Online Family Foundations (e-Family Foundations)

Online Family Foundations (Online FF), also known as e-Family Foundations, is an online and interactive self-study adaptation of the Family Foundations (FF) parenting education program designed for couples expecting their first child. Online FF aims to help couples develop a team approach to caregiving, maintain family bonds, reduce stress, and promote adult and child well-being. In Online FF, couples are defined as any two individuals who plan to care for the child together and can include the parent and another individual such as a grandparent or new romantic partner. Couples participate in Online FF together and typically begin Online FF classes during pregnancy. 

Online FF is delivered online to couples over nine self-paced classes. Online FF includes five classes designed to prepare couples for parenting before the birth of the child and four classes designed to help couples following the birth of the child. Class 1 focuses on orienting the couple to becoming parents, strategies for communicating feelings effectively to each other, and identifying the strengths of the parenting team. Class 2 introduces tools to manage conflict and discusses how emotions affect the child. Class 3 focuses on skills to help couples work as a team, divide labor, and change negative thoughts. Class 4 explains how to have difficult conversations and how to use “I-statements.” Class 5 recaps the prior prenatal classes, discusses the importance of building confidence as a parent, and shares tips for putting the baby to sleep. Class 6, the first class after birth, discusses parent experiences, child temperaments, and the importance of spending time as a couple. Class 7 introduces the concept of secure attachment and explains how to help children feel secure. Class 8 focuses on strategies for teamwork, problem-solving, and changing negative thoughts. Class 9 ends the series by reviewing attachment and security as well as discussing intimacy, teaching, discipline, and the importance of sharing appreciation within the parenting team.  

Online FF does not currently meet criteria to receive a rating because no studies met eligibility criteria for review.

Date Last Reviewed by the Prevention Services Clearinghouse (Handbook Version 1.0): Nov 2023

Date Program or Service Description Last Updated: Oct 2026

Date Originally Reviewed by the Prevention Services Clearinghouse (Handbook Version 1.0): Nov 2023

Sources

The following sources informed the program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information: the program or service manual, and the program or service developer’s website. 

This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, download the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Version 1.0