From Striking to Loving: Cambodia's Parenting Transformation
One mom stops hitting. Starts listening. Changes her kids' lives—and sparks a national shift in how parents raise children.
- English
- Khmer
A Ministry Official Leads by Example, Inspiring Thousands to Embrace Positive Parenting"
SIEM REAP, Cambodia 10 Aug. 2024— “I used to think love was about control,” Chhay Likeo says, her voice steady but tender. “Now I know it’s about connection.”
In the soft glow of a Cambodian afternoon, Likeo crouches beside her 3-year-old son, Phanith, on a blue mat on their porch. Around them are scattered a pen, a notebook, a rocket-shaped pencil case, and a bottle of water. Phanith, focused, plays a melodica—a small keyboard instrument—while she gently guides him through the notes.
Her journey toward this peaceful moment started with struggles with her older son, Phiseth, 9. Likeo turned to the skills and tools she learned from UNICEF’s Positive Parenting Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development. These new techniques helped her raise her sons with patience and understanding—something she had once thought impossible.
This playful moment with Phanith marks a turning point, not just for Likeo, but for a country dealing with widespread violence against children. In Cambodia, home to 5.7 million children, more than half have experienced physical abuse—a statistic that once included Likeo’s own family.
“I used to shout, threaten, even hit,” she admits, her eyes downcast. “I thought that was the only way to raise good children. I’d lose my temper quickly. I focused on obedience, not understanding.”
In 2020, Likeo's life changed when she became a trainer for the Positive Parenting Programme as a deputy officer at the Provincial Department of Women's Affairs. The programme, supported by UNICEF with funding from the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is part of a broader effort to reduce domestic violence in Cambodia.
Since its launch, the programme has reached over 78,200 parents and carers across Cambodia, teaching patience, understanding, and open communication—encouraging parents to model the behaviour they want to see in their children.
“The first time I explained a rule instead of enforcing it, my son looked at me like I was a different person,” Likeo recalls, smiling. “And in a way, I was.”
Her youngest son, once tense under her strict gaze, now leans into the warmth of her hand—a clear sign of the trust they’ve rebuilt. This shift in Likeo’s home is part of a growing movement across Cambodia, where thousands of parents are abandoning harsh discipline for more loving, guiding methods.
“We tell parents, ‘Children see, children do,’” Likeo explains. “When we model patience and understanding, that’s what our children learn.”
For Likeo, this meant completely changing her parenting style. Shouting and threats were replaced with conversations, explanations, play, and listening.
“Now, when my sons have a problem, they come to me,” she says, her voice filled with wonder. “Before, they would hide.”
The transformation in Likeo’s home mirrors a broader shift in Cambodia, where traditional views of discipline are slowly being replaced by more positive approaches. Although some communities still hold onto old beliefs, Likeo and thousands of others have embraced these new methods after seeing the positive results firsthand.
As the sun sets, Likeo gently rests her hand on Phanith’s shoulder, encouraging him as he plays his melodica. The air is free of tension—just the light laughter of a child. Whenever Phanith misses a note, he lets out a playful “hee-hee.” Watching her son’s joy, Likeo smiles softly, holding back tears of happiness.
“This is what love really means,” she says quietly. “It’s not about making children obey. It’s about being close to them. We’re learning together, and it’s wonderful.”
The Positive Parenting Tips Chatbot, developed by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development (NC-ECCD) with financial and technical support from UNICEF, is an innovative tool designed to make parenting advice accessible to all. By scanning a QR code, caregivers can instantly receive tips on positive discipline, communication, and child development through Telegram. The chatbot is user-friendly, offering both text and audio options, empowering parents to nurture their children in a safe and supportive environment.
Get expert positive parenting tips chatbot right at your fingertips. Here’s how:
- Telegram Chatbot: Scan the QR code to access for quick parenting advice.
- Call 1279: Receive voice-guided tips anytime, anywhere!
- Talk to Local Volunteers: Get direct support from your community.
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