Books on parenting can contain useful information on raising children, but they can lack the feeling of support. With the stress that comes with raising a child, regardless of their age, it can be difficult for parents to realize that they are not alone in what they are going through.

That is why Mercer Island Youth and Family Services received the Best Starts for Kids grant from King County and decided to use the new funding to create Parent Labs.

“We have heard from a lot of parents coming out of the pandemic, they’re still feeling a bit of isolation and parents are looking for connection,” according to Health Promotion and Prevention Coordinator Michelle Ritter.

The labs consist of 90 minute workshops that are orchestrated by MIYFS staff and school counselors. Not only is it an opportunity for parents to get advice on how to effectively communicate with their child, but it is also a chance for them to meet other parents who are going through similar circumstances.

Parent Labs are divided into three categories, with four labs each: elementary, middle and high school. The first lab kicked off at the end of January and was focused on parents with elementary age children. Close to 25 parents showed up to the lab. For the elementary school labs, MIYFS has been able to provide a supervised activity for the kids while the parents are learning — that way, parents do not have to worry about who will watch their child when they’re learning.

“Our kids are under a lot of pressure to meet societal expectations. We live in a very high achievement community, which adds additional stress to our kids,” Ritter said. “So, we really know that that connection between the parent and their child is so critical.”

Raising a 13-year-old daughter and wanting support, Michele Agosti and her husband attended the first lab focused on parenting middle schoolers.

“I feel like it was nice to be with other parents who are going through the same thing,” Agosti said. “I just felt way better leaving than I did going in.”

Taking to heart all the advice and guidance that was given throughout the lab, Agosti also appreciated the in-person aspect of it, seeing it as incredibly beneficial. The first lab for middle school centered on stress and anxiety, teaching parents how to communicate and identify emotions with their child.

“I do feel like we have been able to put into practice a little bit more of the things we learned there, and just feeling better all around,” Agosti said.

To register, visit www.MIHealthyYouth.com.