Foundations of Childhood Development
About this course
This course is your guide to understanding and supporting your childโs emotional, social, and developmental growthโfrom birth through adolescence. Led by child psychologist Dr. Maya Bristow Klein, youโll gain clarity around common parenting questions and challenges, from toddler tantrums to teenage identity. Through 15 focused modules, youโll learn how to nurture secure attachment, support emotional resilience, and guide your child through each developmental stage. With practical tools and psychoanalytically grounded insights, this course empowers you to foster a deeper connection with your child and grow confidently alongside themโevery step of the way.
Why This Course Matters
From first smiles to teenage independence, childhood is filled with emotional highs and lowsโnot just for children, but for parents, too. Itโs normal to wonder:
- Are these behaviors typical for their ageโor something more?
- How do I support my child through big emotional shifts like tantrums or peer struggles?
- What tools can help me build a secure, lasting connection with my child?
- How can I nurture their independence without losing my mind (or my patience)?
At Pathformers, weโve supported countless families with these same questions. Thatโs why we created Foundations of Childhood Development: to offer not just answers, but clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of your childโs growth.

Guiding Your Child, One Stage at a Time
This course breaks down the complex journey of childhood into digestible, actionable modules. Youโll gain tools and insights to:
- Support your child through milestones like separation anxiety, tantrums, and peer struggles
- Build emotional security and healthy attachment from the beginning
- Understand how language, identity, and self-esteem develop over time
- Balance independence and boundaries across age groups
- Create a resilient, emotionally connected family environment
Itโs a course that grows with your childโand helps you grow as a parent.

Understanding Dyslexia
Learn what dyslexia is, how itโs diagnosed, and the importance of early identification. Gain insights into the origins of dyslexia and practical steps to support your childโs reading journey.
Exploring Dysgraphia
Discover how dysgraphia impacts writing and motor skills. Learn strategies to address these challenges and build your childโs confidence.
Unpacking Dyspraxia
Understand the coordination and motor challenges associated with dyspraxia and discover ways to support your child both academically and emotionally.
Navigating Dyscalculia
Explore how math challenges manifest in dyscalculia and learn tools to support numerical understanding and build confidence in math-related tasks.
Building Emotional Resilience
Learn how learning differences can impact your childโs self-esteem and emotional well-being. Discover strategies to foster confidence, manage frustration, and create a supportive environment that empowers your child to thrive emotionally and socially.
Collaborating with Educators and Specialists
Gain practical guidance on working with teachers, therapists, and school staff to create tailored support plans for your child. Understand how to advocate effectively for accommodations and build a strong support system to help your child succeed.
What Parents Say About Pathformers
Whatโs in the Course
Dr. Maya Bristow Klein simplifies complex topics, offering clear insights and real-world strategies. Along with engaging video lessons, youโll gain access to worksheets, tools, and resources to support your child effectively.
Hereโs a sneak peek at the course modules:

The First Year: Milestones, Attachment, and Growth
Discover how your babyโs milestonesโlike their first smile and navigating separation anxietyโshape their emotional growth and independence.

Foundations of Infant Development: Building Emotional Security
Learn how early attachment, social engagement, and emotional development shape your babyโs first year. Gain insights and tools to support a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

Understanding Colic: Comforting Your Baby
Discover insights and strategies to help soothe your colicky baby and ease their discomfort.

Attachment Styles and Being Your Childโs Secure Base
Understand how attachment styles shape your childโs emotional security and learn ways to foster a healthy parent-child bond.

Parental Attachment Styles
Explore how your attachment style shapes your childโs emotional security and strengthens your bond.

Sculpting the Self: The Role of Narcissism in Child Development
Discover how early interactions nurture your childโs self-esteem, courage, and sense of belonging.

Toddlerhood: Boundaries, Emotions, and Connection
Explore toddlerhoodโs emotional highs and lows, from independence struggles to social and language development. Learn practical strategies to support growth while maintaining structure and connection.

Parenting Through the ‘Terrible Twos’
Navigate strategies to navigate the โterrible twosโ while fostering your toddler's independence and emotional growth.

From Self-Focus to Connection: Understanding Narcissism in Child Development
Learn how early narcissism influences your child's development and their ability to form meaningful relationships.

Early Childhood: Emotions, Friendships, and Moral Reasoning
Explore early childhoodโs emotional and social growth, from big feelings to moral development. Learn how to support independence, friendships, and self-confidence.

Finding Words, Finding Self: Language Development from Infancy through Adolescence
Track your childโs journey from first words to adolescent self-expression. Learn how language shapes emotional growth, identity, and connectionโat every stage of development.

Middle Childhood: Building Social Skills and Resilience
Explore how children ages 7-10 develop social skills, independence, and moral reasoning. Learn how to support emotional resilience, friendships, and cognitive growth.

Three Pillars of Self-Esteem
Explore the foundations of self-esteem and how they shape emotional growth.

Early Adolescence: Identity, Independence, and Peer Influence
Explore the emotional and social shifts of early adolescence. Learn how to support growing independence, navigate peer influence, and foster resilience during this critical stage.

Late Adolescence: Connection, Confidence, and Emotional Growth
Explore late adolescenceโs challenges and opportunities, from identity formation to emotional growth. Learn how to support independence, relationships, and future planning.

What Makes This Course Different
Pathformers courses are created by licensed child psychologists with years of real clinical experienceโnot influencers or generic parenting coaches. Our content is:
๐ Research-informed
๐ Developmentally sequenced
๐ง Psychoanalytically grounded
๐ฌ Straightforward and applicable to everyday parenting
Each video is short, focused, and designed for real parenting life. Youโll walk away with tools you can useโwithout needing to commit to a rigid philosophy or a mountain of reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn from this course?
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of child development from birth through adolescence, including emotional regulation, secure attachment, language development, and identity formation. Each module offers practical strategies to support your child and strengthen your relationship.
Who is this course designed for?
Parents, caregivers, and professionals looking for a developmentally grounded, emotionally intelligent approach to parenting. No psychology degree required—just curiosity and care.
How long is the course?
There are 15 video modules, each 8–10 minutes long, plus printable worksheets and tools. You can go at your own pace.
Will this help with my toddler / 7-year-old / teenager?
Yes. The course follows your child’s development from infancy through late adolescence. Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood or navigating teen dynamics, there’s something here for you.

Build Your Foundation. Grow Together.
Parenthood isnโt about being perfect. Itโs about showing up with insight, reflection, and care.
This course gives you the tools to do just thatโso your child can thrive, and so can you.
Help Steer Your Childโs Development
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