Winter/Spring 2026 PARENT LAB Series

PARENT LABS are in-person interactive workshops for Mercer Island parents/caregivers of K-12 students.

Just for DADS

This Parent Lab is just for dads! Fatherhood, just like motherhood, is an important job and one that isn’t always easy.  Come join YFS counselors and other Island dads to learn how to stay connected to your child as they grow and develop. We’ll all share successes and challenges of parenting and you’ll walk away with new skills to put into practice with your child.

 

This Parent Lab will be facilitated by Harry Brown, retired YFS School-Based Counselor at IMS and Derek Franklin, YFS Administrator with support from the YFS Team.

  • Elementary (Grades K-5)
    January 13, 2026, 6:00*-7:30PM @ Lakeridge Elementary School Library (*note 6:00pm start time)

    The Elementary PARENT LABS are open to all MI elementary parents regardless of the meeting location.

  • Middle/High School (Grades 6-12)
    January 22, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM @ Mercer Island High School Library

Supporting a Neurodiverse Child

Parenting a neurodiverse child is a unique experience that can be filled with joy, energy and connection, alongside everyday challenges that can feel overwhelming. Every parent has a unique journey.  This Parent Lab will honor and acknowledge the hard work and exhaustion parents may encounter while managing their child’s needs. Join other Island parents and YFS Counselors and Staff to find support and connection.

This Parent Lab will be facilitated by Kayla Bocek, YFS Intern whose coursework has specialized in working with neurodiverse youth, and Corinne Alef, YFS Clinical Therapist with support from the YFS Team.

  • Elementary (Grades K-5)

    March 17, 2026, 6:00*-7:30 PM (*note 6:00pm start time)
    @ LOCATION (updated 3/5/26) - now meeting at West Mercer Elementary School Library

    The Elementary PARENT LABS are open to all MI elementary parents regardless of the meeting location.

  • Middle/High School (Grades 6-12)

    March 12, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM @ Mercer Island High School Library

Parenting Between Cultures - for Multicultural Parents

Experiencing a new country, new culture and new language can be exciting…and overwhelming. Parents who are multicultural are adapting to all of these new things, while also trying to hold on to and pass on pieces of their home cultures and traditions to their children. Mercer Island parents who are multicultural are invited to join us for this Parent Lab to discuss and share the joys and challenges of parenting between cultures.

This Parent Lab will be facilitated by Corinne Alef, YFS Clinical Therapist with support from the YFS Team.


  • For Parents of All Ages (Elementary/Middle/High School)
    April 8, 2026, 6:00*-7:30 PM @ Lakeridge Elementary Library (*note 6:00pm start time)

    Please email to request translation options at the program. HealthyYouth@mercerisland.gov

    • 如需索取该项目的翻译选项，请发送电子邮件。

    • 프로그램 내 번역 옵션을 요청하시려면 이메일을 보내주시기 바랍니다.

    • 請電郵要求計劃嘅翻譯選項。

    • 本プログラムにおける翻訳オプションをご希望の場合は、メールにてご連絡ください。

    • Vui lòng gửi email để yêu cầu các tùy chọn dịch thuật cho chương trình.

    • Будь ласка, надішліть електронного листа, щоб запросити варіанти перекладу в програмі.

    • Пожалуйста, напишите нам по электронной почте, чтобы узнать о вариантах перевода в рамках программы.

    • कृपया कार्यक्रम में अनुवाद विकल्पों का अनुरोध करने के लिए ईमेल करें।

    • Por favor, envíe un correo electrónico para solicitar opciones de traducción para el programa.

    • Veuillez envoyer un e-mail pour demander les options de traduction du programme.

    • يُرجى مراسلتنا عبر البريدالإلكتروني لطلب خيارات الترجمةالخاصة بالبرنامج.

Just for DADS - PART 2
RECENTLY ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!

The first “Just for DADS” Parent Lab was so popular that we’ve added another workshop to the schedule! Fathers and male caregivers are invited to join us for connection, conversation and learning. We’ll cover a variety of topics and provide time to discuss parenting highs and lows with other dads while receiving helpful tips from YFS counselors.

This Parent Lab will be facilitated by Harry Brown, retired YFS School-Based Counselor at IMS, Chris Harnish, YFS School-Based Counselor at MIHS, Caleb Visser, YFS School-Based Counselor at MIHS, and Derek Franklin, YFS Administrator with support from the YFS Team.

  • Elementary (Grades K-5)

    April 23, 2026, 6:00*-7:30 PM @ Lakeridge Elementary School Library (*note 6:00pm start time)

    The Elementary PARENT LABS are open to all MI elementary parents regardless of the meeting location.

    Middle/High School (Grades 6-12)

    April 6, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM @ Mercer Island High School Library

REGISTER TODAY!

Parenting is important. Figuring it out, isn’t always easy.

If you or your child would like support, contact your YFS School-Based Mental Health Counselor or call the YFS Confidential Voicemail at 206.275.7657 for assistance.

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.