Pathways, ParentMap’s parenting lecture series, brings you the chance to relax, listen and learn from some of the finest experts around. Whether your children are still in the crib or off at college — or not yet born! — you’ll find a program here that will educate, enrich and inspire your parenting journey.

We’ve proudly partnered with Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, KCTS-TV and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center to bring local parents the best. Tickets are now available! To purchase, click on links below each lecture description. To inquire about sponsorship information, please contact Kimberly McDonald, ParentMap Events Manager, at 206-709-9026 or kimberly@parentmap.com.

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The 2008 Lecture Series

Making Marriage Work

The founder of the Gottman Institute for Marriage Research and best-selling author returns for another sure-fire sell-out lecture on the ways that anger, blame and resentment undermine many marriages — and what you can do about it. The author of Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage, Dr. Gottman provides vital tools that you can use to regain affection and romance lost through years of ineffective communication. Dr. John Gottman, Ph.D., Co-founder, The Gottman Institute Tuesday, May 20, 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 at the door "Please plan to carpool to the lecture if possible. Parking at Herzl-ner Tamid is limited. Additional parking can be found across the street at the Jewish Community Center. You can also park along East Mercer Way, and down the block at the Globe Building (on SE 36th Street)."

Past Pathways Lectures

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child

Every parent wants their child to have the social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school and life. In this lively presentation, Dr. Gottman equips parents with a five-step “emotion coaching” process that teaches them how to help their child enjoy increased self-confidence, greater physical health, improved school performance and healthier social relationships. John Gottman, Ph.D. Wednesday, March 5, 7-9p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 at the door This program is co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service, City of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, City of Kirkland and Eastside Community Network.

Hold on to Your Child: Cultivating Positive Influences

Something has changed . . . Children are not quite the same as we remember being. They seem less likely to take their cues from adults, less inclined to please those in charge, less afraid of getting into trouble.” So says bestselling author Dr. Gordon Neufeld, who studies the pivotal role that a strong bond with parents plays in a child’s healthy development. Join us for a dynamic, inspiring discussion about what we can do to cultivate the kind of relationships with our children that keep them safe, healthy and thriving throughout their lives. This program is co-sponsored by Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Tuesday, March 11, 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

Turn it off! (Or not): Is Media Always Bad for Kids?

Is television always terrible for kids? Should you pull the plug on computer games and cell phones? The author of The Elephant in the Living Room and the director of the UW’s Child Health Institute, Dr. Christakis will present the best available scientific evidence of the effects of media on children's attention spans, language development, behavior and obesity. Dimitri Christakis, M.D., MPH, Children’s Hospital, Dept. of Pediatrics Wednesday, March 26, 7-9p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

Mindful Parenting

Learn powerful ways to strengthen your bonds with your children through self-understanding and mindful focus. Dr. Siegel studies the ways in which our relationships, our minds and our brains interact to shape who we are and how our children develop. This practical approach offers a scientifically grounded perspective that can enhance our own lives as we help our children develop resilience and compassion. Daniel Siegel, M.D., Assoc. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine Monday, April 14, 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

Opting In/Opting Out In 2008: A panel discussion of work/family choices

Focus on your own happiness for the evening as we gather for a lively panel discussion about women, work and options. We’ve brought together some of the most interesting and accomplished moms around to share stories of their quest to find that holy grail of motherhood: the work-family life balance. Moderated by Mona Locke, this promises to be a memorable, inspirational evening. Join us to enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, connect with resources, and exchange ideas about finding happiness and balance. Moderated by Mona Locke Tuesday, April 29, 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

The Teen Brain: What Parents Need to Know

Rudeness! Impulsivity! Stupid mistakes! Temper tantrums! Laziness! Parents have known for centuries that teenagers enter a phase where they become rebellious, take risks and get moody. But what science couldn’t tell you until very recently is why. This presentation gives parents the tools to better understand their teen and to help them survive — and thrive! — during the roller-coaster years. Laura Kastner, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington Tuesday, May 6, 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance/$25 at the door

To buy tickets, use the "Get Tickets!" buttons or call: 1-800-838-3006.