Everything You Need to Know About Grandparenting Classes
More grandparent classes exist than most people realize—and they're not all created equal. Here's a clear breakdown of every format and what each one actually covers, so you can choose the right one for you.
Searching for grandparent classes signals that you understand this role is worth preparing for, and that your experience as a parent only takes you so far. The good news is there are more options than ever, covering everything from newborn safety to how to build a strong relationship with your grandchild's parents. Here's what's out there.
Are there classes for grandparents?
Yes, there are lots of classes for grandparents, including new grandparent classes. These can include general grandparent topics, health and safety training, courses centered around strengthening familial bonds, and more.
What is a grandparent class?
A grandparenting class is a virtual or in-person course that gives you current, practical information to help you succeed in your new role. These classes might focus on health and safety, baby care, effective communication, modern parenting terms, and related topics to help you become a more effective partner for your grandchild's parents.
Why take grandparenting classes?
If you're wondering why you should consider grandparent classes, there are many benefits to taking this step for your family, including:
Staying informed Your grandchild's parents might make decisions you don't understand — but staying informed about them can help you feel more comfortable, help the expectant parents feel more respected, and your grandchild feel familial alignment, even from their earliest days.
Building stronger family relationships Taking a grandparent class is also a great way to build trust with new parents and strengthen family relationships, as it can help bridge the gap between generations and show parents how much you care about your new role.
Embracing your grandparenting journey with confidence Meeting the new member of your family should be a joyful experience — and you can feel even better if you're feeling confident. Whether you have questions about the new ways of doing things or just want to better yourself for the journey of grandparenting, these classes and workshops can help you feel more confident as a grandparent.
Finding the right new grandparent classes
There are several different formats of new grandparent classes, including in-person and online. Some online classes are live workshop-style, meaning you'll attend them at a certain time. Others are asynchronous or self-led, meaning you'll get all of the information and work through it on your own time.
Understanding your options: new grandparent classes
This guide focuses on classes for new and expectant grandparents. They fall into three formats: local in-person programs, live virtual workshops, and self-paced online courses. Here's how they compare at a glance, then scroll down for the full details on each one.
| Provider | Format | Cost | Topics covered | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | Local / in-person | $–$$ | First aid, medical emergencies, warning signs | Grandparents who want hands-on safety training |
| Mayo Clinic | Live virtual | $ | Modern childbirth, infant care, supporting new parents | A quick, affordable introduction to the basics |
| Stanford Medicine | Live virtual | $$ | Grandparent role, obstetrical and pediatric practices, supporting parents | Grandparents who want a medical institution's perspective |
| The Womb Room | Live virtual | $$$$ | Baby care, health and safety, safe sleep | Grandparents who want to attend alongside the expectant parents |
| Woman's Hospital | Self-paced | $ | Birth and mother care, baby care, health and safety | Grandparents wanting a low-cost multimedia overview |
| New Grandparent Essentials | Self-paced | $$ | Partnering with parents, baby care and safety, parenting trends, your role as a grandparent | Grandparents who want to prepare for the relationship side of the role, not just baby care |
| Grandparent Doula | Self-paced | $$$$ | Newborn care, communication | Grandparents focused on hands-on newborn skills |
| Active Grandparenting 101 | Self-paced | $$$$ | Communication, wellness, nutrition, physical activity | Grandparents who want to focus on their own health and fitness |
Ready to dig deeper? Here's what you need to know about each option.
Local grandparenting classes
One way to find grandparenting classes is through local programs. Start with a quick search for "grandparent classes near me": you may be surprised what's available in your area. Hospitals, libraries, community centers, and local birthing professionals often offer workshops, and they're a great option if you prefer learning in person or want to connect with other grandparents in your community.
First aid training for grandparents
American Red Cross The American Red Cross offers first-aid training for grandparents to help you learn more about common medical issues, understand warning signs, and what to do in the case of an emergency. There are options both in person and online.
Virtual grandparenting live workshops
Below are live, virtual workshops available to new and expectant grandparents. These are one-time classes that meet online, so when registering, make sure to select a time that works for you (and your partner, if they're taking the workshop with you).
The Mayo Clinic Typically held once per month, the live, virtual grandparenting class at the Mayo Clinic supports expectant and new grandparents of babies up to approximately 4 months old. This live, virtual two-and-a-half-hour workshop registration covers one set of grandparents and includes information on modern childbirth, updated infant care practices, ways to support new parents during their transition, and more.
The Womb Room The Womb Room's two-hour live, virtual grandparenting class is typically held every other month. One registration includes one set of grandparents-to-be, and the expectant couple (your grandchild's parents) are welcome to attend as well. This workshop covers changes in baby care, health and safety, safe sleep practices, and more, and they recommend taking this workshop a few months before your grandchild is born.
Stanford Medicine Grandparenting Today is a live, online class held once or twice per month by Stanford Medicine that covers your unique role as a grandparent, updated obstetrical and pediatric practices, how to support your children as they step into parenthood, and more.
Virtual grandparenting classes
These virtual classes for new grandparents are asynchronous, meaning you can register for the course and take it at your own pace.
New Grandparent Essentials by More Than Grand Newly revised and expanded, New Grandparent Essentials by More Than Grand gives you the tools and information you need to support parents and become a beloved part of your grandchild's life. This complete digital course includes 63 pages of guidance, worksheets, and action steps across four essential sections: Partnering with Parents, Your Grand Vision, Baby Care and Safety, and Trends in Parenting.
Grandparent Doula Grandparent Doula's new grandparent class provides information on newborn care skills, helps you understand your preferences during this time, and empowers you to communicate more effectively.
Woman's Hospital The Woman's Hospital grandparenting course includes videos, personal stories, animations, and activities to help you embark on your grandparenting journey. The class topics include changes in birth and mother care, what's new in baby care, health and safety, and more.
Active Grandparenting™ With a greater focus on wellness and activity, the Active Grandparenting™ guide includes several modules covering communication, helpfulness, wellness, grandparent physicality, and nutrition.
Choosing the right class for you
The best class is the one that matches what you actually need. If baby care and safety are your main concerns, the live virtual options from Mayo Clinic, Stanford, or The Womb Room cover that ground well. If you're looking for something that goes deeper into the grandparent-parent relationship—and gives you practical tools for getting that dynamic right from the start—New Grandparent Essentials is the only self-paced option built specifically around that.
Ready to embrace this new chapter knowing you're fully prepared for the joys and challenges ahead? Get New Grandparent Essentials today.
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