Parent Encouragement Program (PEP)

Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) Offering the parenting classes and resources parents need to raise capable and responsible children. Learn more at http://www.pepparent.org/.

PEP's parenting classes are highly-regarded and in-depth for parents of toddlers through teenagers. "PEP is all about educating parents and caregivers, giving them the knowledge and the skills to raise more cooperative, respectful and responsible children-- that is, to become parents who are involved but not over-involved, who are protective without being overly protective, who provide without over-indulging, who can create a loving and well-functioning family." - PEP Founder Linda Jessup

What if “time-out” wasn’t about punishment—but about learning how to calm down? 💛A positive time-out gives both kids and...
08/29/2026

What if “time-out” wasn’t about punishment—but about learning how to calm down? 💛

A positive time-out gives both kids and parents space to step away from a heated moment, regulate big feelings, and return when everyone is ready to problem-solve.

Try creating a Cozy Corner at home with pillows, books, stuffed animals, or other calming items. Let your child know it’s a place they can go when they need a break—not a place they’re sent because they’ve “been bad.”

And remember: calming down comes before problem-solving.

The goal isn’t to control the behavior. It’s to help children build the skills to manage big feelings—and give parents a chance to model those skills, too.

Learn more on the PEP blog!
https://pepparent.org/making-time-for-positive-time-out/

School lockdowns and safety drills can bring up big feelings—for kids and parents.You don't have to have the perfect wor...
08/28/2026

School lockdowns and safety drills can bring up big feelings—for kids and parents.

You don't have to have the perfect words or all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is stay calm, listen closely, and give our children a safe place to talk about what they're thinking and feeling.

Swipe through for a few ways to start the conversation. 💛

Want more guidance? Read the full PEP blog: “The Lowdown on School Lockdowns.”
https://pepparent.org/the-lowdown-on-school-lockdowns/

Growing up isn’t always graceful. 💛Transitions can feel messy, uncomfortable, and uncertain—for our kids and for us.But ...
08/26/2026

Growing up isn’t always graceful. 💛

Transitions can feel messy, uncomfortable, and uncertain—for our kids and for us.

But struggle isn’t failure. Mistakes, setbacks, and uncomfortable moments give our children opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and the belief that they can handle hard things.

We don’t have to clear every obstacle from their path. Sometimes, we just need to stay close, stay connected, and remind them:

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.

Friendships can be complicated—and when bullying enters the picture, knowing what to say and do can feel even harder. 💛B...
08/24/2026

Friendships can be complicated—and when bullying enters the picture, knowing what to say and do can feel even harder. 💛

Bullying & Friendship: Tools for Raising Kind & Resilient Kids gives parents practical tools to help children navigate social challenges, build confidence, and develop healthier relationships.

You’ll learn how to recognize different types of bullying, support a child who is hurting (or has hurt someone else), and help kids handle friendship challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

🎥 Get instant access to the on-demand video, audio recording, handouts, and resources.

👉 Enroll today and add this practical parenting resource to your toolkit. Then explore more PEP On-Demand programs at PEPparent.org.

https://pepparentonline.org/p/bullying-friendship

08/21/2026

Children don’t need us to have all the answers. They need space to wonder, explore, question, and discover. 🔥💛

Let’s focus less on filling their minds and more on helping their curiosity grow.

Watching your child become an adult can bring up a lot of feelings. 💛You may still want to protect them from the hard st...
08/19/2026

Watching your child become an adult can bring up a lot of feelings. 💛

You may still want to protect them from the hard stuff—but sometimes the hard stuff is exactly where confidence, resilience, and independence grow.

Parenting through these “in-between” years means learning to trust the person your child is becoming while staying close enough to support them when they need you.

Read our latest blog for ideas on navigating this next chapter together.
https://pepparent.org/managing-the-in-between-years-a-guide-for-anxious-parents/

Anger isn't the enemy. What we do with it matters. 💛When we teach children to notice anger, calm their bodies, and look ...
08/17/2026

Anger isn't the enemy. What we do with it matters. 💛

When we teach children to notice anger, calm their bodies, and look underneath the anger for what they really need, we're giving them a skill they can use for life.

And the same three steps can help us as parents, too.

Notice. Calm. Understand. Then respond.

Want to learn more about turning angry moments into opportunities for connection and growth?

👉 Read the full blog: “Avoid Toxic Anger in Three Steps” at the link in our bio.
https://pepparent.org/avoid-toxic-anger-in-three-steps/

Parenting doesn’t end when our kids turn 18—it evolves. 💛The emerging adult years can bring plenty of uncertainty for bo...
08/15/2026

Parenting doesn’t end when our kids turn 18—it evolves. 💛

The emerging adult years can bring plenty of uncertainty for both young adults and their parents. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing when to step in… and when to step back.

Our new August blog explores how we can move from supervising to supporting, give our young adults room to build confidence, and strengthen the relationship along the way.

👉 Read the new blog: Managing the “In-Between” Years: A Guide for Anxious Parents
https://pepparent.org/managing-the-in-between-years-a-guide-for-anxious-parents/

Middle school is a big transition—for kids and parents. 💛Our kids still need our support, but they also need room to pra...
08/14/2026

Middle school is a big transition—for kids and parents. 💛

Our kids still need our support, but they also need room to practice making decisions, solving problems, and finding their own way.

The goal isn't to step away completely. It's to slowly shift from doing for to supporting as they do for themselves.

👉 Swipe through for one simple shift you can try—and head to the PEP Blog to read more about helping your middle schooler build the skills they need to thrive.

https://pepparent.org/middle-school-matters-10-key-skills-kids-need-to-thrive-in-middle-school-and-beyond/

🚨 LIVE WEBINAR TONIGHT! 🚨📱 Is screen time causing conflict in your home?Join PEP tonight from 8–9pm ET for Tackling Scre...
08/12/2026

🚨 LIVE WEBINAR TONIGHT! 🚨

📱 Is screen time causing conflict in your home?

Join PEP tonight from 8–9pm ET for Tackling Screen Time: How to Set Limits with Children.

We'll explore how to set reasonable screen-time limits, collaborate with your kids, and create boundaries that work for your family.

Come ready with your questions—and leave with practical ideas you can put into action. 💛

🎟️ Enroll now and join us tonight!
https://pepparentonline.org/p/tackling-screen-time-aug-2026

Address

10100 Connecticut Avenue
Kensington, MD
20895

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13019298824

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