How to build a bond with your child: in Mykolaiv, the «Obiimy» centre ran a course on responsible parenting

In Mykolaiv, the «Obiimy» centre for alternative forms of upbringing held a «Responsible Parenting» training session for candidates and foster parents.

This was reported by a correspondent from NikVesti.

The «Obiimy» centre works to support parents who have chosen alternative forms of upbringing. Foster parents and anyone with children who needs advice or information on parenting issues can contact the centre. The centre’s team includes a lawyer, a psychologist and a social worker. In addition, there is a ‘hotline’ where you can get answers to your questions.

«We hold various activities and organise themed events for Mother’s Day, Easter and other holidays. We are currently preparing a soap-making workshop for parents. They come to socialise, relax and unwind. Meanwhile, our specialists work with the children and organise leisure activities for them,» says Nataliia Symonova, the local coordinator of the «Obiimy» project in the Mykolaiv region.

One such event was the «Responsible Parenting» training session, dedicated to the developmental stages of children and how parents interact with them.

Parenting coach Viktoriia Indychenko explained that such sessions help parents better understand the developmental stages of children, as their needs, behaviour and ways of interacting with their surroundings change as they grow up.

«This topic is always relevant, as many people are parents or are preparing to become parents. Today we are discussing the developmental changes children go through and the role of parents during this period. During the session, parents learn about the age-specific characteristics of children’s development, their needs, and possible reactions to various life situations and conflicts. We also discuss how to support a child, build communication with them and establish a connection,» said Viktoriia Indychenko.

The training participants included foster parents and foster carers, who came not only to gain new knowledge but also to share their own experiences.

Nataliia Kolina has been working as a carer in a family-type children’s home for almost 25 years. During this time, 29 children have been raised in her family, 20 of whom have already started independent lives. This year, four children are leaving school: one Year 11 pupil and three Year 9 pupils.

«I really love coming to training sessions and seminars. Every time there are new people, new experiences, new stories. We understand that many of our situations are similar, but at the same time each has its own particularities. That is precisely why I find it interesting to take part in such events. I also enjoy talking to young people, as they are more progressive, read a lot and have access to a wealth of information,» says Nataliia Kolina.

According to her, one of the biggest challenges during the war is providing emotional support for children. She notes that every child reacts differently to danger: some are deeply distressed by the anxiety and explosions, whilst others have already become somewhat accustomed to life under wartime conditions.

«We ourselves don’t always know how best to explain it, because there are children who are suffering greatly because of the war. I have grandchildren who hear a plane or an air-raid siren and get very scared. And there are those who have already got used to it. We live in a village; it’s relatively quiet here, but sometimes something flies overhead. The children go to a school that has a shelter. I think a generation of children will grow up with inner turmoil and fears that they can’t always explain. That’s why it’s so important to have parents or other adults nearby who can support the child and say: «Don’t be afraid, I’m here.» Then it becomes easier for them,» says the woman.

Foster carer Anna Rudnytska explained that her family has been working as a foster family for a year now. During this time, they have taken in two children. The first to join the family was a one-year-old boy in August last year. Later, a 13-year-old girl was placed with the foster family, and she remains with them to this day.

«Whether you’re a foster carer or work in another field, you need to keep learning and deepening your knowledge. And when it comes to different forms of adoption, guardianship and, even more so, foster care, such activities are particularly important. It’s an opportunity not only to learn something new, but also to listen to others, recharge your batteries, relax and understand where your difficulties lie or, conversely, where your strengths lie,» says Anna Rudnytska.

Another foster carer, Ivan Rudnytskyi, believes that training on responsible parenting should be provided even for young people who are only planning to start a family.

«I want to say that it is very important to have a solid foundation. In my opinion, it is particularly worth working with young people who are just starting out on their life and family journey. So that they know these things right from the start. For people like us, this is an opportunity to reflect on our own experiences and gain new knowledge, but if we’d had this knowledge earlier, we could have avoided many mistakes in life. Of course, mistakes will still be made, but the foundations need to be laid from childhood so that children grow up in a healthy family environment. In the future, they will inevitably absorb and carry forward into their own parenthood the experiences they have gained within their own family,» says Ivan Rudnytskyi.

Photo report