This session aims to help parents:

• Better understand the importance of play for children and young people’s holistic health and wellbeing.
• Explore how play facilitates attachment and builds relationships between children and parents.
• Have a greater understanding of the range of play types and how a variety of play types can be supported within the home environment.
• Explore the role of the adult parent/carer in the play process and how parents can best facilitate play in a way that meets their child’s needs.
• Understand the importance of risk and challenge for the development of resilience, independence and life skills.
• Gain practical play ideas that can be applied within the home.

A light lunch will be provided after the session - a great opportunity to relax and chat with other postdoc parents in a relaxed setting.

Numbers are restricted to 20 for this event, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.  In the event of over-subscription, we will maintain a waiting list and contact the next person on the list if a place becomes available.

Facilitators:

Becca Beattie and Danielle Crosbie from Playboard NI

Find out more about Playboard NI

What is the Postdoc Parents Network?

Established in 2025 by the Postdoctoral Development Centre (PDC), the Postdoc Parents Network is a peer-led community designed to support and connect postdoctoral researchers at Queen’s University Belfast who are also parents or caregivers.  While the network receives administrative support from the PDC, it is shaped by its members to ensure that activities and initiatives reflect their lived experiences and needs.

The network currently focuses on creating space for shared experience, informal support, resource sharing and social connection.

Find out more about the Postdoc Parents Network