Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but if it did, Gottman Parents might just be the next best thing.
Created by world-renowned psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the Gottman Parents brand applies over four decades of relationship and emotional development research to parenting. It's designed to help parents build stronger, more emotionally intelligent connections with their children—while reducing the stress, frustration, and guilt that often comes with raising kids.
In this review, we’ll break down the value of the Gottman Parents brand, what makes it unique, and whether it’s worth your time (and money) as a parent.
What Is Gottman Parents?
Gottman Parents is a spin-off of the Gottman Institute, best known for its research-based approach to strengthening romantic relationships. The parenting branch focuses on emotional coaching, communication, and helping children thrive emotionally and socially.
The core of the Gottman parenting philosophy is based on the Emotion Coaching method—a five-step process to help children recognize and manage their emotions in a healthy, productive way.
Key Features & Offerings
Online Courses
The “Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting” course is a flagship offering. It walks parents through how to:
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Respond empathetically to a child’s emotions
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Set loving boundaries without yelling or power struggles
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Teach problem-solving skills
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Build long-term emotional resilience in kids
It’s offered in both live and self-paced formats—perfect for busy parents.
Workbooks & Resources
Gottman Parents offers downloadable workbooks and exercises that help reinforce the learning at home, making the strategies easy to implement in real life.
Science-Backed Approach
Unlike many parenting trends that are based on personal opinion or outdated advice, Gottman Parents is grounded in peer-reviewed research on child development, psychology, and family dynamics.
Inclusive & Non-Judgmental Tone
Whether you're a new parent, a stepparent, or raising teens, the content is compassionate and adaptable for different family structures and cultural backgrounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Research-Based: Everything is backed by real data and decades of psychological research.
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Practical Tools: The advice is not just theory—it’s actionable and easy to apply.
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Great for Co-Parenting: Helps both parents get on the same page.
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Improves Communication: You’ll learn how to talk with your child, not at them.
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Focus on Emotional Intelligence: Teaches skills that last a lifetime.
Cons:
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Not Free: Courses range from $99–$200+, which may be pricey for some.
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Time Commitment: While courses are self-paced, they still require consistent effort to see results.
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Limited App or Tech Tools: It’s more course-based than app-based.
Who Is It Best For?
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Parents of toddlers to teens
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Parents dealing with tantrums, meltdowns, or anxiety
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Couples who want to align their parenting styles
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Anyone interested in gentle, emotionally-intelligent parenting
Final Verdict: Is Gottman Parents Worth It?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a proven, heart-centered approach to parenting that doesn't rely on punishment, yelling, or guilt, Gottman Parents is a goldmine. It's especially valuable for parents who want to raise emotionally intelligent, confident kids—and want to feel more confident themselves in the process.
While it’s an investment, the return is a stronger relationship with your child and a calmer home environment.