Parent Encouragement Program

Parenting is not an easy gig. The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) in Kensington, Maryland, is here to help. PEP classes, seminars and support are based on the teachings of Alfred Adler. Classes are held regularly in Montgomery County, Maryland and in Northern Virginia.

Core Classes

Core classes are the foundation of PEP. They are 8-10 week sessions that cover basic skills and important concepts. Instructors are parents themselves, who have also been through the PEP classes as well as over 300 hours of training, which makes for a great combination of expertise and personal experiences that they can share. The first core class is Babies and Preschoolers, which covers age birth through age four. PEP I covers ages 4 through 12.

Instructor Lynne Ticknor is a mother of four, and when she talks, you can tell that she’s been there for whatever frustrations you have. Her teaching is interactive and full of great ideas, without being judgmental or condescending. Because they are over a long period of time, the classes build rapport and parents are able to draw on the support of other parents as well as the instructors. At the last session of a recent Babies and Preschoolers class, participants brought in pictures of their children to share during the break and after class.

Hot Topics

Hot Topics are one-time, two hour programs that hit topics of popular demand. Topics include tantrums, anger management, and power struggles.

Summer Classes

During the summer, core classes are condensed and meet twice a week over three weeks. Hot Topics are also offered.

Written Resources

PEP instructors regularly contribute articles to Washington Parent magazine. In addition, PEP has a bookstore that includes books for parents and kids. Members can also borrow books from the PEP lending library.

Membership

Membership in PEP is $50 per year, which gives parents discounts on class tuition, as well as lending privileges.

Recommendation

PEP lives up to its name. Classes are a great combination of help, encouragement, and support. They are at once a safe place to vent frustrations and to find practical answers to help diffuse those frustrations. If you’re having problems, or just want to brush up on your parenting skills and hear some new perspectives, check out PEP.

General Information

Parent Encouragement Program
10100 Connecticut Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
301-929-8824
www.PEPparent.org