On January 25, 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 the Parent–Child Bonding Day at Alivia Shoe Co., Ltd. (Thieu Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province), with the participation of nearly 100 parents who are union members and workers, along with their children aged 10–18.
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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).
More than just an experiential activity, the program generated meaningful positive feedback and emotional reflections from both parents and teenagers, who directly experienced changes through learning and interaction.
When parents recognize the silent pressures their children face
With many workers engaged in shift work and having limited time for family, numerous parents acknowledged that they had not fully understood the psychological pressures their children face during adolescence.
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Through thematic sessions and real-life case studies, many parents, for the first time, reconsidered how they respond to their children’s behaviors such as silence, irritability, or withdrawal.
One parent shared after the session: “I used to think my child was stubborn and disobedient. But after participating in the activity, I realized my child is under a lot of pressure and needs to be listened to more.”
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This shift in perspective is considered a crucial first step, helping parents move from a controlling approach to one based on companionship, empathy, and understanding.
Teenagers are heard – and truly listened to
For children aged 10–18, the program created a safe and supportive space where they could openly express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Through emotion recognition activities, group discussions, and direct interaction with their parents, many teenagers confidently shared thoughts that had previously been difficult to express.
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One student participant shared: “I’m happy that today my parents listened to me without interrupting. I feel more respected.”
Being listened to helps teenagers better understand their role and voice within the family, thereby strengthening trust and emotional connection with their parents.
Listening skills – the key to unlocking family connection
One of the most appreciated aspects of the program among parents was the practice of active listening and positive communication.
Instead of focusing solely on instructing or correcting their children, parents were guided to:
- Listen to the emotions behind their children’s behaviors.
- Respond with respect and empathy.
- Avoid reactions that may unintentionally cause children to withdraw or feel more stressed.
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Many parents expressed their intention to apply these skills immediately in daily family life, especially in situations where their children face academic or emotional challenges.
Spreading positive messages within workers’ families
The presence and engagement of representatives from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Federation of Labour not only ensured the quality of implementation but also reflected the trade union’s strong commitment to improving the spiritual well-being of workers’ families.
The message “Listen – Understand – Love” was consistently conveyed through every activity, every shared story, and every piece of positive feedback from participants.
From a single day to lasting change
The Parent–Child Bonding Day at Alivia Shoe Co., Ltd. demonstrated that, with the right environment and appropriate methods, parents and teenagers can reconnect in a positive and sustainable way.
The positive feedback and noticeable changes in participants’ perceptions and emotions serve as clear evidence of the program’s practical significance, contributing to building happy worker families—an essential foundation for the sustainable development of both workers and businesses.