«Path of Parenthood»
The «Path of Parenthood» program, at the first stage, is launching a platform that will help Ukrainians gain knowledge and skills for raising and developing children, and to develop their parenting competencies.
As part of the parenting support program implemented by the Coordination Center for the Development of Family Education and Child Care, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the European Union, and UNICEF, a multimedia platform «Path of Parenthood» was launched to help obtain evidence-based, modern, and understandable information about the care and upbringing of children aged 0 to 6 years.
«To support children, we must first support their parents. The well-being of the child depends on the confidence and knowledge adults acquire. That is why the state directs efforts to improve legislation, develop modern services for families with children, and implement educational initiatives that help parents. We must create conditions where every family feels supported, and every child feels love and safety», noted the First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Lyudmyla Shemelynets.
According to a UNICEF study, 67% of Ukrainians admit they need additional parenting knowledge and competencies and are looking for reliable sources of information regarding early childhood development. At the same time, 86% of respondents support the creation of a national program for parents.
«The Government approved the Strategy for ensuring the right of every child to grow up in a family environment. As part of implementing one of its goals — increasing the capacity of families to care for children — we are working on parenting support programs that combine the best Ukrainian and international practices, forming a shared vision of how the state can support parents, develop their skills and competencies so that every child grows up in a caring and safe family environment», explained Iryna Tuliakova, Head of the Coordination Center for the Development of Family Education and Child Care.
The national platform is based on educational video materials on the «Path of Parenthood» YouTube channel and social networks. On the platform, Ukrainians will find universal recommendations from specialists on pregnancy planning, feeding, bathing, sleeping, and child development, and will get answers to the most common questions from experts.
«Being a father or mother is not easy, especially during wartime. By supporting parents and caregivers, we help them provide children with the best start in life», said Shamiza Abdulla, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Ukraine. «The Path of Parenthood program platform will become an organic addition to the reform of the child care and support system in Ukraine, as well as efforts to strengthen social services for children, promoting more family-friendly policies».
The «Path of Parenthood» program was created without judgment and pressure and tells about the real experience of parents: with doubts, joys, mistakes, and victories. After all, with proper knowledge and support, parenting can be a joyful experience even in difficult times.