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AP Academy: Raising Kids / Growing Parents Resources

Many adults struggle with making the transition from dependent child to independent adult.

You don't have to

Don't wait till you are a parent to develop the skills needed to make you a great parent. You should start developing those skills when you start your transition into adulthood.
Free skills assessment
"I'm not confident that I can make good decisions."
"I keep making the same mistake... choosing a partner who is not a good match."
"At this point I don't know where I'm going with my life."

AP Academy Is Here for You

Adulting and parenting isn't easy. There is so much to learn and, too often, timely help is hard to find. That's why we created the Adulting and Parenting Academy (AP Academy).
Bill Shackelford, the AP Academy founder, married his high school sweetheart and together they raised three kids - who gave them 10 grandkids. He documented his adulting and parenting journey in his book, Growing Into Your Parenting Role.

He turned that book into a powerful training program.

Order copy of book

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Two ways to grow your adulting and parenting skills
a white wall with a clock on it
a white wall with a clock on it
green and black traffic light under white sky during daytime
green and black traffic light under white sky during daytime
RKGP e-Learning

This is the online version of the Boot Camp training program. It allows users to learn at their own pace... with little nudges along the way.

Personal Growth Boot Camp

This is the AP Academy signature course for adulting and parenting training. The Boot Camp lays the foundation that supports all other training.

See the full course
See the full course

Know Who You're Working With

Practical tools for adulting and parenting growth

The AP Academy is the brainchild of William (Bill) Shackelford (a father of three and grandfather of 10). The idea for the AP Academy grew out of his love of parenting and a passion for ensuring that the parenting lessons he learned over his 43 years of marriage would be passed on to the next generation. He is passing them on through his unique Raising Kids / Growing Parents (RKGP) Podcast Training.

This Raising Kids, Growing Parents Podcast

This companion to the RKGP training transforms real-life adulting and parenting challenges into clear, practical strategies you can actually use. Built from decades of lived experience and the principles in Bill Shackelford's book, Growing Into Your Parenting Role, each short audio lesson pairs insight with action, helping you strengthen your confidence, improve communication, and build healthier relationships.

William (Bill) Shackelford

William (Bill) Shackelford is a highly sought after keynote speaker, workshop presenter, podcaster, author, and consultant specializing in adulting and parenting. He draws from his 30 years as a corporate trainer to create captivating presentations that draw audiences in and changes minds and hearts forever

Author of the book, Growing Into Your Parenting Role and the founder of the AP Academy, Bill has guided countless individuals through the challenges of personal growth, family dynamics, and professional development through his:

  • Personal Growth Boot Camp

  • Keynote Presentations

  • Adulting and Parenting Workshops

  • One-On-One and Group Coaching

  • Raising Kids / Growing Children Podcast

Adulting and Parenting Training

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