We’re bringing together an exciting line-up of experts in education, play, and family wellness to help educators and parents navigate the ever-evolving world of childhood development. From nurturing a joyful relationship with food, to understanding gentle parenting and the power of play, these discussions are designed to spark new ideas and meaningful conversations.

Join us for engaging discussions that will inspire and empower you in your parenting journey!

Register now for the Festival of Play. Seats are limited for the event. The Festival ticket will grant you access to all panel discussions, as well as the marketplace, play space and performances. 

🔍 Click on each topic below to learn more about the Expert Talks  

Boundaries with Heart: When Gentle Parenting Goes Too Far by Sagebrook International School

We all want to raise kind, confident, and emotionally aware children — and gentle parenting has helped many of us do just that. But what happens when being “gentle” starts to blur the lines between empathy and permissiveness?
This honest and heartwarming session explores what it means to be kind but clear — to set loving boundaries that help children feel safe, not stifled. Because boundaries aren’t walls; they’re the framework that allows children to grow freely within trust and structure.
Join us as we talk about the small, everyday moments — saying no without guilt, staying calm without giving in, and helping children understand that love can be warm and firm at the same time.

Freedom and Independence for Children in Today's World by Sagebrook International School

From open-ended play to decision-making at home, freedom for young children looks very different today than it did a generation ago. In a world of schedules, screens, and structured activities, how can we nurture genuine independence and self-agency in our little ones?
This session invites educators and parents to reflect on what “freedom” truly means for children — how to balance safety with exploration, boundaries with autonomy, and guidance with trust. Expect a thoughtful discussion, real stories, and takeaways for creating space where children can bloom on their own terms.

Building a joyful relationship with food from early years by Sid's Farm

How can we nurture a child’s relationship with food so it’s joyful, mindful, and healthy for life?
In this engaging session, our speakers share stories, science, and inspiration on the simple magic of eating well — for both body and mind. From understanding what’s safe and nourishing, to building lasting, positive eating habits, this conversation invites parents to see food not as a struggle, but as a journey of curiosity, connection, and joy.

The forgotten language of play - building connection in the early years by Toddler's Den

From the first giggles of peekaboo to the wonder of make-believe, play is how children feel connected, understood, and loved. Yet many of us, somewhere along the way, forget how to truly play. As our children grow, play changes — and learning what they need at each stage helps us build deeper bonds and joyful memories that last a lifetime.

This session explores how play evolves from babyhood through the early years — from sensory play that builds trust and attachment, to toddler play that sparks imagination, independence, and emotional resilience. We’ll talk about how to follow a child’s lead, create playful rhythms at home, and use play as a language of connection — not instruction.

Join us to rediscover the simple joy of playing with your child — and learn how everyday moments of play can strengthen your relationship, nurture confidence, and fill your home with giggles, curiosity, and love.

🔍 Sharing Circles - Click on each of the links to sign up - limited spots available 

Fostering the Love for reading by Sagebrook International School

Children don’t fall in love with reading through drills, goals, or checklists — they fall in love through connection, curiosity, and joy. This circle invites parents and educators to reflect on their own reading memories, understand what truly sparks lifelong readers, and co-create a home environment where books are friends, stories are shared, and imagination has room to bloom.

The Care Continuum: How Do We Build Community Around Our Children? by Sagebrook International School

Parenting was never meant to be a solo journey — and yet, so many of us carry it alone. In this sharing circle, we’ll explore what a modern “village” can look like, who holds our children with us, and how we can create supportive networks that nurture both families and childhood. Together, we’ll reflect, listen, and re-imagine a world where care is shared, community is intentional, and every child grows up surrounded by connection, belonging, and trust.