National Parenting Education Network
info@npen.org ⬩npen.org
Contact: Debbie Farr, Board Chair, debbiesfarr@gmail.com
Rachel Chrastil, Executive Coordinator, rachel@npen.org
Appalachian Promise Alliance Parenting Educator Network
Contact: Samantha Gray, Coordinator, samantha@appalachianpromise.org
A Call to Strengthen Families: Announcing National Parenting Education Day
Bristol TN, VA, March, 2025 – Parenting education is a proven yet underutilized tool to unlock healthier families, stronger communities, and brighter futures for our children. The National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) and NPEN member, Appalachian Promise Alliance, are excited to announce National Parenting Education Day, observed annually on the First Friday in April, beginning April 4, 2025.
| “Parenting education isn’t just about handling tantrums—it’s about empowering parents to create lasting, positive change in their children’s lives, and ultimately, in the world.” – Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Parenting Expert and Author of The Power of Showing Up. |
As families face increasing pressures, NPEN advocates a focus on prevention rather than intervention. Despite alarming reports from the Surgeon General about rising family stress, parenting education remains an overlooked resource—often dismissed as something only for ‘problem’ families. Parents often turn to unqualified sources for advice, unaware of the trusted, research-based support available through parenting education.
Studies show that every dollar invested in parenting education leads to significant long-term savings by preventing costly interventions and improving child well-being.
For over 60 years, parenting education has helped families thrive by:
- empowering parents by building their confidence in parenting skills,
- strengthening family stability and resilience,
- improving knowledge of child development,
- reducing isolation by expanding social networks, and
- promoting positive, lasting parent-child relationships.
Parenting educators are trained professionals who offer evidence-based guidance. They can be found through the Appalachian Promise Alliance Parenting Educator Network catalog of programs at https://www.parentingsweet.org, through other local family resource centers, health & wellness centers, schools, childcare facilities, local governmental agencies, and online at https://npen.org/Parenting-Education-Directory.
Join NPEN and Appalachian Promise Alliance in recognizing April 4, 2025 as National Parenting Education Day. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, NPEN invites you to celebrate National Parenting Education Day, recognizing the vital role of parenting education in building strong, resilient families. For more information, visit npen.org.
The Parenting Sweet and the Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network, appalachianpromise.org, at 100 Ash Street, Bristol TN, are part of the National Parenting Education Network. With support from Ballad Health Population Health Department, Community Health Initiative APA works to create a regional culture that helps all children flourish, benefiting from a strong start in life, community resources, resilience building, and learning preparation. Volunteers interested in becoming involved with the Appalachian Promise Parenting Education Network are also invited to contact us about parenting educator training and opportunities.
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