After nearly seven months of learning alongside Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Hao, the “Positive Parenting” course at The Dewey Schools has reached its final session. Yet for many parents, this marks not an ending, but the beginning of a longer journey: a journey of transforming their parenting mindset and growing together with their children.
The final session began with a few moments of mindfulness, inviting parents to reflect on and observe themselves. This is also one of the core principles of Positive Discipline: before we can effectively support our children, we must first understand and manage ourselves.
During the closing session, many parents shared the meaningful changes they had experienced. Ms. Ngan, for example, had struggled with her child spending excessive time playing video games. Instead of continuing to monitor and control the situation closely, she chose a different approach. She learned to place greater trust in her child, reduced constant reminders, and gave her child the opportunity to take responsibility for personal choices. As the pressure eased, their relationship gradually improved. In turn, her child became more proactive in managing behavior and learning.
For Ms. Nga, the journey began with letting go of the expectation of being a perfect mother. She realized that unrealistic expectations can sometimes create distance between parents and children. By learning to accept her own imperfections and show herself greater compassion, she became calmer, more open-minded, and more effective in supporting her child’s growth.
Though their stories were different, they all pointed to the same truth: meaningful change begins with parents.
After nearly seven months, what parents gained was not a set of parenting formulas, but a new perspective on family education. They learned that connection is more important than control. They shifted from providing answers to asking questions that encourage children to think independently. They learned to listen before judging and to support before demanding.
Positive Discipline is a process of establishing clear boundaries through respect, helping children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and decision-making skills. More importantly, it enables parents to build a strong and lasting relationship with their children—the foundation for healthy long-term development.
Parenting is a lifelong learning journey. This is precisely why The Dewey Schools organizes the “Positive Parenting” course: to create a space where parents can pause amid the pressures of daily life, reflect on themselves, and find companions who share the same commitment to raising children.
After two years of implementation, the most valuable outcome of the program is not the number of sessions delivered, but the formation of a community of parents who are willing to learn, evolve, and grow alongside their children.
Looking ahead, this community will continue to expand through future courses, activities, and opportunities for connection. When schools and families walk the same path and share the same positive educational values, they do more than raise children more effectively—they help nurture a generation of young people who are happy, resilient, and empowered to step confidently into life.
