Submitted by Alli Behnke, HKYFS
(February 6, 2026) — After more than three decades in private practice, Dr. Alicia Farrell has witnessed a dramatic shift in the emotional landscape of parenting—and not for the better.
“Over the past 30 years, I’ve watched parenting go from challenging and moderately stressful at times to extremely challenging and highly stressful most of the time,” Dr. Farrell says. “Parents, teachers, administrators, and children are confused and struggling. Everyone feels it.”
While opinions vary on what has caused these changes—from technology and social media to academic pressure and cultural expectations, Dr. Farrell believes the focus should be less on blame and more on impact.
“The problems are incredibly complicated and multi-faceted,” she explains. “They feel overwhelming. And the consequences are serious. Families are breaking down, educational environments are under strain, and most importantly, children’s mental health is suffering.”
From her therapy couch, Dr. Farrell hears the same concerns day after day: parents who are deeply invested in their children but feel isolated, unsure, and exhausted.
“There simply isn’t enough help that is affordable, available, practical, or effective,” she says. “That’s what breaks my heart. Meeting with families one-on-one is meaningful, but it’s not enough. Parents need expert support that’s available on demand, adapts to their needs, and reminds them they’re not alone.”
That realization led Dr. Farrell to create OnPoint Parenting (OPP), a virtual parenting platform designed to deliver expert guidance, practical tools, and genuine community—without the noise, comparison, and judgment often found on social media.
“I poured decades of professional expertise and personal wisdom into OnPoint Parenting,” Dr. Farrell says. “It’s a space where parents and professionals who work with children can get real guidance, skill-building, and support—24/7.”
To start, Dr. Farrell recorded twenty-five in-depth videos across key areas parents consistently struggle with: Parenting Basics, Stress and Anxiety, Technology, Communication and Positive Discipline, and Drugs and Alcohol. “These are tools you can use immediately,” she said. “My goal is to help parents feel more confident, calmer, and more connected—right now, not someday in the future.”
“In my time as Director for Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family services, as well as working with youth and families from multiple communities, I have consistently noticed a need for concrete, real, and useful support parenting through the stages. Dr. Farrell and I started working together almost twenty years ago, and her expertise, tools and humor have shaped the choices I’ve made as a parent. It’s an honor and a privilege to partner with Dr. Farrell to launch her new platform. I hope it will be a meaningful tool for HK families and beyond,” said Alli Behnke, HKYFS Director.
In addition to the video library, OPP includes a moderated community where parents and professionals can share experiences, ask questions, and support one another. She also has teamed up with local youth communities and schools to offer “Virtual Parenting Power Hours” to further support her commitment to helping parents access the tools they need.
“You’re not meant to do this alone,” Dr. Farrell emphasizes. “There is real power in being part of a community of people facing similar challenges.” Members receive full access to all OnPoint Parenting content, including training videos, the community forum, monthly Zoom calls, pop-up talks, and a growing resource library. “OPP isn’t a static platform,” Dr. Farrell explains. “It’s designed to grow and change based on what members actually need. When you participate, you help shape what the platform becomes.”
Her vision is for OnPoint Parenting to be more than just another resource—it’s meant to be a steady source of guidance in an increasingly complex world. “Let’s tackle this mixed-up world together,” Dr. Farrell says. “Our kids need to grow up learning how capable they are—how to persevere and eventually thrive as independent, self-sufficient adults.”
Parents and professionals can preview the platform by watching a sample video here:
“Finding your way as a parent is hard,” Dr. Farrell adds. “OnPoint Parenting is here to help you find it—and walk it with confidence.” The next Virtual Parenting Power Hour is scheduled for February 20, 2026 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m. on the topic of Elementary School (K-5). This parenting support presentation will include information and conversation around:
* What is important during this time in a child’s development?
* What is a healthy relationship and how do you foster one as your child is expanding their independence?
* What does independence in K-5 look like?
For information on pricing and other questions, visit www.hkyfs.org/event/
