Held at the Department of Gender Relations, the initiative forms part of the Centre's wider public sensitisation efforts to promote healthier family dynamics and raise better citizens.

Managing Director of the Crisis Centre, Lansha Isidore, explained the goals of the programme.

Explained Isidore: “Positive parenting leads to positive outcomes. It sets limits, changes behaviour in young children, improves academic performance, and fosters trust. All of these positive attributes stem from strong parenting.”

Isidore emphasised the importance of role modelling at home: “Children emulate what they see. We must be examples to these young ones if we want them to grow into responsible citizens.”

She noted the shift in modern parenting, where technology has, in many cases, replaced traditional value-based teachings. “In the past, children attended Sunday school, where they learned values. Now it’s all about tablets and computers, and we seem to forget those lessons.”

The seminar also featured contributions from Dr. Julie Xavier, an independent consultant, who stressed the importance of self-care among parents.

“We cannot pour from an empty cup. If we want parents to improve how they treat their children, they have to first take care of themselves. They must recognise when they are stressed and find ways to rejuvenate, so they can parent more effectively.”

Dr. Xavier further highlighted the core philosophy behind the programme: “We are encouraging what we call positive parenting. This means showing children more love, telling them that we love them, giving them hugs and kisses, and praising them when they do well.”

She explained that this approach builds self-esteem and confidence and helps address broader social challenges like bullying, violence, and poor academic performance.

“Too often we focus only on correcting the wrongs and not enough on reinforcing the rights. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool for growth, both in the child and the parent.”

The Crisis Centre intends to continue these workshops as part of its commitment to building stronger families and more resilient communities through education and support.