Parent Education Forums
The NWS Parent Association presents three Parent Education Forums throughout the school year with themes relevant to raising middle school and high school students.
These evening events will be held in the Commons from 6:30-9:00 PM. Light refreshments and beverages will be served from 6:30-7:00, with the speaker promptly commencing at 7:00 PM.
Questions or Comments?
Please contact Parent Education Co-Chairs, Susan Strauss or Kathleen Wareham.
Parent Education Events in and Around the City
2009-2010 Parent Education Forums

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009, 6:30-9 PM
Linking Advocacy to Community Service: Some Roles for Parents of Teens with Already-Busy Lives
Listen to the Fall Forum Podcast
Do you find yourself wanting to be more involved in community, but don't really have the time, don't know where to begin, so you let this part of your life go? As parents and role models for our youth, we can help them become more involved in community by advocating for something that really matters to us and taking action. This session is intended to offer parents some ways to become more active partners in their teen's outreach to community and community service projects by helping them design and incorporate an advocacy component. The session will be largely interactive, combining presentation with practical, hands-on tips which can be tailored to best suit your family. Expect to leave with a plan.
Nancy Amidei is a long-time advocate and advocacy trainer who has worked from both inside and outside government to influence social policy. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy her enthusiasm, humor and inspiration.

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010, 6:30-9 PM
It's Not About the Money: How to Create Agreements, Eliminate Resentments and Save the Relationship with Your Teen
View the Winter Forum Notes
Do you ever feel taken advantage of, unappreciated or disrespected by your teen? Have you ever found yourself saying YES when really you wanted to say NO? When it comes to matters of money or other ways we might indulge our children and teenagers we can feel almost "bullied" into giving-in to their desires and demands-from buying a pair of expensive jeans to a new car. Parents might wish their kids were less materialistic and more grateful, but don't know how to help them get there.
As a Communication Coach specializing in Parent-Teen relationships, Lori Gradinger will offer insight and understanding and will help parents with teenagers and preteens develop a system for managing money with their teens, minimize conflict about money with their teens, and learn a realistic approach to getting their teens to work, spend wisely, save money... and experience gratitude.

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010, 6:30-9 PM
Defusing Conflict: Skills to Improve Parent-Teen Communications
Is talking with your teen proving to be difficult? Are conversations about schoolwork, text messaging, parties, and dating filled with conflict or don't seem to go anywhere? Perhaps you avoid certain conversations because they are just too difficult? This presentation will focus on understanding and minimizing conflict with our teens and with co-parents during the often challenging years of teen parenting. Come learn how to turn difficult conversations into relationship enhancing, growth experiences that increase parent and teen understanding of each other.
Kathleen Wareham, Northwest School Parent, Attorney, Mediator and Conflict Resolution Instructor, will share her mediation and conflict resolution skills to help parents improve communication with their teens. She will use examples gleaned from NWS parents and Peer Mentors.
Parent Education Events in and Around the City
Diversity Speaker Series: Not Yet Rain: Film Screening and Discussion
Lisa Russell is an Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker whose background in humanitarian and international development work has inspired her to produce films about the health and well-being of our global society. She actively screens her films around the country at universities, conferences, festivals, and hill briefings and has reached thousands of students, young people, and others to spark dialogue about U.S. responsibility in global affairsThe lecture is free and open to the public.
The Bush School, New Gym (3400 E Harrison St, Seattle, WA)
Kids, Emotions and Active Problem-Solving in Families Lecture
Laura Kastner, Ph.D.
Tuesday, March 16, 7-9 p.m.
The Bear Creek School, Redmond
Brain Rules for Parents
Dr. John Medina
Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Pre-lecture patron reception from 6-7 pm
Town Hall, Seattle
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