Growing as parents
How parenting education can strengthen family bonds and bring lasting impacts, both on children as well as the parents themselves
Kathmandu, Nepal: Ruth Tamang, a mother from Kathmandu, had joined the training of facilitators for the Parenting Education National Package with one goal: to improve communication with her son. However, what she learned at the training, an initiative developed by the Government of Nepal with support from UNICEF, ended up completely reshaping how she viewed parenting, family relationships and her own role in her child’s life.
“I thought I was a good mother,” Ruth reflects, “but this training made me realize how much I was missing in positive parenting.”
Before the training, Ruth’s relationship with her son was often tense. Her work commitments left her unresponsive to his emotional needs, and their conversations frequently turned into conflicts.
“When my son came home from school, the first thing I’d say was, ‘Have you done your homework?’,” Ruth says, admitting that her son’s feelings were never the focus of their interactions.
“I used to shout at him when I was angry, and he would shout back louder or lock himself in his room. Our bond was broken.”
The training introduced Ruth to responsive parenting — listening, showing empathy and understanding her child’s holistic needs. One concept particularly struck her: parenting extends beyond biological responsibility. She learned that as an aunt, she also had a role in the development of her husband’s nephew. “It hit me — parenting is about any child in your care, not just your own,” she shares.
The sessions also highlighted the father’s role in child development, which resonated with Ruth as her husband works abroad. Inspired, she shared what she learned with him, including materials on parenting and the harm caused by shouting or physical discipline.
“I told him how important his involvement is, even from afar. We both realized we were unknowingly harming our child’s morale,” Ruth shared.
Equipped with new tools, Ruth changed her approach. Instead of focusing on homework or resorting to shouting, she began asking her son open-ended questions like, “How was your school today?” and listening actively.
“I see my son smiling more and opening up to me,” she says.
Ruth is also determined to share what she has learned. She plans to organize parenting classes in her community to promote responsive parenting practices.
“I am deeply grateful to UNICEF Nepal and the Government for this programme,” she says. “It has not only helped me grow as a mother but also inspired me to help others, particularly my husband who is overseas for work, to strengthen his parenting.”
“Parenting isn’t just about raising a child. It’s about raising yourself to be better, together,” she adds.
