Scores Benefit From Parenting Seminar

KINGSTON — Scores of students, teachers and parents from across the island, on November 3 benefitted from a parenting seminar held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

The event was part of a three-day youth forum, organised by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), which is scheduled to end November 4. It is endorsed by the Ministry of Education as part of activities to observe Youth and Parents Month in November.

During the seminar, parents were provided with practical skills and guidance to help their children reach their full potential, while igniting their creativity and empowering them to contribute towards the development of the country. 

Director of the IYF, Pastor Jin Hee Kim, who led the session, pointed to the need for improved communication between parents and their offspring. He said that many parents do not understand their children.

"Children are human beings that are different from pets. Human beings are much more complicated so dealing with children requires a lot more understanding or more communicating with each other,” Pastor Kim said.

He noted further that parents often “penetrate our desire, our dreams to our children” and it is sometimes difficult for children to maintain the image that parents have of them.

"The love that parents have for their children is the most important thing that the parent should want to give their children,” Pastor Kim stated.

Established in 1995, the IYF is a non-profit global organisation that is focussed on the holistic development of the youth through wholesome, positive programmes.

The aim is to guide young people, primarily university/college students, to break free from their limitations and standards to experience possibilities that exist beyond their scope of understanding.

To achieve this goal, the IYF implements a dynamic offering of programmes specifically designed to promote and enhance mental growth, global awareness, and leadership.  IYF programmes place emphasis on education, performing arts, team building, and international affairs.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter