Building on initiatives championed by the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, this fall we hosted Future Pathways for Playful Parenting, an interactive and collaborative workshop. Bringing together over 35 experts, practitioners, and advocates, the event spotlighted the transformative role of playful parenting in nurturing children’s growth. The workshop served as an inspiring platform to celebrate impactful achievements, exchange innovative practices, and collectively envision the future of playful parenting around the globe. 

Recap of the Workshop 

The workshop explored the vital role of play in parenting, with engaging discussions on implementation strategies, policy advocacy, and professional development. Key themes included: 

• The Role of Play in Parenting: Senior researcher Jill Popp emphasized how playful interactions bolster emotional, social, and cognitive development, benefiting not just children but entire families. 

• Scaling Playful Parenting Globally: Erinna Dia from UNICEF highlighted the integration of playful parenting into national systems, using Serbia’s successful program scale-up as a model for sustainability. 

• Involving Fathers in Playful Parenting: Discussions tackled challenges in engaging fathers and showcased innovative strategies to enhance their participation. 

• Supporting Professionals: A focus on training for educators and caregivers underscored the need for stronger parent-teacher collaborations. 

Insights and Considerations for Moving Forward 

Through thematic group discussions, participants addressed challenges, identified knowledge gaps, and proposed actionable steps for future progress: 

1. Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Continued research is essential to measure the long-term impact of playful parenting interventions, particularly in marginalized communities. Additionally, father engagement requires deeper study, including understanding diverse family dynamics and cultural contexts, such as fathers in migrant communities and incarcerated fathers. 

2. Promoting Advocacy and Policy Change: Systemic integration of playful parenting within governmental frameworks was identified as crucial for scalability. Policies supporting paternity leave and flexible working conditions for fathers were also flagged as key areas for advocacy. 

3. Fostering Collaboration Across Sectors: Playful parenting should be a cross-sectoral priority, linking education, health, and social welfare to support families holistically. 

4. Enhancing Professional Support: Building capacity among professionals to communicate with and support families effectively is vital. Professionals should also be equipped to address modern parenting challenges, such as the overuse of technology in family settings. 

5. Leveraging Networks for Impact: Networks like ISSA provide platforms for knowledge exchange, enabling the scaling of best practices and fostering innovation. 

A Vision for the Future 

The workshop highlighted the need for persistence and flexibility in advancing playful parenting initiatives. By embedding these practices in local and national systems, encouraging cultural adaptability, and leveraging global partnerships, the playful parenting community can continue to empower caregivers and transform lives. As the workshop participants emphasized, the journey to systemic change requires commitment, collaboration, and the continuous celebration of progress. 

Through collective effort, playful parenting can remain a cornerstone of nurturing resilient, empathetic, and curious children worldwide. 

To watch the recording, click here for -

Plenary session

 Breakout Room: Implementation Research

Breakout Room: Supporting Professionals

Breakout Room: Engaging Men