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At Laprica Academy, we believe that parenting education, grounded in evidence, should be available to every parent. Because parenting is either the greatest gift we offer our children, or it can unintentionally become the very thing that holds them back.
Let me start with a simple analogy. If you want to drive a car, what do you do? You wait for an accident to start learning. You learn first. You go to driving school, practice, and get a license. When you choose a career, you invest in education and training, and even practice as an intern because you want to prepare to do your job well.
Most jobs expect competence and ask us to show it through qualifications, experience, and ongoing learning. We don’t wait for problems to happen at work; we prepare, stay proactive, and keep improving. And if we don’t bring value, or worse, make things worse, we risk being let go.
But when most of us become parents, we rarely think about strengthening our competence with the latest research and evidence for what is arguably one of the most important roles in life. I was the same way until I hit a wall.
Many parents join Laprica when something isn’t working or feels off. There might be constant conflicts at home that drain everyone’s energy, tantrums, difficulties with focus, or struggles around screens and technology use. Some parents can’t seem to convince their children about things that truly matter, or they’re facing school-related challenges, lack of motivation, or growing anxiety. Others feel overwhelmed by information, torn by value clashes, or stuck in disagreements between co-parents and caregivers. And many parents are simply exhausted, stretched thin, feel unsupported, and battling stress or burnout. The list is long.
In this reflection, I want to share two things that parenting education can do and two things it cannot.
What parenting education can do
What parenting education can do
1. Strengthen competence
There are four stages of competence. Most parents who join us are on the journey from not knowing what they don’t know, to knowing what they need to do, and learning how to do it consistently.
Our work at Laprica is grounded in evidence. That’s why we review a wide range of studies—from individual primary research papers to meta-analyses. We do the heavy lifting: making sense of what the findings actually tell us, including concepts like p-values, statistical significance, causation, and correlation. Then we translate that knowledge into practical tools parents can apply in daily life.
Our flagship programme, Parenting Compass, focuses on children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, behaviour, life skills, and mindset. These are the foundations of thriving.
We believe parenting education should cover all ages and stages. Parenting Compass supports parents from birth to 18 years. Because the quality of nurture at 3 months affects what happens at 3 years. And how we show up at 6 years will shape how they are at 13. Each stage builds on the one before.
So if you’re parenting a toddler, understanding how they grow and change and what to focus on during this stage of development gives you clear direction on where to focus now and why. And if you are parenting a preteen or teenager, it’s as essential to understand the experiences that shaped their earlier development. Looking back can help you move forward by recognizing the root causes of current challenges and guiding you in the right direction.
A research-backed parenting program helps parents recognize where they are on or off track, and move forward with the clear intention, right tools, and greater confidence.
2. Help reduce parenting-related stress
Parenting education helps parents know what to prioritize, what to let go of, and how to show up based on child's age and development. It shifts parents from reacting to leading with purpose.
When parents understand what matters at each age and how to use even 30 minutes of quality time well, they stop wasting energy and resources on what does not. Think of it like the weather: when rain is coming, parents put on rain clothes; when it is summer, they dress for the sun. They are prepared and know what to expect (sense of control). And just like with the weather, parents may not be ready for every storm such as avalanches or tsunamis, but at least they know these exist and can take steps to avoid being caught in one.
When parents understand that a three-year-old is asserting a need for autonomy and competence rather than simply being difficult, they’re better equipped to respond with empathy and build the needed skills. When parents are aware of the developmental changes of adolescence, they can prepare both their child and themselves for that stage in advance. And when children are at their most collaborative and open to learning, parents can use those precious moments, while they still have them in abundance.
Stress also decreases when co-parents and caregivers share the same vision. Alignment and knowledge transform parenting from conflict into a supported, enriching, and joyful experience.
What parenting education cannot do
What parenting education cannot do
1. Create perfect parents
Just like having a driver’s license does not mean you will never make a wrong turn, parenting education doesn’t create flawless parents. It gives you practical knowledge, strategies, and tools to support your child through every stage. Perfection isn’t the goal in parenting; development and steady growth are.
2. Eliminate all struggles
Tantrums, conflict, strong emotions, pushback, and self doubt... are all part of childhood. Parenting education helps you understand these challenges, build skills, and equip children with tools to manage them.
Take mental health, for example. Good parenting is a powerful protective factor for children’s mental health, but it’s not the only one. Genetics, experiences both at home and beyond, and the broader environment all play a role. What you can do is create the best possible conditions and pass on essential knowledge and tools so your children are equipped to care for their mental and emotional well-being.
Because every parent deserves to feel confident, supported, and equipped for the most important journey of their life.
Grounded in research evidence, Parenting Compass (for parents with children aged 0-18) helps parents create the best possible conditions for their children’s well-being, growth, and learning, so children can reach their full potential. .
With love to every child and family,
Nargis
Founder, Laprica Academy
Thriving children. Thriving world.
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