Foundations of Childhood Development

A step-by-step guide to understanding and supporting your childโ€™s emotional, social, and developmental growthโ€”from birth through adolescence

About this course

This course is your guide to understanding and supporting your childโ€™s emotional, social, and developmental growthโ€”from birth through adolescence. Led by child psychologist Dr. Maya Bristow Klein, youโ€™ll gain clarity around common parenting questions and challenges, from toddler tantrums to teenage identity. Through 15 focused modules, youโ€™ll 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 themโ€”every step of the way.

Why This Course Matters

From first smiles to teenage independence, childhood is filled with emotional highs and lowsโ€”not just for children, but for parents, too. Itโ€™s normal to wonder:

  • Are these behaviors typical for their ageโ€”or 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, weโ€™ve supported countless families with these same questions. Thatโ€™s why we created Foundations of Childhood Development: to offer not just answers, but clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of your childโ€™s growth.

Understanding Parental Concerns About Youth Anxiety and Depression

Guiding Your Child, One Stage at a Time

This course breaks down the complex journey of childhood into digestible, actionable modules. Youโ€™ll 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

Itโ€™s a course that grows with your childโ€”and helps you grow as a parent.

Understanding Dyslexia

Learn what dyslexia is, how itโ€™s diagnosed, and the importance of early identification. Gain insights into the origins of dyslexia and practical steps to support your childโ€™s reading journey.

Exploring Dysgraphia

Discover how dysgraphia impacts writing and motor skills. Learn strategies to address these challenges and build your childโ€™s 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 childโ€™s 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

When looking for information on children’s mental health, parents can feel frantic and hasty to understand what’s happening with their child. There’s a sense of hopelessness coupled with the worry, “Is my child the only one going through this?” Dr. Maya’s calm and welcoming demeanor provides an unsaid sense of normalcy. It’s as if she’s reassuring us, โ€œHey, I’ve seen this before. We can approach these topics calmly together because I know there is light at the end of the tunnel.โ€ The “Get Started” process is super easy to use too. It feels like you’re building a recipe for the areas where your child needs help. This is the kind of information that someone would expect to have in a therapy session, so you get the experience of therapy without any requirement beyond a monthly commitment of $50. Because of this I think that Pathformers is a solid investment for parents and anyone else looking for information on child psychology.

Kristyn and Laron J.

Kristyn and Laron J.

I had the chance to check out Pathformers on my phone and computer, and let me tell you, the computer version really blew me away. The site’s beautiful aesthetic and diverse family photos and videos really capture the richness of family life. The topics they talk about are super helpful, and navigating the site is a breeze, especially with the filters that stay put until you change them. Dr. Klein explains things in a way that’s easy to get, which I think will hit home for a lot of people, not just parents like us. I’m actually pretty excited to tell my colleagues about it. We’re always looking for meaningful ‘lunch and learns’, and I really think Pathformers could be a big hit with us and others.

Jamie and Kevin T.

Jamie and Kevin T.

I am so appreciative of the Pathformers initiative!! In conversations with friends who have children, we are always questioning whether some behaviors are normal, worrisome, or not. I am struck by how very little information pediatricians give to parents on mental health and what is normal for children to do and when you need to seek help. Pathformers gives us a place to turn to answer those questions. It provides families with research-based and trustworthy information to help with their kidsโ€™ mental health.

Patricia and Aldo B.

Patricia and Aldo B.

Pathformers boasts an exceptionally well-designed platform that offers an intuitive and seamless user experience. In my role as a professional dedicated to guiding parents through the intricacies of child-rearing, I commend Pathformers for its outstanding execution. Beyond its polished aesthetic, the platform’s meticulous integration of substantive information solidifies its position as an invaluable resource. The ease of navigation on Pathformers allows users to access precisely curated content effortlessly. The transformative impact of Pathformers’ videos is truly exemplary. Dr. Maya Klein’s understanding of parental challenges is evident, forging a profound connection with users. For parents embarking on the exploration of potential developmental hurdles for their children, Pathformers proves to be an indispensable resource. Excitement builds as we eagerly anticipate their sustained growth and enduring impact on families worldwide.

Shayda M

Shayda M.

Whatโ€™s in the Course

Dr. Maya Bristow Klein simplifies complex topics, offering clear insights and real-world strategies. Along with engaging video lessons, youโ€™ll gain access to worksheets, tools, and resources to support your child effectively.

Hereโ€™s a sneak peek at the course modules:

The First Year Milestones, Attachment, and Growth
Module 1:

The First Year: Milestones, Attachment, and Growth

Discover how your babyโ€™s milestonesโ€”like their first smile and navigating separation anxietyโ€”shape their emotional growth and independence.

Foundations of Infant Development Building Emotional Security
Module 2:

Foundations of Infant Development: Building Emotional Security

Learn how early attachment, social engagement, and emotional development shape your babyโ€™s first year. Gain insights and tools to support a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

Understanding Colic Comforting Your Baby
Module 3:

Understanding Colic: Comforting Your Baby

Discover insights and strategies to help soothe your colicky baby and ease their discomfort.

Attachment Styles and Being Your Childโ€™s Secure Base
Module 4:

Attachment Styles and Being Your Childโ€™s Secure Base

Understand how attachment styles shape your childโ€™s emotional security and learn ways to foster a healthy parent-child bond.

Parental Attachment Styles
Module 5:

Parental Attachment Styles

Explore how your attachment style shapes your childโ€™s emotional security and strengthens your bond.

Sculpting the Self The Role of Narcissism in Child Development
Module 6:

Sculpting the Self: The Role of Narcissism in Child Development

Discover how early interactions nurture your childโ€™s self-esteem, courage, and sense of belonging.

Toddlerhood Boundaries, Emotions, and Connection
Module 7:

Toddlerhood: Boundaries, Emotions, and Connection

Explore toddlerhoodโ€™s 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'
Module 8:

Parenting Through the ‘Terrible Twos’

Navigate strategies to navigate the โ€œterrible twosโ€ while fostering your toddler's independence and emotional growth.

From Self-Focus to Connection Understanding Narcissism in Child Development
Module 9:

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
Module 10:

Early Childhood: Emotions, Friendships, and Moral Reasoning

Explore early childhoodโ€™s 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
Module 11:

Finding Words, Finding Self: Language Development from Infancy through Adolescence

Track your childโ€™s journey from first words to adolescent self-expression. Learn how language shapes emotional growth, identity, and connectionโ€”at every stage of development.

Middle Childhood Building Social Skills and Resilience
Module 12:

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
Module 13:

Three Pillars of Self-Esteem

Explore the foundations of self-esteem and how they shape emotional growth.

Early Adolescence Identity, Independence, and Peer Influence (1)
Module 14:

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
Module 15:

Late Adolescence: Connection, Confidence, and Emotional Growth

Explore late adolescenceโ€™s challenges and opportunities, from identity formation to emotional growth. Learn how to support independence, relationships, and future planning.

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What Makes This Course Different

Pathformers courses are created by licensed child psychologists with years of real clinical experienceโ€”not influencers or generic parenting coaches. Our content is:

๐ŸŽ“ Research-informed
๐Ÿ“˜ Developmentally sequenced
๐Ÿง  Psychoanalytically grounded
๐Ÿ’ฌ Straightforward and applicable to everyday parenting

Each video is short, focused, and designed for real parenting life. Youโ€™ll walk away with tools you can useโ€”without needing to commit to a rigid philosophy or a mountain of reading.

$34.99 per month

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Parents, caregivers, and professionals looking for a developmentally grounded, emotionally intelligent approach to parenting. No psychology degree required—just curiosity and care.

There are 15 video modules, each 8–10 minutes long, plus printable worksheets and tools. You can go at your own pace.

 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.

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Build Your Foundation. Grow Together.

Parenthood isnโ€™t about being perfect. Itโ€™s about showing up with insight, reflection, and care.
This course gives you the tools to do just thatโ€”so your child can thrive, and so can you.

$34.99 per month

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