Maryland to Launch Eight-Week Parenting Program
The state is partnering with the Parent Encouragement Program to provide virtual guidance starting next week.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Parenting
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Beginning the week of October 19, 2026, Maryland will implement an eight-week virtual parenting guidance program. The initiative is a collaboration between the state's Governor's Office for Children and the Parent Encouragement Program.
Why it matters
The program is part of the Young Men and Boys Initiative, which aims to improve outcomes for boys by promoting active involvement from fathers and male caregivers. Research suggests that increased engagement from men in these roles significantly benefits boys' development.
The Parent Encouragement Program is an eight-week virtual course founded in 1982 that has supported 75,000 caregivers to date. The nonprofit emphasizes strategies such as using one-word cues to build bonds rather than lecturing.
The players
Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland who announced the expansion of the parenting initiative.
Governor's Office for Children
The Governor's Office for Children is the Maryland state agency implementing this program as part of the Young Men and Boys Initiative.
Parent Encouragement Program
The Parent Encouragement Program is a nonprofit organization established in 1982 that focuses on providing guidance to caregivers.
The details
The program utilizes peer-led groups to teach caregivers specific communication strategies designed to reduce family friction and strengthen relationships. Participants learn to minimize lecturing in favor of concise cues to set clearer expectations for children.
Timeline
1982: The Parent Encouragement Program was founded in Montgomery County.
October 14, 2026: Governor Wes Moore announced the initiative at the Baltimore Banner Impact Summit.
Week of October 19, 2026: The eight-week virtual parenting program begins.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the ongoing focus of Maryland's Young Men and Boys Initiative to foster active male involvement in youth development. It reflects a societal shift toward structured, peer-led support systems that prioritize tangible communication strategies over traditional instruction.
Maryland caregivers can now register for the virtual sessions to gain access to peer-led guidance on family communication. This program offers a free or state-supported alternative for those looking to implement new strategies for daily child-rearing and bond-building.
The takeaway
Effective communication with children often relies on replacing lengthy lectures with direct, one-word cues to set expectations. Caregivers can use these strategies to reduce daily friction and foster stronger, more consistent bonds with their children.
Further reading
For additional information on support resources, explore the Parenting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
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