Anwar's Journey to a Happy Home

Anwar, a 31-year-old mother from Zarqa, felt isolated and frustrated after leaving her nursing career to care for her six-year-old son, Malek. Thinking ahead on how to build a healthy and happy relationship with Malek, Anwar started asking her friends for advice and guidance. One of her friends told her about “Our Happy Home” parenting programme at UNICEF supported Makani centre. Intrigued, Anwar decided to join, hoping to learn about positive parenting to help Malek realize his full potential.

On her first day, Anwar felt welcomed and supported. She learned that her reactions to Malek's behavior were sometimes yielding negative reactions from him. "I used to get upset right away, thinking being strict was the best approach. But I learned that making him afraid of making mistakes was unhealthy," she admits. Malek, born seven years after Anwar's marriage, was her pride and joy. She realized her overprotectiveness was holding him back. "I was so overprotective that I made him afraid to play with other children because he feared my scolding," she shared.

The programme taught Anwar to pause and think before reacting. "Now, if Malek makes any mistakes, I stay calm because I understand that my reactions shape his character," she explains. Anwar noticed a significant change in Malek. "He started showing me more affection. Now, I avail the time to listen to him, and I've discovered so much about him that I never knew before," she says.

“Our Happy Home” programme transformed Anwar's home. "Thanks to the programme the entire dynamics in our home improved. learned to take care for myself, I engage with my spouse to discuss and exchange views on many things including Malek’s future. We became for sure a happier family.", she adds joyfully.

Anwar also learned to appreciate and love herself. "I started to appreciate myself more and explore new skills and talents that I have. Over time, this helped me feel more confident and happier," she says.

Anwar encourages other mothers to be open to learning. "Don't assume you already know everything. Programmes like “Our Happy Home” can improve your relationship with children and help you have a happy home. It's never too late to make a positive change," she concludes.

The Parenting Programme is one of the Early Childhood Development components offered at UNICEF-supported Makani centres. It aims to empower parents to be able to provide a stimulating, loving and protective environment at home. Through this programme, parents acquire knowledge and skills that promote the psychosocial, cognitive and physical development of their children.

The Makani programme is implemented thanks to the generous support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW.