Free lead-off keynote registration
A page within Adolescent Health Symposium
Free public event
9 a.m., February 12, 2026 via Zoom
The Adolescent Health Symposium is pleased to offer Peter Gray's lead-off keynote presentation free of charge. Registration is required. You will be sent information to connect to this live Zoom event after completing the registration.
Register today for free!
You will be prompted to log in or create a free account when registering.
Mother Nature's Prescription for Mental Wellbeing: The Power of Play and Other Self-Directed Activity
Peter Gray, Ph.D.Peter Gray, Ph.D., Research Professor & Emeritus Professor, Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College
Children are not, by nature, designed to do calisthenics, run around tracks, lift weights, or swim back and forth in straight lines in a pool. Instead, Mother Nature designed our children to chase one another around, laughing and screaming until their sides are splitting; joyfully and vigorously wrestle with one another; climb trees higher than worried adults want them to; scramble up cliffs; and leap off ledges to stick the landing. In such play, which must be self-directed, not imposed, they become physically fit, learn courage, and learn how to take control of their own lives. In this talk I will present multiple lines of evidence that the key to restoring the physical and mental wellbeing of youth is to get out of their way and allow them to take greater charge of their own lives. Mother Nature knows far better than any of us what children need, and her knowledge is embedded in the DNA of all our kids.
CEUs, CECHs, and CE Hours are available only for paid registrations.
Re-train as a School Psychologist
School Psychology: An online program for Wisconsin educators
Wisconsin licensed educators with at least one year of experience in K-12 schools can earn a degree in School Psychology in a new online program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
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