Parenting is 

like growing 

a Namu.


PLANT AN EXPECTATION, 

REAP A DISAPPOINTMENT

namu playhouse

Our Why

Our children live in such a competitive world that often puts them down. Many develop the habit of chasing after other people’s standards and expectations, trying to fulfill other’s desires (which could never be 100% satisfied). And the result? Children lose the opportunity to face themselves. The biggest problem is the loss of identity, the main cause of rising numbers of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. To address children’s mental health crisis, Namu Playhouse was created.


They say more than half of our identity is formed during elementary school. What you like, what you don’t like, what you’re good at, what your core values are, and who you are – Not having many opportunities to ask self-discovery questions before adulthood is the one thing we want to prevent as parents. We are committed to growing trees that withstand extreme weather by ensuring the quality of the soil (environment) for a healthy root system (resilience).

Our Values

01

Connection

Discovering a sense of self-worth and building healthy relationships

02

Wisdom

Engaging in deep thinking and rethinking the way we raise our children


03

Resilience

Establishing a safe space that leverages failures

Our Vision

To cultivate resilience for a healthier tomorrow


Our Mission

To foster self-reliance for sustained happiness


Our mission is to create a solid foundation grounded upon essential habits to foster self-reliance and healthy parent-child relationships through literacy curriculums based on practical topics that lead to sustained happiness.

About the Founder.

Iris Chun M.S. CCC-SLP

If I were to compare myself to nature, I’d say I’m like a tree growing slowly but steadily.  I am strongly connected to my roots which helps me stay grounded.

3 Adjectives about Me. 

  • Perseverance, Driven, Observant

3 Adjectives about Me. 

  • Less is more
  • Serious about the things that never change.
  • Love to get to the root of a problem.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated coaches bring unique expertise and shared values to the table. United by a common goal to nurture positive attitudes and impart timeless values, we are here to support and guide you on your parenting journey. 

Coach Jung 

  • Kids and Parents Book Club
  • Emphasis: Education and Literacy
  • Language: Korean
  • S. Korea

Coach Sun

  • Parents Book Club
  • Emphasis: Self-Discovery and Parenting
  • Language: Korean
  • California, USA

Coach Elaine 

  • Parents Book Club
  • Emphasis: Special Needs Families
  • Language: Korean/ English
  • Michigan, USA

Coach Ji 

  • Parents Book Club
  • Emphasis: Christian
  • Language: Korean
  • California, USA

From the founder.

Hello, I’m an Orton Gillingham Speech and Language Pathologist and a mom of three on a mission to cultivate habits in parents and children that to lead sustained happiness. 

 The older children get, the more I realize how parenting is just like growing a tree or ‘namu’ in Korean. Trees don’t bear fruit overnight. It takes a quite long time for the root system to be developed enough for the sprouts to rise above the ground and come into maturity to bear fruits over the years. 

The important thing here is that we need to consistently provide the right amount of nutrients for trees to thrive because overwatered plants drown while underwatered plants dry out. Likewise, excessive parental involvement can sometimes be counterproductive.

Children bloom in season, just as flowers bloom at different times. Our role as parents is to step back and trust they will bloom at their own pace given the sufficient amount of nutrition and care they need. Then, they will grow up with a strong sense of self and direction that allows them to maintain resilience in life. 

As I’m striving to parent in moderation, I created Namu Playhouse to share that the best way to help children grow is for parents to grow. We are here to help you experience the joy of achieving small, achievable goals in your daily life and live in alignment with healthy values. I sincerely hope your home always be filled with joy, laughter, and love.

Happiness starts with you.