Build Strong Parent-Child Relationships with OneSky’s Child Safeguarding Seminar Series

Papa Ng, a father of two daughters, shared that he was eager to learn more about parenting which motivated him to enroll in the course to enhance his knowledge. He said, “I attended every class on time, actively asked questions, and even recorded the sessions so I could review them at home with my wife.”

The course helped Papa Ng better understand his children’s emotions. He explained, “In the past, I didn’t know much about parenting. I was not aware of things like child protection and preventing child abuse, let alone how to handle situations when my kids threw tantrums. Now, I try to understand their motivations, empathize with their emotions, and help them calm down.” He emphasized, “Children are the future, and safeguarding them is the responsibility of all caregivers.”

Mama Tang also joined the course and admitted that parenting can be stressful for her. She particularly appreciated the segment on emotional education in the seminars. She said, “When children start expressing themselves, I can better understand their needs and help them solve problems.”

Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “If my child gets upset because they’re hungry, I now first acknowledge their feelings and help them calm down, instead of panicking like I used to.” The course taught her empathy and helped her gain a deeper understanding of her children’s emotions.

Representatives from UBP and NGO partners joined the Child Safeguarding Play Day.

To reinforce and summarize caregivers’ knowledge of child safeguarding, we organized a “Child Safeguarding Play Day” at the end of March. More than one hundred children and caregivers from over 70 families participated in the event. Activities included family-themed DIY badge-making and twisty stick decorations, the “Throw Out Your Love” ring toss game, and storybook sharing sessions. We were grateful to have representatives from UBP and NGO partners join us in lighting up the “House of Light,” symbolizing our shared commitment to child safeguarding.

Thanks to the following NGOs, the seminar series was a success: Concern For Grassroots Livelihood Alliance, Kwun Tong Happy Teens Club by Hong Kong Christian Service, Kwun Tong Methodist Social Service, and Caritas Healthy Neighborhood Kitchen Project.

Social worker Hiu-ching from the Kwun Tong Happy Teens Club stated that members find the courses beneficial, particularly the unit on Setting Parenting Boundaries.

She remarked, “This unit helps parents understand that physical punishment is not the only approach to parenting. Additionally, the unit on Breaking Negative Cycles offers parents the opportunity to reflect on their own growth journeys and their family of origin, leading to a better understanding of themselves. This, in turn, helps establish a positive parent-child relationship and avoids the repetition of childhood frustrations.”

We believe these seminars and related activities will help more caregivers improve their parenting skills and foster harmonious and happy family relationships. Safeguarding children is vital for all caregivers. Together, let’s create a safe space for children to grow and thrive.

Click here to learn more about OneSky’s caregiver courses.