«Responsible Parenting» Training: On Trust, Support, and the Ability to Be There Without Pressure

Being a parent is a daily responsibility that requires attention, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside your child. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions in this process, so support, sharing experiences, and gaining new knowledge become especially valuable.

On March 18, as part of the «Obiymy» project, the «Responsible Parenting» training program launched in Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Sumy for parents raising children in family-like settings.

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Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods in a child’s life, marked by changes, emotional fluctuations, and the search for one’s own identity. During this time, it is especially important to maintain contact with your child, to be able to listen to them, and to offer support without pressure.

During the training, participants discussed the developmental characteristics of adolescents, typical risks during this period, and how to build trusting communication without pressure or conflict. Together with the trainer, the parents analyzed practical situations, learned to better understand their children’s emotions, and discovered constructive ways to respond to challenging behavior.

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Special attention was given to the emotional well-being of the parents themselves. After all, under constant stress, anxiety, and responsibility, it’s easy to burn out. Participants learned techniques for self-regulation, restoring inner balance, and supporting themselves during difficult times.

«Supporting parents is the key to stability for children. When adults have the knowledge, tools, and space to recharge, they can build more trusting relationships with their children and better respond to the challenges of adolescence», notes Solomiya Kamad, coordinator of the educational component of the «Obiymy» project.

We are convinced that an adult who has resources and support becomes a reliable pillar for a child. It is precisely through the development of parenting competencies that we can create an environment in which children will grow up feeling safe, accepted, and understood.

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The «Crisis Response in Ukraine» project is implemented by the Ukrainian Education Platform Charitable Organization with support from the International Rescue Committee.