ParentED Fest was born from a personal journey, one that began with two parents, Diana and Bogdan Bălan, standing at a crossroads, searching for guidance in a world full of noise, opinions, and conflicting advice about raising children. They soon realized that the need for trustworthy, research-based information, shared with empathy and aligned with real family values, was not unique to them. It was a collective need, a reflection of a society longing for connection, understanding, and a gentler way to grow together.

From that realization, ParentED Fest became more than an idea, it became a movement. A place where parents, caregivers, and professionals come together to learn, share, and reconnect with what truly matters. Our mission is to make evidence-based, heart-centered parenting education accessible to everyone, while creating a community grounded in compassion, curiosity, and courage.

We believe that parenting is not about doing it “right,” but about doing it together. It’s about presence over perfection, about rediscovering the joy of connection, and about raising children who feel seen, heard, and loved for who they are.

At ParentED Fest, we learn together, we support one another, and we remind ourselves that it really does take a village, not only to raise a child, but to nurture the parents who guide them.

Our vision is to build a world where education meets empathy, where knowledge empowers families instead of overwhelming them, and where every parent feels less alone on the journey of raising the next generation.