Parenting has never been an easy journey. Providing care and love alone is not enough—it is also about walking alongside your child through everyday experiences so they can grow. Within the “Positive Parenting” course, the topic of “Active Listening” created a space for deep connection, helping parents realize that to truly reach their child’s world, sometimes we don’t need to say more—we need to listen more deeply.
Under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Lê Văn Hảo, parents stepped into the role of children who are often interrupted, judged, or imposed upon by adults. In a scenario where a child is about to have a tooth extracted for the first time and is trembling with fear, parents experienced firsthand the difference between two approaches. Instead of dismissing the feeling with, “There’s nothing to be afraid of—it’ll be over in a second!”, they were guided to listen and acknowledge their child’s emotions. Through this activity, parents came to understand the disappointment of being interrupted or having their fears judged. They learned that sometimes, a simple validation such as, “I know you’re feeling very worried because this is your first tooth extraction, right?” can create a moment of empathy—helping children feel safe to open up and ready to face challenges together with their parents.
Dr. Hảo also guided parents through a four-step connection process. The first two steps focus on responding to and validating emotions so the child feels understood. The third step encourages the child to confidently express their feelings, and the final step involves working together to find solutions rather than doing things for them or imposing decisions. This approach transforms discipline from pressure into an opportunity for children to develop self-awareness, trust their emotions, and build a sense of responsibility.
As the emotional sessions came to a close, every parent realized that being a positive parent is not about being perfect, but about continuously striving to understand. When parents choose to listen instead of speak, and to empathize instead of judge, each day becomes a valuable opportunity to build deeper connections and create a family environment filled with respect and love.
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“Positive Parenting” is a free community course organized by The Dewey Schools. Now in its second year, Associate Professor Dr. Lê Văn Hảo—former Deputy Director of the Institute of Psychology, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences—continues to lead the program, designing practical scenarios and providing parents with effective methods to accompany their children with patience, understanding, and respect.
