When their son’s academic results fell short of expectations, Ms. Lê Thị Ngân’s husband felt upset and considered transferring him to another school. Ms. Ngân chose a different response. Rather than rushing to judge who was right or wrong, she waited until everyone had calmed down before telling her 13-year-old son: Whatever happens, your parents will always be here for you, and we will never abandon you.
This response came from something she had practiced during the “Positive Parenting” course: giving everyone time to pause before letting emotions dictate their words. Sometimes, what a child needs first is not a solution, but the reassurance that they are still loved, even when things don’t go well.
Ms. Ngân’s story reflects the spirit of this year’s course, themed “Listening to Emotions – Loving Wholeheartedly,” which has just launched at The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay.
During the program, Associate Professor Dr. Lê Văn Hảo, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Psychology, helped parents take a closer look at children’s familiar reactions. An outburst of anger, silence, or a sharp response may be all adults see on the surface. Beneath it, however, could lie pressure, disappointment, or an emotion a child has yet to find the words to express.
Instead of immediately asking children to change, parents can start by asking:
“What are you feeling right now?”
“What is upsetting you?”
“Would you like me to listen, or would you like us to find a solution together?”
Listening does not mean giving in to every wish. Parents still need to set boundaries and help children take responsibility for their actions. However, when their emotions are acknowledged first, children are more likely to open up and cooperate rather than defend themselves against criticism.
“Listening to Emotions” is also a key focus at The Dewey Schools during the 2026-2027 school year, helping students recognize their emotions, understand themselves, and build positive relationships. This learning needs to continue at home through the way parents listen when their children feel sad, stay calm during moments of anger, and respond with understanding when mistakes happen.
The “Positive Parenting” course consists of 10 free practical sessions, running from November 2026 through May 2027, with approximately 50 parents from both within and beyond The Dewey Schools community. It offers parents an opportunity to share real-life situations, reflect on their own responses, and discover more effective ways to support their children.
“All grown-ups were once children… but only few of them remember it.”
Perhaps learning the art of parenting begins with remembering what it felt like to be a child. Sometimes, the first change is not about finding better words to say, but about learning to pause long enough for a child to feel: whatever happens, Mom and Dad are still here.
Parents interested in the “Positive Parenting” course are welcome to message The Dewey Schools fanpage to learn more and register.
