UNICEF's Commitment to Parental Education in Romania
Strengthening Communities Through Parental Education
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In a world where parenting is often seen as a challenging journey, initiatives that equip parents with knowledge and skills are invaluable. UNICEF in Romania, with the support of the LEGO Foundation and in collaboration with HoltIs Romania and the Step-by-Step Center, has trained over 650 teaching staff in creches and kindergartens throughout Romania as parental educators, since May 2023. The project aims to also reach Ukrainian educators who teach refugee children in Romania.
The classes brought together a diverse group of participants, each with their own experiences and challenges in working with children and families. Through structured sessions and interactive activities, educators delved into various aspects of parenting, from understanding child development to effective communication and managing stress. The program's curriculum emphasized the importance of play in early childhood learning and provided practical strategies for supporting children's emotional and behavioral well-being.
Reflecting on her experience, Iuliana Cristea, a teacher, shared how the course challenged her to adapt her teaching methods to better support children with disabilities and their families. She highlighted the positive impact of the course on parents' understanding of how to support their children effectively. "I have structured my parenting classes in such a way that I can simply deliver information, and parents can apply these strategies at home with their little ones," she explained.
"When we put pressure on children, they respond with aggression, verbal or physical violence. That's why we decided to start this parenting course as early as possible, so we can support parents from the first grade in dealing with their children’s problems”, says Iuliana Cristea.
Similarly, Alina Toma, an educator at a kindergarten serving the Roma community, emphasized the importance of adapting information to meet the specific needs of parents and children in her community. She noted the enthusiastic response from parents and their eagerness to learn how to better support their children's development. "Through sessions with parents, I have managed to encourage mothers to open up, to talk about the challenges they face," she said.
„My students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with limited access to toys and parental engagement. Introducing them to interactive learning methods not only fosters their enthusiasm for education but also strengthens the bond between parents and children," says Alina.
The parenting education courses were based on comprehensive informative materials developed by Holtis, including the "Parental Educator's Folder" - a guide covering ten essential topics for child rearing and education. The parents also received their materials containing three distinct guides: the parent's guide, the guide for learning through play, and the guide for trauma therapy.
The program's impact extended beyond the classroom, reaching into communities and fostering deeper connections between parents and educators. Gabriela Mihalache, a teacher and school director from Teleorman, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment where parents feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking guidance.
"Many parents feel overwhelmed during this time of their children's lives. That's why the program helps parents recognize their role as the chief architect of their child's brain," says Gabriela Mihailache.
Ioana Pârvu, a participant from Târgoviște, highlighted the value of the program in expanding her knowledge and understanding of child development through play. She emphasized the pivotal role of parental educators in every community and advocated for such courses to be available even before childbirth, to prepare parents adequately for the responsibilities ahead.
As the program evolved, organizers introduced specialized courses tailored to different age groups and specific parenting challenges. Amalia Diaconu, a parental educator and trainer, highlighted the importance of addressing topics such as stress management and positive discipline.
„We want to help parents realize that even the simplest game with blocks helps their child develop essential skills. In the first three years of life, 85% of a child's brain growth has already occurred," Amalia emphasized, underlining the importance of parental involvement during this critical period.
Ecaterina Croitor, another experienced trainer at Holtis, delved into the psychological aspects of parental education, emphasizing the importance of self-care and addressing past traumas. She noted, "Addressing parental trauma is crucial for fostering healthy parent-child relationships. By creating a safe environment for parents to explore their experiences, we empower them to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.".
„In the course, the first questions I always hear are 'Why me?', 'Why do I have to go through this?', 'Why is this happening to me?' Eventually, as parents begin to open up, they tell me how difficult it is for them to carry the emotional baggage. It's very challenging for them to look at their child, to have patience, openness, and to be attentive to the child's needs.", says Ecaterina Croitor.
Looking ahead, HoltIs aims to continue expanding its parental education network, reaching more educators and parents across Romania. Stefan Cojocaru, the president of Holtis Romania, expressed optimism about the program's impact and prospects. "We have trained over 650 parental educators, and approximately 6,500 parents have completed the courses," he noted. "We will continue our activities, including with Ukrainian educators because every parent deserves the opportunity to support their child's development."
The collaborative efforts of Holtis Romania, UNICEF Romania, and the Step-by-Step Center underscore a shared commitment to enhancing parental education and support systems. By equipping educators with the knowledge and resources to support parents effectively, the initiative not only fosters healthier parent-child relationships but also lays a robust foundation for children’s development across Romania. As we look towards the future, it is imperative to continue investing in initiatives that empower parents and educators, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
