What if homework turned out to be all pain (frustration, exhaustion, family conflict) and no gain? Alfie Kohn explores why children are forced to work a “second shift” in the evening despite the lack of proven benefit – and what we can do about it.

Kohn (www.alfiekohn.org) is the author of eleven books on education, parenting, and human behavior, including The Homework Myth and Punished by Rewards. He has appeared on “Oprah,” “The Today Show,” and NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and speaks regularly at national conferences.

For more information, click here.

Alfie Kohn
Tuesday, March 3, 7-9 p.m.
Mercer Island High School
Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

This program is jointly sponsored by ParentMap and the Parent Education Committees of West Mercer, Island Park, Lakeridge, Islander Middle, Mercer Island High and St. Monica's Schools.

Books at the lecture sold by Island Books.

Is your marriage sizzling…or fizzling? Dr. John Gottman, founder of the Gottman Institute for Marriage Research, knows what makes marriages succeed or fail. His lively, entertaining talks offer tools for taking your marriage to the next level…and may provide at least one “aha” moment! A sure-fire sell-out; get your tickets without delay. Dr. John Gottman’s 30 years of breakthrough research on marriage and parenting has earned him numerous major awards. He is the author or co-author of 40 books, including the New York Times bestseller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work and Why Marriages Succeed or Fail…and How You Can Make Yours Last.

For more information, click here.

Dr. John Gottman
Thursday, March 19, 7-9 p.m.
Town Hall, Seattle
Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 at the door

You're feeling the pinch, feeling pulled in all directions. Strapped for cash, short on time - how do you meet your child's needs? And how do you decide how much is too much? Never before has slow parenting made more sense to more people. Find out if slowing down makes sense for your family - and hear a spirited discussion about one of the biggest dilemmas of modern parenting: Are we enhancing our kids’ lives with those art classes, Mandarin lessons and violin instruction – or causing harmful stress and placing undue emphasis on competition?

Moderated by KING-TV's Carolyn Douglas, this special evening for parents includes a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and resource fair, followed by a panel discussion, featuring local experts on parenting, child development and more. Last year’s panel packed the house; make plans to join us as we continue to seek balance in all things parenting.

Panelists include Eric Liu, Naomi Aldort, Nancy Robinson, Dr. Jody McVittie and Linda Morgan.

For more information, click here.

Opting In/Opting Out: Parent's Night Out
Tuesday, March 24, reception 6 p.m.; panel event 7-9p.m.
Seattle Children's Theater
Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

Learn the latest in early brain development in this fascinating tour of what makes babies tick. How can you help boost your baby’s brainpower? Get valuable tips and fun ideas from Dr. Terry in this informative evening for new and expectant parents. Dr. Michelle Terry is a pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital and a mentor at the UW medical school. She is also a 2008 ParentMap Superhero for Washington Families.

For more information, click here.

Dr. Michelle Terry
Wednesday, April 29, 7-9 p.m.
Seattle Public Library
Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

Are you an over-protective parent? You might change your answer once you’ve heard the wisdom of this nationally known psychologist and bestselling author. Find out how to strike the balance between hovering and helping to build self-reliance. Dr. Wendy Mogel is a clinical psychologist, parent educator, school consultant and author. Her New York Times bestseller The Blessing of a Skinned Knee is in its twelfth printing.

For more information, click here.

Wendy Mogel
Wednesday, May 6, 7-9 p.m.
Town Hall, Seattle
Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 at the door

This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Jewish Community School.

What happened to that sweet little child you took to preschool? If silence, surliness and attitude are rearing their ugly heads at your house, you need the tools Dr. Kastner can provide. Find out how to stay calm when your kid is pushing all your buttons. Learn how to choose your battles…and how to stay closely connected with your newly chaotic and wonderfully complicated teen. Laura Kastner, Ph.D. is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and a nationally recognized expert on teen behavior and development.

For more information, click here.

Dr. Laura Kastner
Tuesday, May 19, 7-9 p.m.
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door