Listen to the voice of your child: When love is no longer imposed.

In today's era, parents are more meticulous than ever in providing for their children's material needs. However, sometimes parents forget a fundamental yet crucial right of their children: the right to express their opinions and be respected. Therefore, a change is needed so that love is no longer imposed.

After an extra tutoring session, the face of 8th-grade student D.LP (Cao Xanh ward) was filled with sadness. When the teacher pressed her for an explanation, P confided that she wanted to join the literature team, but her parents wanted her to study math: "My mother says I should study math so I can work in economics later, continuing the family tradition. Studying literature makes it difficult to find a job, so my parents won't let me study it." P's slightly trembling voice wasn't unique; it was a true reflection of a large gap in the relationship between adults and children today – a gap in listening.

According to a small survey, 68% of children surveyed said they were rarely consulted by their parents when making decisions about their personal lives, such as their studies, playtime, or talents. Most adults still hold the mindset of "children don't know anything" or "children must obey their parents," assuming the right to decide everything for their children. This imposition, even if stemming from kindness and love, inadvertently creates invisible walls. When their voices are ignored, children tend to fall into two extreme states: firstly, negative resistance, becoming stubborn and rebellious to get attention; secondly, withdrawal, cessation of sharing, depression, or loss of independence and self-determination in adulthood. "Children don't need perfect parents; they need adults who listen with their hearts," expressed Ms. Bui Thuy Hai from Ha Long ward.

Students from Doan Thi Diem High School in Ha Long engaged in a lively debate on the local education topic "Private Economy and the Development of Quang Ninh".

Listening to children is not simply about remaining silent when they speak, but an art that requires patience and lowering one's ego. This is something that Vietnamese parents are changing every day. “Before, when we came home from school, Dad would ask: 'How many points did you get today?' I felt a lot of pressure. But now, Mom and Dad just ask: 'Are you happy?' I feel happier,” shared Bui Tri Dung, a student in class 3A2 at Doan Thi Diem Primary, Secondary, and High School in Ha Long.

This model won first prize at the provincial level in the "Initiatives to Ensure School Order and Prevent School Violence, 3rd Edition, 2026" competition, submitted by the Le Van Tam Secondary School's Youth Union.

According to Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, the head of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers Team at Le Van Tam Secondary School, the school has implemented many activities to allow children to express their voices. Notable examples include the "Digital Media Ecosystem" and "Beautiful Friendship Tower" initiatives. Given the persistent problem of school violence, these models are seen as a humane shield in preventing and combating school violence and cyberbullying in the modern era. Winning first prize at the provincial level in the 3rd "Initiatives to Ensure School Order and Prevent School Violence" competition in 2026 and preparing for the national competition, the meticulously crafted model features a comprehensive digital toolkit including: a series of 5 AI animation videos simulating real-life situations, a comic book series titled "Beautiful Friendship," 20 electronic flashcards guiding civilized behavior skills, a Rap News MV titled "School Spirit," and a model of the "Beautiful Friendship Tower" center. This is a very effective forum for young people to exercise their right to participate.

The International Convention on the Rights of the Child and Vietnam's 2016 Law on Children both affirm: "Children have the right to participate in matters concerning children." Children's rights are now more respected and accepted in all areas of life. The right of children to participate is not just a legal provision, but the foundation for building a civilized society.

In response to the 2026 Action Month for Children, localities and units in Quang Ninh have been focusing on many activities that respect children's rights. More life skills education classes have also been opened to equip children with more knowledge about lifestyle, thinking, and how to express their desires.

When adults look down with the gaze of a friend and listen with empathy, children will feel truly respected and loved.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/lang-nghe-tieng-noi-con-tre-khi-yeu-thuong-khong-con-ap-dat-3409414.html