prefer independent learning or are unable to attend in-person sessions.
In 2026, the Social Insurance Board, in cooperation with Väike Päike Training Centre, will begin piloting the programme in Estonia. During the pilot phase, parents will have the opportunity to participate in both in-person training sessions and the online programme. Read more about the project.
As a parent, you can find support and reliable information on the Tark vanem website.
As your child grows, new questions and situations arise – setting boundaries, managing emotions, relationships with other children, and various everyday situations that may raise concerns. When you have confidence and awareness as a parent, it becomes easier to cope – and you also have more space to notice the moments that bring joy and pride in your child.
The Incredible Years is a 16-week parenting programme that focuses on building a close relationship with your child, supporting their confidence, and developing skills that help them cope with emotions and challenging situations. The training takes place in groups, where parents discuss real-life examples, watch video materials, and try out new ways to support their child at home. It offers an opportunity to share experiences, receive support, and grow as a parent together with your child.
The programme is delivered by trained specialists and is based on a scientifically proven approach used in many countries worldwide.
Parents of children aged 3–12 who have completed The Incredible Years programme can continue, if they wish, in the Advanced Parent Programme, which helps deepen acquired skills and provides confidence in handling new and changing situations as the child grows.
More information about the programme is available on the Tark Vanem website.
Daily life with a child with ADHD can be tiring and full of challenges. It is important to understand how attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder affects your child and to find effective ways together to support their development, well-being, and your relationship.
All About Play (Invest in Play) is a 12-week programme that helps parents better understand and support a child with ADHD. It offers evidence-based, practical strategies that work in everyday life to support the child’s attention and emotional regulation, cope with challenging situations, and maintain a strong and trusting parent-child relationship.
The introduction of this programme in Estonia is currently in preparation. Translation of materials, training of facilitators, and piloting of the programme will take place in 2025–2026.
As a parent, you can find support and reliable information on the Tark vanem website.
Last updated: 30.03.2026
