The Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting program, developed by the University of Manitoba in Canada in collaboration with Save the Children, recently concluded with great success in Gjakova. This program, aimed at promoting healthy child development and empowering parents with effective and respectful discipline techniques, has left a lasting impact on the participants and their families.

Over the course of four weeks, parents in Gjakova took part in eight interactive sessions that covered a wide range of topics, all grounded in the principles of children's rights. By the end of the program, each participant received a certificate acknowledging their commitment to positive parenting.

A Journey of Learning for Parents in Gjakova

The program in Gjakova provided parents with the tools and insights necessary to raise their children with understanding, empathy, and confidence. Sessions were held once or twice a week, depending on parents’ schedules, and involved a combination of presentations, group work, and hands-on activities.

Week 1:

• Session 1: Introduction to the Program The program began with an introduction to the importance of children's rights and the goals of positive discipline. Parents were encouraged to reflect on their current parenting approaches by completing a questionnaire.
• Session 2: Shifting Focus to Long-Term Goals In the second session, parents learned to move their focus from short-term frustrations to long-term developmental goals. A memorable part of this session included a video on brain function and an insightful exercise with a vinegar-filled glass, symbolizing how emotions can overflow without proper management.

Week 2:

• Session 3: Balancing Warmth and Structure In the third session, parents explored the importance of providing warmth and structure in their parenting. They worked in groups to share experiences and discuss strategies for creating a balanced, supportive environment at home.
• Session 4: Early Childhood Development This session focused on the developmental needs of children between 1 and 2 years old. Parents gained a deeper understanding of what is typical during this stage and how they can best support their children’s growth.

Week 3:

• Session 5: Understanding Children's Thoughts and Emotions (Early Childhood) Parents continued their learning journey by diving into the mindset and emotions of young children. This session helped them develop greater empathy for their children's feelings, particularly during the challenging pre-school years.
• Session 6: Understanding Children's Thoughts and Emotions (Middle Childhood) Focusing on children in middle childhood, parents expanded their understanding of typical developmental milestones and learned to better appreciate their children's emotional world during this stage.

Week 4:

• Session 7: Navigating Adolescence As their children enter adolescence, parents face new challenges. In this session, participants explored the complexities of teenage development, learning how to support their children while fostering independence.
• Session 8: Problem Solving and Positive Discipline The final session brought all the learning together, focusing on practical problem-solving techniques and how to apply positive discipline in real-life situations. Parents engaged in role-playing exercises to practice their new skills and completed a post-program questionnaire to reflect on their progress. The program concluded with a celebratory meal, where parents and facilitators shared experiences and discussed how they plan to apply what they learned at home.

A New Approach to Parenting in Gjakova

The program’s completion in Gjakova marks a significant step forward for local families, providing parents with a more effective and empathetic approach to raising their children. The Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting program has left participants with the knowledge and confidence to handle everyday parenting challenges, while fostering healthier, more respectful relationships within their families.

By empowering parents with tools to understand their children’s thoughts and feelings, this program has strengthened the family unit in Gjakova and set the foundation for positive, long-term change in the community.