Empowering Capable Kids at Every Stage: A Parent Conversation Series about Learning and Well-Being
For many families, homework tension, rising expectations, and shifting independence create quiet stress at home. We’re hosting a series of in-home gatherings for parents who want space to think more intentionally about school, learning, and what support really looks like at different stages of childhood and adolescence.
These conversations are about sharing real experiences, asking better questions, and exploring practical ways to support kids as they build confidence, independence, and agency—both in and out of the classroom. They are also 100% off the record, operating under the Chatham House Rule so participants are free to speak candidly, knowing that no identities or affiliations will be disclosed.
Hosted by fellow parent and Uluru co-founder, Deborah van Eck, each gathering will bring together parents of children in similar age ranges for guided discussion, reflection, and honest dialogue. This is an opportunity to voice what you wish educators and administrators better understood—and to leave with thoughtful strategies and practical resources to support those conversations.
Space is intentionally limited to keep the conversation meaningful. If this stage of school feels challenging, confusing, or simply worth talking about more openly, we’d love to have you join us.
Session 1: Parents of 5th, 6th & 7th Graders
🗓 March 3, 2026 8:45–10:30 AM EST | Private Residence Upper East Side
Session 2: Parents of 8th & 9th Graders
🗓 March 10, 2026 8:45–10:30 AM EST | Private Residence Upper East Side
Session 3: Parents of 10th & 11th Graders
🗓 April 14, 2026 8:45–10:30 AM EST | Private Residence Upper East Side
Session 4: Bronxville Parents
🗓 May 5, 2026 12:00—1:30 PM EST | Private Residence, Bronxville NY
A Closer Look at Our Conversation Topics:
Session 1: Parents of 5th, 6th & 7th Graders
This conversation may explore the early shift toward greater academic independence, when nightly homework becomes routine and tension around schoolwork begins to emerge. We’ll discuss what constructive parent involvement looks like, how to diffuse homework-related struggles, and how to use challenges productively to build agency. We may also discuss supporting students as subjects become more complex (particularly math), recognizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy struggle, and navigating the growing role of technology in schoolwork, including distractibility and impulse-control.
Session 2: Parents of 8th & 9th Graders
This session may focus on the transition into upper school or high school—a period marked by increased academic demands, more analytical thinking, and shifting student identity. Topics may include helping students develop healthy habits of mind, countering limiting beliefs about what kind of learner they “are” or “aren’t,” and talking about high school in ways that feel supportive rather than pressure-filled. We’ll also explore how parents can frame what’s coming next so students feel prepared without feeling overwhelmed.
Session 3: Parents of 10th & 11th Graders
This conversation may center on balance and prioritization as academic rigor, standardized testing, and future planning begin to intersect. We may discuss reevaluating commitments, protecting students’ time, thinking strategically about course selection and extracurricular depth versus breadth, and supporting students through testing and early college planning without letting it dominate family life. We’ll also talk about realistic expectations for junior year and how to support growth while safeguarding wellbeing.
Session 4: Parents of Bronxville Students
This session will blend the themes of the earlier conversations, focusing on a wide range of priorities for parents of students in both lower and upper schools.
Across all sessions, the focus will be guided by what parents most want to discuss. Your responses to the short pre-event survey will help shape the conversation and ensure we spend time on what feels most relevant right now.
Parent Conversation Series Registration
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey so we can tailor the discussion to you and your family.
Connect with Our Passionate Team
.png "Mary Corbelli Website Headshot (1)")
Dr. Mary Corbelli is the Director of Parent Communications at Uluru and the founder of Lotus Educational Partners. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt and degrees in Biology, Education, and Developmental Psychology. Mary is currently an Upper School Learning Specialist at The Spence School and has over 20 years of experience helping families navigate educational challenges while fostering growth and resilience.
.png "Deborah Website Headshot (1)")
Deborah van Eck is President and Co-Founder of Uluru, an assistive technology platform that transforms how students learn by providing personalized, real-time executive function coaching that turns academic challenges into opportunities for growth. As a mother of two, she is deeply passionate about giving parents the resources they need to advocate for their kids—and helping students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.