First Lady Fazna Ahmed has stated that sharing knowledge and information between parents is essential to helping each other create a safe environment for all children, and asked them to assist in raising children to their full potential. She made the statement in a video message she delivered at a positive parenting session held on Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll.
The session was part of the activities to mark World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and World Children's Day, organised jointly by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Maldives Police Service (MPS), and the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council.
In her message, First Lady Fazna announced the launch of the Joint Positive Parenting Programme by the administration in collaboration with UNICEF Maldives. The programme aims to help parents support their children's growth from infancy through adolescence, equip them with positive parenting skills, and adopt self-care techniques to help their well-being. She also discussed self-care techniques for parents.
In her message to parents and guardians, First Lady Fazna noted that good parenting was never easy and emphasised the importance of continuing to love, nurture, and guide one's children down the right path. She said that children should grow up in a supportive environment and that the approaches and skills used are critical in creating such an environment.
Additionally, First Lady Fazna stated that such interactions influence their growth and define parent-child relationships as children grow up. She also shared her personal experiences, saying that they had taught her that parenting was a learning process.
In conclusion, First Lady Fazna asked parents and guardians to identify the physical and emotional changes their children undergo and for both fathers and mothers to play their parts in parenting. She also emphasised the importance of listening to children, understanding their concerns and fears, and guiding them throughout their lives.