Family-friendliness Workshops for Working Parents (Parenting Skills)

In response to the International Day of Families, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) actively promotes the importance of work-life balance by organizing a series of family-friendliness workshops to help employees strike a balance between work and family responsibilities. Known for working long hours under pressure, employees in Hong Kong often leave child-rearing responsibilities to grandparents and domestic helpers, resulting in estranged parent-child relationships. The three following parenting workshops targeted problems among children of all ages. Speakers were educational psychologist Ms Alice Keung from the Heep Hong Society and registered social worker Ms. Jenny Cheung from the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children, who shared their case studies and past experiences with 50 employees.

Caring for children with developmental disorders – young children aged 0-4 on 29 November
People express and respond to emotions in various ways, and it’s no different for children. Parents of children who u0022express with actions before wordsu0022 should teach with patience and tolerance. Firstly, they should attempt to take their children out of their bad mood, and then patiently explain to them that acts of stubbornness or violence are unacceptable. Speakers suggested that parents should avoid expecting too much too soon when it comes to resolving their children’s various problems. Parents should not readily chastise or say things that may be regretted later as this could damage their relationship with their children.

Improving bad habits of u0022Kong Kidsu0022 – children aged 5-8 on 13 December
As well as a child’s own physiology and genetic predispositions, external factors such as the influence of family members, school teachers and peers, especially parents, also have an impact on his or her behaviour. In reality, communication between parents and their children is of utmost importance. Parents should learn to understand the needs and intentions behind their children’s actions, set task lists according to their abilities, allow them to practice, learn and adapt with sufficient time and opportunities. Parents should also help their children learn to bear the consequences of their behaviour but remember to praise and encourage them at the right moments. Most importantly, parents should lead by example and become a good role model for their children.

Learning to overcome difficulties and stay positive in the face of adversity – children aged 9-12 on 17 January
For the older children, parents should set ground rules and provide considerable space to help them build self-discipline while offering opportunities for them to make their own decisions. This will allow children to take an active role in tackling difficulties. As children reach the age where they enjoy spending time with peers and care more about what others think, speakers suggested that parents should be more accepting, understanding and appreciative while maintaining good communication with their children, thus allowing them to feel valued and appreciated.

This series of workshops is sponsored by The Community Chest.