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
Parenting 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 @ 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)
March 12, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM @ Mercer Island High School Library
Parenting Between Two Cultures - for Immigrant Parents
Experiencing a new country, new culture and new language can be exciting…and overwhelming. Parents who are immigrants are adapting to all of these new things, while also trying to hold on to and pass on pieces of their home culture and traditions to their children. Mercer Island parents who are immigrants are invited to join us for this Parent Lab to discuss and share the joys and challenges of parenting in two cultures.
This Parent Lab will be facilitated by Corinne Alef, YFS Clinical Therapist and Alina Samko, YFS School-Based Mental Health Counselor at West Mercer 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 School Library (*note 6:00pm start time)
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.
