The toughest job you’ll ever love” is a motto for the Peace Corps, but it works for parenting, too.
There’s a steep learning curve for every age and stage.
And just when you think you have everything figured out, boom, your sweet baby is breaking your heart because he’s almost in kindergarten, your first-grader is begging to play teen-rated video games because he’s convinced he’s a “big kid,” and your once-bubbly tween has transformed into a somewhat moody, eye-rolling, pink-lip-gloss-and-beige-eye-shadow-wearing, looking-way-too-grown-up young miss who will break your heart when she pitches her once-beloved “Horsey” from Build-A-Bear into the Goodwill box like it’s an old, ragged child’s toy instead of a former family member.
But I digress.
The good news is that there are numerous classes and events in the area designed to help folks survive – even thrive on – the journey of parenthood.
Over the years, my husband and I have taken quite a few parenting classes, including ones on discipline, infant massage, sibling rivalry, and one of my favorite topics: helping children learn through play.
Here are some upcoming parenting workshops in the region.
“Winning at Parenting” series sponsored by North Thurston Public Schools. The free classes will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15 at Mountain View Elementary School, 1900 College St. S.E., Lacey.
Topics include exploring parenting philosophies and family expectations, children’s development and age-appropriate behaviors, family communication, anger management methods for adults and children, setting limits, and managing family stress. Child care for ages 3 to 12 is available with a reservation. For more information, contact Amy Rye at 360-412-4469 or arye@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
“Power Parenting Series” co-sponsored by the Family Support Center in Olympia runs from 6 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Hands On Children’s Museum, 106 11th Ave. S.W., Olympia.
Parents are invited to meet and exchange ideas and tackle parenting challenges while their children enjoy free supervised play at the museum. Registration in advance is required. For more information, call 360-956-0818 or go to hocm.org.
“Parenting Precocious Kids: An Evening with Jim Delisle” 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma.
This seminar is hosted by the Seabury School, and is designed for parents and educators. Suggested donation is $10-$15, and pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, call 253-604-0042.
“Sex Ed Springboard for Moms (and Dads) of Boys – The 3 Must-Have Keys You Need to Rock the Sex Talks” will be at 9 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Phinney Ridge Community Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle.
The three-hour workshop will feature parenting and sexual health expert Amy Lang and Jo Langford, author of “Sex EDcyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Sexuality for the Modern, Male Teen.” Tickets are $199 per couple. For more information, go to birdsandbeesandkids.com or call 206-661-2245.
Also, ParentMap’s 2012 Lecture Series will cover a variety of topics at venues throughout the region, mostly in the Seattle area. Lectures are $20 each. Tickets and additional information can be found at parentmap.com/lectures.
The series includes:
“NurtureShock: New Twists That Shape Children’s Success” featuring author Ashley Merryman, 7 to 9 p.m. March 1 at the Washington Cathedral, 12300 Woodinville-Redmond Road N.E., Redmond.
“Aliens On Planet Teen (& Tween): A Survival Guide For Parents” with author Anthony E. Wolf, 7 to 9 p.m. March 6 at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle.
“Seattle Mama Doc: Health, Happiness and Family Balance” with Wendy Sue Swanson, 7 to 9 p.m. March 21 at Meydenbauer Center Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue.
“Beyond Sticks and Stones: Parenting Essentials To Prevent & Address Bullying” with Rosetta Lee, 7 to 9 p.m. April 10 at the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall, McCaw Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle.
“Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?” with Julie Metzger and Rob Lehman, 7 to 9 p.m. May 1 at the Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle.
“Making Marriage Work: Building Trust, Love and Loyalty” with John Gottman, 7 to 9 p.m. May 10 at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle.
“Coffee Talk: A Conversation for Teens on Passions and Life Purpose” with Howard Behar, 7 to 9 p.m. May 15 at Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah.
Lisa Pemberton covers education for The Olympian. She also is one busy mama with three young children. Reach her at 360-754-5433 or lpemberton@theolympian.com.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.