On February 22, 2026, the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), in coordination with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Federation of Labour, organized a Parent-Child Bonding Day at Aleron Co., Ltd. in Thanh Hoa Province.
The activity was implemented as part of the No-VAC Project, “Together for Change: Creating a Violence-Free Environment for Children of Industrial Zone Workers in Thanh Hoa Province”, funded by the United Nations Fund (UNF) and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The program took place in a warm and engaging atmosphere, with the participation of more than 100 parents who are workers and laborers, along with their children aged 10–18. The activity aimed to strengthen emotional bonds within workers’ families.
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In the context of shift-based work in industrial zones, many parents have limited time to spend with their children. Daily conversations often revolve around school performance or routine matters, making it easier for emotional distance to develop—especially during adolescence. The program was therefore designed as a safe and supportive space where families could temporarily set aside work pressures to share experiences, connect, and rebuild emotional bonds.
When parents and children sit down together
The program began with warm-up activities to help parents and teenagers feel comfortable and connected.
- For teenagers (children aged 10–18):
They participated in games and exercises focused on identifying emotions, understanding their thoughts, and expressing their needs in positive ways. - For parents:
A workshop on communicating with teenagers provided practical guidance on active listening, responding to strong emotions, and supporting children without imposing control. Many parents reflected that they often focus mainly on academic performance or behavior, without paying enough attention to the emotions behind them.
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When parents and children reunited for joint activities, the atmosphere became both lively and deeply emotional. Through coordination games, message-writing, and sharing exercises, families had the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings that are often left unspoken.
One student shared: “I’m so happy to play with my parents today. They are usually busy, so we rarely do things together. I hope there will be more sessions like this.”
This simple message highlights an important truth: teenagers do not need anything extraordinary—just meaningful time with their parents.
Emotional connection – the foundation of a strong family
A highlight of the program was activities that helped families explore ways of expressing love. Through mini-workshops on the “5 love languages,” many parents realized that their children are not distant, but simply express emotions differently from previous generations.
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Some teenagers need words of affirmation, others need trust, and some simply need their parents to listen. When these differences are understood, communication becomes easier and relationships grow stronger.
Experts emphasize that emotional connection with parents is essential for teenagers, as it helps:
- Reduce psychological stress
- Prevent conflicts
- Strengthen self-regulation and behavior control
For working-class families, where time is often limited due to demanding work schedules, such bonding activities are especially meaningful.
Bringing family bonding closer to workers
The program at Aleron Co., Ltd. is one of many activities designed specifically for industrial zone workers, aiming to support parents in improving parenting skills and promoting mental well-being for their children.
Organizing the program directly at the workplace makes it more accessible for workers to participate, while also creating valuable opportunities for families to reconnect.
After the program, many parents shared their intention to spend more time with their children—starting with small but meaningful actions such as asking questions, listening attentively, and engaging in shared activities.
Although the program lasted only one day, it left a lasting message:
Caring for children is not only about meeting daily needs, but also about creating meaningful moments of connection together.