Argumentative Essay Draft

Nam Anh Lu
VinUniversity
Fundamentals of Academic Writing
Professor Ruelle
November 27, 2022
728 words
Parenting programs consist of workshops that emphasize improving parenting practices and
behaviors, such as establishing and implementing effective discipline techniques, acquiring
knowledge regarding child development as well as enhancing the parent-child connection
(Brendan D., 2022). Many have claimed that parenting classes are not only unrealistic, costly,
and a waste of social resources but that other resources can reduce the need for such programs.
However, parenting school has significant positive social benefits that should not be overlooked.
Due to the fact that parenting programs can prepare couples for potential real-world scenarios,
lower social costs, and give parental support from specialists in various professions, prospective
parents should enroll in parental coaching sessions before raising a kid.

Several experts and scientists stated that parenting courses are not applicable in the real world.
Due to the fact that each family's routines and circumstances are unique, procedures taught in
classes may not produce the desired results (Brennan D., 2022). In addition, the absence of a
standard or acceptable approach to raising a child complicates the development of an appropriate
curriculum and the evaluation of the effectiveness of educational programs. As a result, the
content of those courses may be irrelevant or incapable of providing couples with the necessary
skills or information. However, this argument contained a number of faults, one of which being
the fact that parenting classes are capable of preparing future parents for scenarios they may
encounter in the near future. While relevant information is readily available online, parents who
have had prior hands-on experience or participated in simulations are not only better equipped to
respond but also better prepared mentally. In times of emergency, every second counts, and a
lack of information and preparation can be hazardous to the child's health.

Opponents of these programs argue that parental education is expensive and should be used for
other purposes. Due to the high cost of parental training programs and additional child-rearing
costs, young families may struggle to attend. If the government subsidizes these coaching
courses, more parents can participate. However, shifting a large amount of taxpayer funds would
leave healthcare and education underfunded. Parenting schools reduce social costs and save the
government money, despite appearances. Parenting lessons may improve child development and
lower societal costs, according to Bachmann et al. (2019). Parenting lessons can improve a
child's mental health and reduce antisocial behavior by improving parenting methods (Scott et
al., 2010). Thus, child suicide and delinquency would decrease, saving money on suicide
prevention centers, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. Parenting classes can also reduce
parental stress and mental health issues (Barlow & Corren, 2017) and better prepare them
mentally and physically (Downing, 2003), reducing the need for foster home programs and
adoption centers.

Even though some recognize the clear benefits of parenting classes, others may argue that
alternative resources provide sufficient information to negate the necessity of attending parenting
classes. With almost no added charges or costs and requiring less time, alternatives such as social
media or internet portals appear to appeal to busy parents on a budget. In addition, parents can
communicate with one another and share their expertise and experiences through online forums.
While the basis of this argument is sound, it suffers from the reality that these sources have not
been demonstrated to be reputable and the methods derived from them may have opposite
results. On the other hand, parental training schools are taught by professionals in various sectors
and could provide proper knowledge on child-related concerns and assist parents in coping with
any psychosocial issues they may encounter. According to Murray et al. (1996), parents with
psychological and social functioning issues may experience behavior issues in the first couple of
years after the birth of their kid. However, parenting schools may be able to offer solutions to
this issue because, in addition to parental skills, they also teach courses on emotion management,
partner cooperation, and other crucial skills during the child-rearing process. These particular
skills, which could not be acquired from outside sources, could greatly assist parents in the
future.

Before having a child, all couples should attend a parenting school for its many benefits,
including preparedness for future scenarios, decreased social expenses, and expert support.
Prospective parents should still consider attending parental training institutions, although there
are still opposing viewpoints asserting that parental courses lack practicality, are not affordable,
and have been surpassed by alternatives.
 References
Bachmann, C. J., Beecham, J., O’Connor, T. G., Scott, A., Briskman, J., & Scott, S. (2019). The
cost of love: financial consequences of insecure attachment in antisocial youth. Journal
of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(12), 1343-
1350. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13103
Barlow, J., & Coren, E. (2017). The Effectiveness of Parenting Programs. Research on Social
Work Practice, 28(1), 99–102. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731 517725184
Brendan, D. (2022) What to Know About Parenting Classes.
WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/what-to-know-about-parenting-classes
Downing, Lavonna Lucille, (2003), Effectiveness of parent education classes: Phenomenological
approach. Theses Digitization Project. 2371
Murray, L., Fiori-Cowley, A., Hooper, R., & Cooper, P. (1996). The impact of postnatal
depression and associated adversity on early mother-infant interactions and later infant
outcome. Child Development, 67, 2512–2526.
Parent Education Programs - Child Welfare Information Gateway. (n.d.-
b). https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/prevention-programs/parented/
Scott, S., Doolan, M., Beckett, C., Harry, S., & the HCA team. (2012). How is parenting style
related to child anti-social behaviour? Preliminary findings from the Helping Children
Achieve Study (DFE-RR185a). Department for
Education. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259147631_How_is_parenting_styl
e_related_to_child_anti-
social_behaviour_Preliminary_findings_from_the_Helping_Children_Achieve_Study