ParentEd Talks Virtual Parenting Speaker Series

ParentEd Talks powered by ParentMap (ParentEd Talks logo next to an image of a mom and dad at home watching a webinar on a laptop)

Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook, but we’re here to help!

Let’s face it — parenting is tough, especially without a manual to guide you through every twist and turn. That’s where ParentEd Talks come in. ParentMap is excited to offer a transformative series of parent education webinars, designed to provide the guidance you need to support your child’s development. Featuring renowned parenting experts, our sessions will dive into essential topics such as building resilience, navigating screen time, youth mental health and fostering independence.

Why attend?

Expert insights: Hear from leading psychologists, authors and child development specialists through monthly sessions led by Laura Kastner, Ph.D
Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered live by our experts and connect with other parents facing similar challenges and experiences.
Watch anytime, anywhere: Participate from the comfort of your home or on-the-go with virtual Zoom sessions designed to accommodate busy parents. Plus, all registrants will receive access to the event recordings to revisit the sessions anytime.

One quick registration, 12 can’t-miss talks!

Register here for the entire series, then join any live talk throughout the year. Series registration is just $50 for all 12 events (save $70). Or, you can purchase tickets to individual talks for $10 per event. Individual talk tickets will be available one month prior to each talk.

ParentMap has partnered with over 100 Pacific Northwest schools and districts to provide families with complimentary access to our talks! A valid discount code from a participating member school is required to redeem your free tickets. Check here to see if your school or district is a member.

2024–2025 topics and speakers

All in a Day’s Play: Boosting Brain Power Through Play

With Teacher Tom, early childhood educator and author
Dec. 4, 2024, 7–8 p.m. PT

Beloved, Seattle-based educator Teacher Tom imparts insights learned throughout his decades-long career working with preschoolers. Learn his unique approach to child-led, play-based learning, and how you can foster a similar relationship and environment with the children in your life to help them learn and grow.

Navigating Neurodiversity: Strength-Based Support for ADHD Kids

With Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell, psychiatrist and New York Times best-selling author
Jan. 16, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Renowned pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Ned Hallowell shares decades of experience and personal insights about the unique gifts of ADHD and other atypical learners. Learn how to nurture your child's strengths and empower their sense of self-awareness and confidence.

Registration coming soon

Confident Conversations: Guiding Kids Through Puberty and Adolescence

With Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations, and Peter Metzger, pediatrician
Feb. 5, 2025, 7–8 p.m. PT

Trusted experts Julie Metzger, RN, and Peter Metzger, M.D. of Great Conversations offer confidence-boosting approaches to challenging conversations for parents and kids about puberty, body changes, sex and other growing-up topics.

The Lost Art of Civility: Raising Respectful Kids

With authors Robert B. Brooks and Sam Goldstein
Feb. 25, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Robert B. Brooks and Sam Goldstein, coauthors of “Tenacity in Children” and “The Power of Resilience,” share powerful insights on one surprising solution to the lost art of civility. Learn how to promote empathy and encourage constructive dialogue at home, school and beyond.

Harmony at Home: Successfully Navigating Parent-Child Differences

With Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, pediatric psychologist and parent coach
March 20, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Esteemed pediatric psychologist and parenting coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart shares practical strategies for building a strong parent-child connection, while supporting your child's individuality and embracing their differences.

From Chaos to Calm: Compassionate Discipline for Spirited Kids

With Joe Newman, author and parent coach
April 1, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Experienced parenting coach and “Raising Lions” author Joe Newman offers valuable insights on how to transform distracted and defiant children into kids who are motivated, respectful and attentive. Newman explores the deeper purposes behind conflict and what parents can do to spark change and work toward a calmer home.

Let Go and Let Grow: Raising Confident, Independent Children

With Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free Range Kids”
May 6, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Author and Let Grow founder Lenore Skenazy shares her personal journey raising confident, independent kids and the growing movement to resist the pressures to be a hyper-involved parent in favor of a more laissez-faire approach to supporting children’s creativity, independence and growth.

Nurturing Resilience: Essential Coping Skills for Kids

With Janine Halloran, licensed mental health counselor and founder of Coping Skills for Kids
June 5, 2025, noon–1 p.m. PT

Author and licensed mental health professional Janine Halloran offers parenting approaches to help kids learn to cope with the daily challenges of life, develop resilience and thrive.

One additional speaker will be announced soon!

Past speakers

These talks may be over, but you can still watch them! Register for the full series to unlock access to the exclusive library of ParentEd Talks replay videos, plus future live talks.

The Anxious Generation: Essential Strategies for Rewiring Childhood

With Jonathan Haidt, American social psychologist and author
Oct. 15, 2024, noon–1 p.m. PT

Renowned social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” explores the key factors behind the rising rates of anxiety in kids and shares practical steps parents and schools can take to reclaim childhood and protect our children’s mental well-being.

Level Up: Winning Strategies for Parents of Gamers

With Dr. Alok Kanojia, psychiatrist and parenting coach
Nov. 7, 2024, noon–1 p.m. PT

Recovered gaming addict and Healthy Gamer cofounder Dr. Alok Kanojia will share strategies to protect your kids from the all-too-real dangers of gaming addiction, build healthy gaming habits, establish appropriate limits, and work with — not against — your kids as they play and grow.

Raising Digital Natives: Solutions for Healthy Screen Time Habits

With Delaney Ruston, documentary filmmaker, author and physician
Nov. 19, 2024, 7–8 p.m. PT

“Screenagers” filmmaker and physician Delaney Ruston offers valuable takeaways from her research on the impact of screens and will discuss how to foster open communication with kids about online experiences. Learn how to help your family find balance in the digital age.

Powered by ParentMap

ParentMap is the No. 1 parenting resource for Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound parents, empowering families to raise great kids. From essential parenting resources to exciting outings and adventures, we fuel families’ journeys — because parenting is a trip!

Interested in becoming a school member or sponsor of ParentEd Talks? Contact advertising@parentmap.com to get more information.

Thank you to our school members and event sponsors, whose support empowers ParentMap to bring ParentEd Talks to our community.

Presenting series sponsor:

Community partners:

John and Nancy Sabol Foundation

Gold sponsors:

ParentEd Talks member schools:

ParentMap has partnered with over 100 Pacific Northwest schools and districts to provide families with complimentary access to our talks. A valid discount code from one of the participating member schools below is required to redeem your free tickets. Please check with your school or district for the code.

The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain

Annie Wright Schools

Assumption-St. Bridget School

Bellevue School District (sponsored by the Bellevue Schools Foundation and Bellevue PTSA Council)

Cascades Academy

Cedar Crest Academy

Cedar River Montessori School

Charles Wright Academy

Chestnut Hill Academy

The Cor Deo School

Dartmoor School

Early World Children's School