When Love Is Expressed in Words: Parent–Child Bonding Day at Annora Shoe Co., Ltd.

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 Annora Shoe Company, Nghi Son Economic Zone (Thanh Hoa Province). The program attracted nearly 100 parents who are union members and workers, along with their children aged 10–18.

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).

Unlike many theoretical family communication activities, the Parent–Child Bonding Day focused on emotional connection and the expression of love—an aspect often overlooked in working-class families who are preoccupied with work and livelihood pressures.

When parents and teenagers learn to love in their own ways

A highlight of the program was the mini workshop on the “Five Love Languages,” which helped parents and teenagers recognize that each person expresses and receives love differently—through words of affirmation, acts of care, quality time, practical support, or physical gestures.

Many parents shared that they often show love through financial provision and material support, while their children tend to desire being listened to, spending time together, and receiving verbal encouragement. Without recognizing these differences, families may experience a disconnect—what can be described as “loving without understanding.”

One parent reflected: “I’ve always thought that working hard was the best way to love my child. Today I realized that sometimes, what matters most is simply sitting down and listening to my child.”

Messages that touch family emotions

The message-writing activity between parents and children created deeply emotional and memorable moments. Many families expressed their love directly for the first time—not through expectations or responsibilities, but through sincere and heartfelt words.

Parents were often moved when reading their children’s messages about their desire to be cared for, trusted, and understood. In return, teenagers also felt the warmth, expectations, and encouragement from their parents—things they rarely heard expressed so openly before.

These simple yet meaningful messages helped bridge the generational gap and laid the foundation for stronger, more lasting family bonds.

Interactive games – catalysts for emotional connection

In addition to sharing sessions, the program featured interactive group games that encouraged parents and teenagers to cooperate, support one another, and overcome challenges together. The joyful and open atmosphere helped family members connect more naturally, breaking down the hesitation often present in everyday communication.

Emotional connection and understanding – the foundation for sustainable worker families

The Parent–Child Bonding Day at Annora Shoe Company went beyond skill-building; it helped rekindle emotional connections—an essential element that enables families to navigate the pressures of work and life.

By creating a space where parents and teenagers can better understand how each other expresses love, the program has inspired many families to strengthen long-term connections. This contributes to building positive, healthy, and sustainable family environments for workers in industrial zones.