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The Power of Parenting - Let's Connect!
Led by Lisa Petrich, YFM Director, Unity of Olympia

When: 3rd Sundays of the Month at 11:30am
Where: YFM Classroom at Unity of Olympia

Parenting can be a challenge and many of us may want an opportunity to be supported.

Join us as we discuss the 12 Powers and how we can add them to our parenting toolbox along with information taken from Becky A. Bailey’s book Conscious Discipline. This book encourages techniques to build relationships with children that empower adults to prompt youth to make healthy choices.

Dates for 2026:
April 19th  
May 17th 
June 21st
July 19th
August 16th
September 20th
October 18th
November 15th
December 20th

April – The Power of Wisdom

Theme: How do you approach education with your children, and how does your child learn best?
We reflected on the many beautiful ways children take in the world—Auditory, Visual, Kinesthetic, and Read/Write—and how honoring these modalities helps us meet our children where they are.
We also touched on educational approaches that resonate with Unity principles, such as Montessori, Waldorf, Home Schooling, and The Living Curriculum, noticing how each invites curiosity, self‑direction, and spiritual grounding.

Book Exploration: Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky A. Bailey

We introduced the book and spent time with Chapter 1 – “From Willing to Willful.”  
A key takeaway: Model the behavior you expect from your children.
We reflected on how our beliefs shape our parenting and what they teach our children (pp. 17–18), and how conscious modeling becomes one of our greatest spiritual tools.

Affirmation for Wisdom

Divine Mind, let your wise and rightful decisions be expressed through my judgment as I parent my children.
You’re invited to write your own Wisdom affirmation—something that speaks directly to your heart and your family.

Suggested Homework

Find or write your own parenting prayer and bring it to our next gathering. This can be simple, poetic, playful, or profound—whatever feels authentic to you.

Looking Ahead

Next month we’ll explore the Power of Power and continue our reflection on Chapter 1 of Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline.
Rayleen has graciously offered to facilitate our next session, as I’ll be singing in my final concert with the Olympia Peace Choir. I’ll be with you for every other gathering this year, and I’m so grateful for this shared journey.

A Note About This Group

This circle is offered in sacred service to anyone who works with children of any age—parents, caregivers, grandparents, teachers, and supporters.
Childcare is available, and all are welcome in this loving, judgment‑free space of learning and connection.
With love and blessings,
Ms. Lisa, Unity of Olympia YFM Director
 
Bio for Lisa Petrich

Lisa Petrich has been a devoted presence in Unity youth ministries since the early 1990s, offering leadership, mentorship, and heart-centered guidance across generations. Her journey began in the Southeast region, where she participated in and supported regional events for all ages. Over the years, she has served in nearly every role imaginable — Youth & Families Director, Uniteen and Y.O.U. leader, and parent — giving her a uniquely holistic understanding of the needs, gifts, and growth of Unity youth.

Lisa’s dedication to Unity was strengthened by her family’s life in the Navy. No matter where they were stationed, there was always a Unity community to ground and support them. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2016, she stepped into the role of Youth & Families Director at Unity of Olympia and has remained an active, full-time participant in the ministry she loves. She is deeply committed to Unity’s mission, its spiritual principles, and the vibrant, multigenerational congregation she serves.

In addition to her Unity leadership, Lisa has participated in Empower Music & Arts events and visited Unity Village, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in spiritual development and community building.

Professionally, Lisa holds a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and has taught in the public school system for more than 20 years. Her extensive classroom experience, combined with her relationships with parents, educators, and youth across many regions, gives her a broad and compassionate perspective on problem-solving, communication, and family support.

Her passion for youth continues to evolve. Most recently, Lisa is stepping forward to lead a parent discussion group focused on tools for raising conscious, resilient young people — weaving together Unity principles, developmental insight, and practical strategies for today’s families.

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Youth & Family Ministry