Series – Unlocking the Power of Play: Supporting Social Play
Play is one of the richest ways children develop social skills. Yet with fewer unstructured peer interactions, many kids are missing out. This session focuses on how to create meaningful play opportunities with other children and how to coach your child through social play challenges without micromanaging their fun.
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
American Hagwon: An Evening with Min Jin Lee
Min Jin Lee
Bestselling author of "Free Food for Millionaires" and "Pachinko"
Megan Bang, Ph.D.
James E. Johnson Professor of the Learning Sciences at Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy
Evanston Township High School Auditorium
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives
Darby Saxbe, Ph.D.
Clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California
Richard V. Reeves, Ph.D.
Founder and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men
ON ZOOM
Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress
Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.
Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Positive Psychology Center
James O. Pawelski, Ph.D.
Professor of practice and director of education in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania
ON ZOOM
