Even a little violence is too much – let’s learn about parenting!
Campaign for positive parenting and the prevention of violence in child-rearing
- Hrvatski
- English
Parenting is one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most challenging experiences. Most parents and caregivers want the best for their children – for them to grow up safe, confident, and happy. Yet in moments of fatigue, stress, or overwhelm, even parents who believe in non-violent parenting methods sometimes use physical or psychological punishment.
This does not reflect a lack of love. It reflects how much parents and caregivers need support.
In Croatia, the past twenty years have seen a significant decline in the use of violent disciplinary practices, especially physical punishment. However, physical and psychological punishment are still a reality for too many children. According to UNICEF research, 1 in 2 children has experienced some form of physical punishment, and 60% of children have experienced some form of psychological punishment in the past year.
At the same time, 3 out of 4 parents in Croatia believe in non-violent parenting methods and consider them beneficial for a child’s development. This shows something important: parents want things to be different – but in challenging moments with their children, they need additional knowledge, guidance, and support from those around them.
Why is it important to talk about parenting without violence?
Physical and psychological punishment of children, even when it is not frequent or “severe”, can:
- undermine a child’s self-confidence and sense of security
- affect emotional well-being and mental health
- make learning, concentration, and keeping up with school more difficult
- harm relationships with other children and adults
- increase the risk of aggressive or risky behaviour
- increase the risk of a child being exposed to other forms of violence
- contribute to the intergenerational transmission of violence.
Violence hurts and humiliates children. Violence leaves scars even when they are not visible. Children who experience violence at home may feel its consequences throughout their lives.
Children need parenting with clear boundaries, responsibilities, and respect, but without physical or psychological punishment, humiliation, and fear.
Parenting is learned – and there is nothing wrong with that
Parents most often use violent disciplinary practices when they are exhausted, under pressure, or do not know how else to respond. This is not a sign of bad parenting – it is a sign that parents need support.
UNICEF wants to support parents and caregivers so they can:
- better understand child development, behaviour, and children’s needs at different stages of growing up
- better understand the harmful consequences of physical and psychological punishment for children
- use non-violent ways of setting boundaries, establishing discipline, and guiding behaviour
- manage stress and difficult situations more easily
- build relationships of trust, safety, and respect with their children.
We do not question parents’ love for their children.
We want to help them have tools that are better for children – and for family relationships.
Visit UNICEF Parenting hub!
How UNICEF supports parents
For more than twenty years, UNICEF, in cooperation with partners and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, has contributed to the promotion of positive parenting and the prevention of violence against children through:
- parent support programmes
- strengthening the capacities of professionals working with children and families
- research aimed at improving support for families
- public campaigns that raise awareness, empower parents, and encourage positive change for children
- the development of digital platforms, tools, and content to support parents and caregivers
- violence prevention programmes in schools and online.
UNICEF campaigns such as “The First Three Years Matter Most” have helped raise public awareness and create a supportive environment for children’s development, while the video package with expert advice is still used by parents today. Thousands of parents who have already participated in programmes supported by UNICEF, such as Growing Up Together, show that parenting without violence is possible – and achievable.
UNICEF continues to invest in expanding the reach and availability of parenting programmes, support services, and content for parents and caregivers.
When we support parents, we support children. And when we support children, we build a healthier society.
How can you get involved?
Parenting without violence concerns all of us. Parents, caregivers, grandparents, teachers, professionals, neighbours, and the wider community – we all have an important role in creating an environment in which children grow up safe and loved.
If you are a parent or caregiver
You are not alone – help is closer than you think.
Visit UNICEF’s Parenting hub– find practical advice and learn about professional support available in your community.
If you would like to support others
- By donating to UNICEF, you help ensure that parenting support programmes are available to families in challenging circumstances who need them most.
- By sharing information and campaign messages, you contribute to positive change for all parents and children.
By supporting parents, together we build stronger families, happier childhoods, and a society free from violence!
Because even a little violence is too much!
