Parent Education Series
The BCD Parent Education Series offers free, public presentations designed to help parents navigate their roles and responsibilities in the face of an increasingly complex world.
Speakers and topics are selected based on current relevance to children and parents. Past topics include: Media and Internet Safety, Understanding the Gifted & Talented personality, Healthy Eating Habits, and Anti-Bullying.
Most events are open to the public and all are free or require a minimal fee. Please review the schedule below and come join us.
Upcoming Events
Raising Resilient Middle Schoolers: Understanding the Journey & Supporting Your Child
A discussion led by Deb Rubin, LCSW
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Student activities provided on site
Middle school is a time of incredible growth, change, and opportunity—but it can also bring new challenges for both children and their parents. BCD is pleased to offer an engaging evening with renowned adolescent development expert Deb Rubin, who will share practical insights and research-based strategies to help parents better understand and support their children through the complexities of the middle school years.
While parents/guardians learn, students in grades 3–8 will enjoy an evening of hands-on fun with engaging activities in art and innovation, led by Boulder Country Day educators. This complimentary event is a wonderful opportunity to invest in your family's well-being, connect with other parents, and discover how thoughtful guidance and meaningful experiences can help children thrive.
Open to the Public. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
The Nine-Year-Change
A discussion led by Deb Rubin, LCSW
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 8:00am-9:15am
Developmentally and psychologically, 9-year-olds enter a push-pull dynamic, similar to the 2-year change, but at 9 it is a lot more complicated.
This event is for BCD families only.
Understanding Executive Function: To Help Kids Thrive
Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 8:00am - 9:15am
Why does getting started on homework sometimes feel harder than the homework itself? Why do organization, avoidance, forgotten assignments, and daily routines create so much friction at home?
Join Brandon Slade of Untapped Learning for a practical, parent-focused conversation about executive function—and what it can look like in real life. With more than 15 years of experience in special education, foster care, and school psychology, Brandon brings a thoughtful, encouraging perspective to helping students build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive.
Brandon will unpack what executive function is, why it drives so much of what parents see at home, and what families can do about it. He’ll address the avoidance, disorganization, and homework struggles many parents recognize, then share practical routines and strategies you can put into place right away.
This conversation is designed to help parents move from frustration to understanding—and from understanding to action.
Part 2 will be offered in the spring.
At BCD, we believe every student’s path to success is unique, and that the right support can help young people meet challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
The Power of Rhythm & Connection
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Come experience the science behind why rhythm helps us feel calmer, more connected, and better equipped to handle everyday stress. This interactive evening combines drumming, laughter, and practical strategies families can immediately use at home to support emotional regulation, communication, and resilience. Grounded in the Science of Learning and current brain research, participants will explore how rhythm strengthens focus, reduces stress, and builds meaningful connection, all while having a whole lot of fun together!
Rosalind Wiseman
Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
The Adults Our Children Need: Creating a Culture of Dignity
You know the moment: the silent car ride home when the only answer you get is "I'm good." Or your child tells you about a conflict with a friend and dismisses every piece of advice you offer. This talk gives parents and educators the tools to break through those moments, not by working harder at the same techniques, but by understanding the patterns underneath them.
You'll learn to identify your own invisible operating system, the habits and assumptions you absorbed growing up that shape how you communicate with your kids now. You'll also get the current research on how young people see their relationships with adults, what motivates them in and out of school, and why they so often shut adults out exactly when they need them most.
Key Takeaways:
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Identify your own invisible operating system and how it shapes the way you communicate with your child
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Understand how young people view social dynamics, social media, and AI, and what actually motivates them
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Recognize the common, well-meaning phrases that shut down conversation instead of opening it
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Replace communication breakdowns with guiding principles you can use immediately
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Align with the other adults in your child's life so everyone is working from the same playbook
Rosalind Wiseman is an American author and public speaker. She is best known for her books Mean Girls and Queen Bees and Wannabes.
Part 2: Understanding Executive Function: To Help Kids Thrive
Spring 2027 date TBD
Building on the fall session, Brandon revisit what took hold, respond to what surfaced over the year, and focus on planning, time management, and self-advocacy as students head toward the next grade level.
At BCD, we believe every student’s path to success is unique, and that the right support can help young people meet challenges with greater confidence and resilience.