Join us for the 2025-26 PARENT LABS to learn new skills, connect with other parents, and receive support from MIYFS staff and counselors.

What is a PARENT LAB?

The PARENT LAB workshops are 90-minute interactive programs that will be facilitated by MIYFS staff and school-based counselors. The labs will utilize the content of the Parenting Mercer Island tool to help parents learn new skills and provide an opportunity for connection and support.

  • PARENT LABS are offered as a 4-part series addressing everyday parenting challenges — register for all 4 workshops or choose topics that most interest you.

  • Each lab is a 90-minute interactive workshop for parents and those in a caregiving role.

  • Lessons are based on the 5-step parenting process that is the foundation of Parenting Mercer Island.

  • Labs are designed to provide participants with new skills and tools you can use right away when interacting with your child/teen!

What is Parenting Mercer Island?

The Parenting Mercer Island tool is a website that provides resources to address everyday parenting challenges by age and issue (0-19).  Tools are based on an easy-to-use 5-step parenting process including actions to take and the words to say to engage children. Parenting Mercer Island provides tools and information for parents and those in a parenting role to bolster their parenting skills in growing the social and emotional skills of children. The website content draws on the expertise of professionals in parenting, child development, and mental health. This comprehensive approach ensures the tools and resources are grounded in research and best practices across various relevant fields.

What age groups will be discussed?

We know that some parenting concerns are universal and yet others are unique at each developmental stage. We want to provide the opportunity for you to connect with parents who are at the same point in their parenting journey. Parenting Mercer Island PARENT LABS will be offered in two tracks with topics based on your child’s developmental level:

  • Elementary (K-5)

  • Middle School (6-8)/High School (9-12)

2025-26 Schedule

FAQ

Follow-up Resources

The Parenting Mercer Island Learning Labs are brought to you by Mercer Island Youth and Family Services and made possible with grant funding by Best Starts for Kids.