Happiness is about sharing and companionship.

Amidst the fast-paced modern life, many traditional Vietnamese family values ​​have faded. However, there are still families that serve as shining examples, where love, respect, and sharing are preserved and nurtured over the years. And so, they are always filled with laughter and warmth. The family of Associate Professor, Doctor, and Meritorious Teacher Tran Thi Viet Trung (former Director and Editor-in-Chief of Thai Nguyen University Publishing House) and Meritorious Artist Ngo Dinh Thanh (former Principal of Viet Bac College of Culture and Arts, former Director of Viet Bac Folk Music and Dance Theatre) is one such example.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Family Day (June 28), a reporter from Thai Nguyen Newspaper interviewed Associate Professor, Doctor, and Meritorious Teacher Tran Thi Viet Trung about the "secret" to maintaining family happiness.

Mrs. Tran Thi Viet Trung and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren during the traditional Lunar New Year celebration.

Interviewer: Madam, what is the key factor that has helped your family maintain harmony and happiness over the years?

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Viet Trung: For me, no matter how busy or successful women are in society, when they return home, they must still fulfill their duties as wives and mothers. Family is a place for love, a place where each person returns after a busy day. In married life, the most important things are respect, compromise, love, and helping each other to progress.

We have two children and now four grandchildren. Although the children live separately, every weekend the whole family reunites at my parents' house, cooking, cleaning, and sharing joys and sorrows. Those are simple but precious moments. It is these family meals, the children's laughter, and everyday stories that have bonded us over the years.

PV: In the journey of building a happy home, surely there are times when families inevitably face difficulties and conflicts?

Associate Professor Tran Thi Viet Trung: Every family has its conflicts, and so do we. Even though we share similar views on many things, disagreements are inevitable. There have been times when we argued from night until morning over a single point of view on work or parenting. But my husband always gives in to me to maintain peace (laughs - PV).

Mr. Ngo Dinh Thanh plays music at home, cheered on by his wife and children.

We always keep in mind the saying, "A little patience goes a long way." Anything can be resolved if both sides listen, control their egos, think of their partner, and are willing to take the short end of the stick. Through such experiences, we understand each other better, become closer, and appreciate what we have even more.

PV: In the digital age, raising children and grandchildren presents many challenges. How has your family guided you to preserve traditions and values, Madam?

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Viet Trung: We always adhere to the principle of loving but not spoiling, teaching with reason and setting a good example. Our children and grandchildren are treated fairly, without discrimination. We create opportunities for them to study and develop themselves, while always reminding them to maintain family traditions and morals. Within the family, members can express their opinions freely, but they must not insult each other.

These outings help strengthen the bonds and love among the members of Mrs. Tran Thi Viet Trung's family.

Whenever problems arise, adults must set an example of civilized behavior. When the children achieve something, no matter how small, we encourage them promptly with meaningful gifts such as books or a suitable course. Most importantly, we must create a warm family environment so that our children and grandchildren always feel loved and responsible towards their home.

PV: What specific activities do families typically use to maintain connections between generations?

Associate Professor Tran Thi Viet Trung: We always cherish family gatherings. On holidays, New Year's Day, and birthdays, even though my husband is over 70, he never forgets to give me a bouquet of flowers, and I prepare his favorite dishes. These are small gestures, but they are the threads that connect our love.

Mrs. Tran Thi Viet Trung and her husband often take trips to gain more life experiences.

We also maintain the tradition of inviting siblings and close friends to our home for gatherings and conversations. These gatherings are not only a joy for the adults but also an opportunity for the children and grandchildren to better understand and appreciate the value of family and kinship.

PV: On the occasion of Vietnamese Family Day, what message would you like to send to young families?

Associate Professor Tran Thi Viet Trung: Modern life, with its many pressures, easily leads people to be impatient and prone to conflict. A strong marriage requires tolerance, compromise, and prioritizing "us" over one's own ego. Don't let trivial matters damage your relationship. Love and respect each other in the smallest things, because it is these simple things that form the "cement" that holds your home together through all the storms.

Interviewer: Thank you, ma'am!

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202506/hanh-phuc-la-se-chia-va-dong-hanh-0752163/