The Power of Parenting

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 (No in person class, agenda will be emailed)
November 15th
December 20th

August Twelve Powers of Man Theme: Will

What is loving discipline and how do you practice it from a Unity perspective? What does discipline look like when you are coming from a centered place, or from your highest self?  What were some of your best moments of parenting?

Discussion

We discussed Chapter 4: Assertiveness:  Saying No and Being Heard (p.73) from Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky A. Bailey.

Monthly Affirmation

"I am willing to be led by God in all that I think, say, and do for myself and my family."

Create your own affirmation for Understanding Will and consider sharing it with the group!

Suggested Homework

Please review the parenting types:  Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive.  All of us have a percentage of each parenting type that we use.  Think about your percentages and write them in on p. 85 of the book.  Be aware of them as you use your parenting skills and review the chapter for anything you'd like to change.  So many good examples in the chapter of changing our vocabulary to be assertive, creating more cooperation with our children.

For Next Month

Please read Chapter 5: Choices:  Building Self Esteem and Willpower, before our next meeting.

Power of Parenting Affirmations

A shared Google document has been created for participants to add their monthly affirmations. Please take a few moments to add your affirmations from past meetings and to contribute your affirmation for Will. I will continue updating the document throughout the year as we explore each new parenting power.

Affirmations for Power of Parenting

Remember, all undesired behavior is an opportunity to teach our children the expectations of behavior.  Together, we are stronger, wiser, and more empowered! 

We hope to see you next month as we explore the Power of ORDER and how it supports loving, conscious discipline and intentional parenting.

Please note: This group is offered in service to all who care for or work with children of any age. Childcare is available.  Love Offerings are encouraged through Unity of Olympia's website.  www.unityofolympa.org 

Because of a scheduling conflict, there will be no in-person meeting in October.  I will email the agenda for Sunday, October 18, 2026, and be available for conversation if needed.  Thank you for your continued support and see you Sept 20th! 

A Note About This Group

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.