On March 6th, 2025, the Parent Association hosted an engaging and insightful talk on Courageous Conversations, featuring three expert speakers Angela Spade, Julie Zivia and Mary Zinn who shared valuable strategies for navigating tough discussions with confidence and empathy. The discussion was lively, interactive, and full of practical takeaways for parents, including:
  • Conflict comes from people having different needs and is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, practicing conflict is good so that you can get better at handling it!
  • Rather than reacting, or trying to solve or stop a behavior, take the time to ask questions and find out why your kid is reacting the way they are.
  • Empathy is caught not taught.
  • Empathy leads to connection with the other person, which leads to de-escalation (it changes your brain neurons).
  • If you always overpowering your children (my way or the highway), you are not teaching them how to advocate for themselves or to negotiate. Have power with your children, not over them.
  • You and your kids only have control over yourselves. Others might not have the conflict management skills you have within your family.
  • Lead with curiosity, not judgement and hold space for other's reality. Use the phrase, "I wonder what…?"
  • The more words you give your kids to express their behaviors the better. And help them practice articulating their own needs. Kids can say, “It bugs me when…” As you read picture books, identify what different facial expressions mean. 

While parents gained new perspectives, the kids enjoyed free childcare, pizza, fun, and playtime—making it a win for all!

A huge thank you to our speakers and attendees for making this event a success. We look forward to more courageous conversations in the future! 

Here are the resources from the event: 
Montessori Children's House Parent Association
5003 218th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98053
425-868-7805

EIN# 91-1960800