Series – Unlocking the Power of Play: Why Play Matters and What You Can Do Right Now
Play isn’t just important—it’s essential. It helps children grow emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively in ways few other activities can. Yet, in recent years, play has been sidelined, with real developmental costs to children’s developing regulation, social competence, and academic engagement. In this session, we’ll explore why that matters and share practical, high-impact changes families can make to bring play back to the forefront. Register Here
In a world where screens dominate and safety often takes precedence over exploration, children are growing up with fewer opportunities to discover, imagine, and take meaningful risks. Yet the research is clear: kids learn best through hands-on experiences—and play is the ultimate teacher. Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, in partnership with TrueNorth Parent University, for a powerful four-part series designed to help you bring more play into your child’s life. Grounded in developmental science and filled with real-world strategies, this series explores how play nurtures children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Together, we’ll examine the societal shifts that have chipped away at play, why play matters now more than ever, and how to make it an intentional, enriching part of everyday life. Each session includes practical ideas you can try at home and opportunities to connect with other parents who value the power of play.
Upcoming Events
How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most
Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside
Daniel Pink
#1 New York Times bestselling author
ON ZOOM
The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation
Rep. James E. Clyburn
U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives
Natalie Y. Moore
Award-winning journalist and author and senior lecturer and director of audio programming at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University
Evanston Township High School Auditorium
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child’s Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Foods
Michaeleen Doucleff, Ph.D.
Bestselling author, biochemist, and award-winning NPR reporter
Heidi Stevens
Chicago-based writer and Director of External Affairs for the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health
ON ZOOM

