Free Online Classes for Single Dads

A growing number of fathers are single parents or are co-parenting with former partners in separate homes. Being a single dad isn't easy. They often deal with high childcare costs and fatigue when juggling work and home duties alone.

A lack of outside help is a major challenge of single fatherhood. Dads sometimes have no support system to help make good parenting choices. Fortunately, OpenLearn, PBS, and other resources offer free and low-cost online parenting courses that can benefit single dads.

Getting help building your parenting skills can make your job as a single father easier. Below you'll find free online classes and courses that can help single dads and dads-to-be grow as parents.

10 Free and Low-Cost Online Courses for Single Dads

Stay-at-home parents can use free online classes to further their careers as they provide care for their children. Others may want to learn about mental health, child development, and more as a single dad.

These low-cost and free resources and courses offer great tips for parents.

1. Udemy How to Raise Money-Smart Kids and Teens in 7 Steps

Udemy offers a free tutorial to help parents discuss money with their children. How to Raise Money-Smart Kids and Teens in 7 Steps explores why financial literacy for children is important. The course looks at the status of financial education in the world.

It also teaches parents how they can help their children create financial goals. You must sign up for a Udemy account to enroll in this course.

2. PBS Parents Learning

PBS Kids for Parents offers learning tools to support parents of children ages 2 through 8. Find articles and resources for parents about emotions, self-awareness, social skills, and character.

You'll also find tools to help your children with reading, math, science, and art. PBS Kids for Parents offers plenty of games and activities for children. Coloring pages, printables, crafts, apps, and recipes are all available.

3. Child Mind Institute Parenting Resources

The Child Mind Institute has partnered with the state of California to offer free resources for parents. Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids is a series of free videos and print resources that tackle common challenges parents face. Here's what you can learn:

• self-care for parents
• healthy self-esteem for children
• bullying and substance abuse among teens

The videos explore ways parents can help children with mental health challenges. Topics like death, grief, and divorce are also covered. You can review these resources at your own pace.

4. FutureLearn Understanding Autism

FutureLearn offers the Understanding Autism course. It explores ways autistic people live differently than people without autism. Lessons look at some of the challenges autistic people face in a non-autistic world. It also examines autistic social skills.

This is a good course for single dads with autistic children. Limited access to the course is offered free of charge. You can also pay $349.99 for one year of full access.

5. OpenLearn Physical and Mental Health for Young Children

OpenLearn offers Physical and Mental Health for Young Children, a free course that discusses ways parents can promote good health and provide the right healthcare for babies and young children. Parents who take this online course learn the following:

• why health promotion is important
• conditions that affect the mental and physical well-being of babies and children
• ways to improve the health of babies and children

Parents learn how to notice patterns in the health of their young children. Preventable health conditions are also explored.

6. Google for Education Digital Citizenship and Safety

Google for Education offers the Digital Citizenship and Safety course, which teaches adults and students how to create a positive and safe online experience. This free course consists of texts, videos, and activities. Concepts include:

• Internet safety and privacy for students
• phishing and scams
• online reputations
• smart online searching

Lessons explore how to spend time online safely using mobile devices. They also discuss the importance of teaching digital citizenship and safety to others.

7. OpenLearn Supporting Children's Development

The Supporting Children's Development course from OpenLearn explores child development. It is a great choice for single dads, single mothers, new parents, and others raising children. You'll learn about:

• children from early years through to high school
• encouraging children to read
• managing behavior in children and teens
• children with special needs

This course is available free of charge. Individuals who enroll and sign in can receive a free statement of participation once finished.

8. OpenLearn Children's Perspective on Play

The Children's Perspective on Play course from OpenLearn offers free lessons exploring why children play. You can also learn where and how kids like to play when free to make their own choices. This course looks at:

• the significance of play
• how children talk about their playtime
• the importance of creativity in play

These topics can help parents better understand how their children think. Parents can also learn new ways to support their children's playtime and become more engaged.

9. OpenLearn Children's Experiences With Digital Technologies

OpenLearn's Children's Experiences with Digital Technologies course introduces parents to ways children use digital technologies like mobile apps, digital games, and computers. This free online course also looks at what kids learn from technology. Lessons discuss ways tech impacts how kids learn and develop.

This course also shares how parents should manage their children's interactions with technology.

10. OpenLearn Engaging With Children and Young People

Engaging with Children and Young People is a free OpenLearn course. It examines how police engage with children and young people. It also looks at ways they can handle their approach differently.

The goal is to help adults understand the most effective ways to engage with younger people. You can learn the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Also, discover the difference between 'at risk' and 'risky behaviors.'

Benefits of Free Online Parenting Classes for Single Dads

Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that single dads are among the fastest-growing populations in the US. The number of single fathers grew from 1.7 million in 1990 to 3.3 million in 2020. Single dads need a lot of support to be their best as parents. Below are answers to the common FAQ regarding reasons online parenting classes can be valuable for single dads.

Learn Parenting Skills

A major benefit of online parenting classes is learning the skills needed to be a great parent and role model. Courses can teach you how to create a loving bond with your children as a single dad. You can learn how to set a good example. Classes can also teach you tips for disciplining your children, budgeting with one income, and planning for your children's futures alone.

Find Support as a Single Parent

One of the toughest parts of being a single parent is managing responsibilities without a partner. If you don't have the support of friends and family, you could benefit from online parenting classes. Some courses offer tips to help you make great parenting decisions. You might even find courses that allow for discussions with other parents for additional support.

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Fatherhood

Just as mothers play an important role in a child's life, a father's influence can be vital to their children's upbringing. Taking online parenting classes can open single dads' eyes to the ins and outs of fatherhood and how creating a special bond as a father can impact their children's lives.

Flexibility

Online parenting courses are often self-paced. This means you can learn during times that match your schedule. This flexibility allows you to build your parenting skills without worries that you won't complete tasks at work and home.

Personal Growth

You might assume that parenting courses will only benefit your children. However, the tips you learn to become a better parent can also help you become a better person. You could build your listening skills or even become a better money manager. Any online parenting course you take can add to your personal growth.