Kids today, huh? Everyone has an opinion but what is really going on with them? And what can we do to make sure they have the best possible shot at growing into happy, productive adults?

Young Minds is a two-day conference that focuses on crucial issues around childhood development. Bringing together the biggest of big wigs – think His Holiness the Dalai Lama, In Praise of Slow author Carl Honore and a gamut of Professors– the sessions address issues like goal setting, willpower, imperfection, youth homelessness, suicide, creativity, empathy and online behaviour.

Mia Freedman will run a session around kids’ online footprints and how, ‘every dumb, embarrassing and potentially illegal thing’ kids do will be captured permanently online.

Dr Wendy Mogel will address the ‘cotton wool kids’ epidemic and how breeding resilience through the blessings of a scraped knee is as important as protecting children from harm.

The conference is bolstered by a range of  workshops including how to instil values of environmental preservation and protection through Humane Education, interactive sessions where youth can talk about how the world is changing through a range of activities and discussion on the power of learning and living positive relationships.

If you work in any area that deals with youth, or are blessed to have kids, toddlers or lil ones in your life, this is an event that’s designed just for you.

Young Minds
17 – 18 June 2013
Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney
$1,095 for the two-day conferences
Workshops are $270 per session