Sowing Seeds Conference

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No one is more susceptible to being misunderstood than young kids. Their contradictions—precocious yet impulsive, generous yet aggressive, delightful yet resistant—can leave even seasoned adults puzzled. While they may resemble miniature grown-ups, young children are deeply immature by design, driven more by emotion than reason, and far from consistent. When we mistake their behaviour for intentional defiance or disorder, we miss the developmental needs that are calling for our care.

In this presentation, developmentalist and clinical counsellor Dr. Deborah MacNamara draws from the science of human development to reveal what young kids need most from the adults in their lives.
Through the lens of developmental science, she will explore:

• Why resistance, frustration, aggression, impulsiveness, and the need for play are not problems to fix, but signs of a natural unfolding process
• The critical role of adult relationships in emotional growth and resilience
• How setting limits and protecting connection go hand-in-hand
• Why play is essential for emotional health, adaptation, and maturation
• How to show up as leaders and caregivers young children can trust and lean into

Grounded in the latest insights from developmental science, this presentation offers parents, educators, and professionals a roadmap for providing the relational foundations children need in order to flourish.

When we understand the developmental roots of their behaviour, we can show up in ways that truly meet them where they are—and help them become who they are meant to be.