On the morning of April 5, the “Parent–Child Bonding Day” program was organized at Alena Vietnam Shoes Co., Ltd. in Yen Dinh commune, Thanh Hoa Province, for worker families with children aged 10–18.

The program was jointly organized by the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Federation of Labour. The event is part of the No-VAC project funded by the United Nations Foundation and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), aiming to strengthen emotional connections between parents and children.

With the participation of more than 100 children aged 10–18 and their parents, the program aimed to enhance family bonding, especially in the context where many worker families face challenges in spending quality time and maintaining effective communication with their children.

Learning to listen with love

In the busyness of daily life, many parents and children gradually become emotionally distant. Numerous parents shared that they struggle to communicate and truly understand their children, especially during adolescence when children experience significant emotional and psychological changes. At the same time, many young people expressed hesitation and lack of confidence in sharing academic pressures and personal concerns with their parents.

Recognizing these invisible emotional gaps, the “Parent–Child Bonding Day” created a safe and supportive space where family members could pause, listen, reflect, and learn how to express love and care more positively.

One parent shared emotionally:

“Experts who are professionally trained really approach parenting differently from us. I often let my emotions affect the way I talk to my child. Whenever I was stressed, I would scold my child and not really listen to what they wanted to say. Eventually, my child stopped talking to me and started sharing with others instead. I realized I need to better control my emotions and speak to my child more calmly and gently.”

When love is expressed through words

One of the most memorable activities of the program was the handwritten letter exchange between parents and children. Through simple yet sincere words, many families experienced, for the first time, the opportunity to openly express feelings and affection that had long remained unspoken.

Many emotional moments unfolded as parents and children read each other’s letters. Tears, hugs, and silent gestures replaced words, helping break down invisible barriers and foster deeper understanding within families.

Togetherness – The key to lasting love

Throughout the program, families also participated in a variety of interactive activities such as bonding games and shared parent–child experiences.

The atmosphere was lively yet deeply warm, as parents and children not only played and learned together, but also listened to and shared with one another.

The “Parent–Child Bonding Day” at Alena Vietnam Shoes Co., Ltd. left meaningful impressions on participating families, contributing to improved awareness and parenting skills while spreading the message: “Listen – Understand – Love”