Masterful Parenting Program
Program Overview
Enhancing parent well-being so children can thrive
The Masterful Parenting program is a 12-hour learning experience that helps parents develop the emotional awareness, communication skills, and self-care practices that strengthen family relationships.
By integrating Social-Emotional Learning life skills with practical self-care practices, parents cultivate greater personal well-being and naturally teach their children by example.
Parents embody and model:
Calm presence • Reflective listening •
Emotional awareness • Compassionate communication
What Parents Learn & Practice
Participants develop essential life skills they model for their children, including:
- Focused listening
- Assertive communication rather than passivity or aggression
- Peaceful conflict resolution
- Exercising conscious choice rather than reacting emotionally
- Taking responsibility instead of blaming
- Practicing empathy and forgiveness
In addition, parents learn practical tools that support personal well-being and emotional balance:
- Gentle yoga-based stretching (chair or mat)
- Breathing practices and meditation
- Stress-management strategies
- Life-enhancing nutrition
- Healthy sleep habits
As parents begin to practice these skills, the impact extends far beyond the individual—shaping the emotional climate of the home, the classroom, and the broader school community.
Who are we – And Why It Matters
When caregivers are supported, families—and entire communities—grow stronger. Through self-care and stress management, Family Resiliency Programs help adults build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and remain steady so children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
For more than 26 years, we have served over 5,000 New York City public school parents and parent support professionals, many working in under-resourced communities.
Outcomes for Schools and Communities
Schools and organizations that implement this work consistently see:
- A healthier emotional climate for children
- Stronger parent-child relationships
- Improved communication between families and schools
- Parents who are more present, supportive, and engaged
The Impact on Families and Communities
Hear directly from parents whose lives—and relationships with their children—have been meaningfully transformed.
"I learned how important it is to take care of myself before I
can help others. I see how I need to take TIME for me in
order to be healthy."
"Conscious choice, meditate and sleep...Marc was a great
instructor, calm, entertaining and giving great examples."
"We appreciate the work and effort that went into each session and know firsthand the benefit of your Masterful Parenting Course. Thank you also for sharing yourself with us and providing a space where meaningful interactions took place and the impact and beauty of this work was sincerely felt.”
"How you are responsible for how you feel about yourself. I
need to better communicate my feelings to others."
"I've learned that self-awareness and self-soothing is very
important for the mind, body, and soul. I've already made
small changes, like meditating at work when stressed and
drinking more water."