'Family connection helps children develop better thinking and skills'

Sharing and companionship between parents and children can help children develop comprehensively, think better and accumulate life skills, according to experts from ISSP.

"Children's comprehensive development does not only depend on knowledge from books and school. Children always learn from their living environment, close relationships, especially their parents," Mr. Lester Stephens - Principal of Saigon Pearl International Kindergarten and Primary School (ISSP) emphasized when talking to parents about the topic "Teaching children without using corporal punishment".

With over 30 years of experience in research and teaching in New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam, he has given many tips on how to help parents become a solid "launching pad" for their children. Through this, parents can listen to advice from Mr. Lester and other parents to improve their understanding and be ready to apply new methods and knowledge to raising children.

Mr. Lester Stephens during a parent talk at Peekaboo Premium Kids Café. Photo: ISSP — Mr. Lester Stephens during a parent talk at Peekaboo Premium Kids Café. Photo: *ISSP*

Here, the Principal of ISSP School said that children today are facing many pressures, both internal and external. It is the responsibility of the family and the school to shape the "heart and mind" of children. In a constantly changing society, focusing on helping children develop their inner strength is one of the most necessary methods. In this, parents play an important role.

"Many studies also show that a child who has a positive relationship with his or her parents is often more confident and achieves more than other children," he added.

Mr. Lester Stephens went to each table to talk with parents. Photo: ISSP — Mr. Lester Stephens went to each table to talk with parents. Photo: *ISSP*

A positive bond with parents will help children strengthen their mental health, self-awareness and practice many important social skills. This is also a factor that lays the foundation for children's overall personality, behavior and how to cope with difficulties and challenges. At that time, parents must be the ones to control their emotions first because they are the role models for their children to follow in all situations.

Children will be more confident when they feel the love and respect of their parents. Therefore, he advises parents to regularly express their feelings in many ways, such as through gestures, words, eyes, etc. At the same time, actions such as playing together, reading books or participating in outdoor activities will help increase the connection in the relationship between family members. Thanks to that, children feel more confident and easily share their thoughts with their parents.

Mr. Lester Stephens gives advice based on parents' opinions. Photo: ISSP — Mr. Lester Stephens gives advice based on parents' opinions. Photo: *ISSP*

"Parents can also take time to talk, sometimes just 10-15 minutes, and make sure to focus completely on the child's story. Listening and empathizing on the basis of respect will help children become more confident and bold in expressing their opinions and feelings," Mr. Lester suggested.

In addition, Mr. Lester shares more about the famous "3P" rule to help parents talk to their children effectively.

The first P is "Pause", which means parents should stop talking or other activities to listen and encourage their children to share their whole story. Second, with the P in "Playback", parents need to summarize the main ideas from their children's sharing in their own understanding. Finally, with "Probe", at this time, adults can ask more open-ended questions to lead the child to the most appropriate conclusions or solutions.

Nhat Le

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