On February 1, 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 THN Automotive Systems 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).
“Today is a lot of fun because I get to participate in activities with my parents. I hope there will be more sessions like this.”
A short sharing from a student at the program became one of the most meaningful messages after a day full of connection and emotions. What children aged 10–18 remember most is not lectures or theories, but the simple moments of being with their parents—playing, learning, and truly listening to one another.
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When children are truly “present” with their parents
In industrial zones, many parents are shift workers whose time with their children is limited by work pressures. While love for their children is undeniable, opportunities for meaningful conversations or shared experiences are often rare.
Programs like Parent-Child Bonding Day therefore go beyond communication campaigns—they respond to a very real need: creating a safe and supportive space where parents and teenagers can connect, understand each other, and express their feelings openly.
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Bringing such activities into the workplace setting helps make parenting support and mental health care more accessible to workers and their families.
A safe space for teenagers to speak – parents to listen
The program was thoughtfully designed with separate and joint activities for teenagers and parents.
- For teenagers (children aged 10–18): Participants engaged in emotional awareness activities using color cards, real-life scenarios, and group discussions. They learned about the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and practiced ways to manage negative emotions and express their needs in a positive manner.
- For parents: The session on “Communicating with Teenagers” helped parents recognize common communication barriers and practice the “5 yes – 4 no” principle to strengthen active listening and positive responses.
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When parents and children came together for the joint session, the atmosphere became especially touching. Messages of love were written, hugs were shared—simple gestures that are not always easy to express in the daily lives of working-class families.
Family bonding – the foundation for healthy development
Experts emphasize that strong parent-child relationships play a vital role in:
- Preventing family conflicts
- Reducing psychological stress during adolescence
- Enhancing emotional regulation among teenagers
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For industrial worker families, where life is often fast-paced and demanding, activities like Parent-Child Bonding Day contribute to:
- Creating opportunities for teenagers to feel respected and loved
- Helping parents better understand adolescent psychology
- Strengthening positive communication within families
- Supporting sustainable mental well-being for workers
Spreading the message “Listen – Understand – Love”
Nearly 100 parents and teenagers at THN Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. actively participated and engaged enthusiastically throughout the program. Many parents shared that they realized the need to change how they respond to their children’s emotions—moving beyond a sole focus on academic performance or outward behavior.
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One parent reflected: “After today, I will listen to my child more actively—not just to respond, but to truly understand.”
The message “Listen – Understand – Love” goes beyond a single event. It represents a meaningful step toward a more compassionate and effective approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of teenagers in industrial worker families.