Parenting with Purpose: Building Bonds and Embracing Self-Care

On November 9, 2024, Lidia Soliman, an immigration specialist and law lecturer in Australia, conducted a meaningful and inclusive session on two vital topics: “Building Strong Relationships with Your Child” and “Self-Love and Self-Care as a Parent.” This discussion focused on helping parents from diverse backgrounds create nurturing and supportive environments for their children while prioritizing their own well-being.

Lidia emphasized three key points during the session:

1. Effective Communication: Building trust and understanding with children through clear and open communication, respecting cultural nuances and individual family dynamics.
2. Planning Ahead: Preparing for how to handle different situations, especially those that might be stressful or challenging, while considering the unique experiences and challenges faced by families from varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
3. Calmly Managing Behaviors: Approaching difficult behaviors with patience and composure to create positive outcomes, fostering a respectful and inclusive approach to parenting.

The session was attended by 39 participants from various walks of life, who found the lessons highly valuable and relevant to their parenting journeys. Many attendees shared how the insights helped them reflect on their approaches and emphasized the importance of self-care in maintaining a healthy family dynamic. Recognizing the session’s impact, participants expressed a collective desire to expand its reach to support more parents and families in their communities.

The following day, these discussions were brought to four diverse communities supported by the Light for All Foundation: NIA, Makisig, Payatas, and Cainta. These areas, known for their rich cultural and economic diversity, provided an opportunity to tailor the insights to meet the unique needs of each group. The sessions aimed to empower parents to strengthen relationships with their children while also taking care of their emotional and mental well-being.

By addressing these topics through a lens of diversity and inclusivity, the Light for All Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families, fostering environments where every child and parent feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.