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Serving Jackson, Harrison, and George Counties
Free Family Workshops

Parenting Classes

Community Action of South Mississippi offers free parenting workshops for every stage of your child's life. From newborns to teenagers, our classes give you practical tools for discipline, communication, and building stronger family relationships.

All programs use the nationally recognized Active Parenting curriculum, trusted by millions of families since 1983. Classes are led in a supportive group setting with video, discussion, and real-world activities you can apply at home.

Free of Charge All Ages Year-Round Nationally Recognized

4 Programs Available

First Five Years

Ages 0 to 5

Active Parenting

Ages 5 and up

Parenting Teens

Teens and tweens

Within My Reach

Healthy relationships

Our Programs

We offer four free programs designed for different stages of family life. Each one is built around practical skills you can start using right away. Select a program below to register.

Active Parenting: First Five Years

Ages 0 to 5

Build a strong foundation during your child's most critical developmental years. This program helps parents of infants and young children develop confidence and skills for the everyday challenges of early childhood.

What You Will Learn

  • Understanding your child's development and behavior
  • Positive discipline techniques for young children
  • Building a nurturing and encouraging home environment
  • Setting age-appropriate expectations

Active Parenting: 5 and Up

Ages 5 and up

As children grow into school age, parenting challenges shift. This program equips you with strategies for navigating homework battles, peer pressure, responsibility, and independence.

What You Will Learn

  • Methods of respectful, effective discipline
  • Building cooperation and responsibility
  • Communication skills that strengthen your relationship
  • Encouraging courage and self-esteem in your child

Active Parenting of Teens

Teens and tweens

Six sessions packed with activities, discussion, and real-world examples. Created by parenting expert Dr. Michael Popkin, this program gives you a proven approach to raising responsible, independent teenagers.

What You Will Learn

  • Methods of respectful discipline for teenagers
  • Skills for clear, honest communication
  • Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior
  • Navigating teens online, bullying, and depression

Within My Reach

Adults and couples

A relationship and decision-making program for building healthy, happy relationships. What you do in your relationships affects your success in every other area of life, including work, education, and raising children. Three 2-hour sessions could change your life.

What You Will Learn

  • Skills for building healthy family and romantic relationships
  • Decision-making tools for achieving relationship goals
  • How relationship health affects work, education, and parenting
  • Practical tools you can use immediately

How to Register

Signing up for a parenting class is simple. All programs are free and open to anyone in the community.

Choose Your Program

Review the four programs above and select the one that matches your family's stage. You can register for more than one.

Register Online

Click the "Register Now" button on your chosen program to fill out a short registration form. It only takes a few minutes.

Attend Your Sessions

You will receive details about dates, times, and locations. Refreshments are provided at all sessions. Attend all sessions to receive a completion gift.

Need Help Registering?

Marilyn Montgomery

Parenting Program Coordinator

Stronger Families Start Here

Every parent faces challenges. Our free programs give you the tools, support, and confidence to build a healthier, happier home. Register today or reach out if you have questions.

Or call Marilyn directly at (228) 471-2064