Cambodia is witnessing a quiet revolution in its homes. Across the country, parents are trading the whip for a whisper, moving away from generations of harsh, physical discipline and embracing a gentler, more effective way of raising children. This shift toward positive parenting is not only transforming individual families but also promising a healthier future for the nation's youth.
The Weight of Tradition
For generations, physical punishment has been a deeply ingrained part of Cambodian culture. The 2023 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) revealed that a staggering 66% of children aged 1 to 14 have been exposed to physical violence at home. This isn't just about minor spankings; it can be severe and leave lasting scars.
Sok Phearun, a 33-year-old mother of two, shares a painful memory that highlights this harsh reality. "One day, my son Thanin went swimming without permission," she tearfully recounts. "I was so angry that I hit his leg with a bamboo stick. It became so swollen we had to take him to the hospital. I felt so guilty after that."
Another mother, Kon Phat, recounts a similar incident with her daughter, Rachana, who stole money for candy. "I hit her hand with a whip, and it broke her thumb," Phat admits, her voice full of regret. These stories are a powerful reminder of the damaging cycle of violence that many Cambodian families are now trying to break.
A Program of Hope and Change
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Ministry of Women's Affairs, with support from UNICEF and USAID, launched the Positive Parenting Program in 2018. The initiative directly addresses the findings of the CDHS, offering a lifeline to parents trapped in a cycle of traditional, punitive discipline.
Through comprehensive training sessions, the program equips parents with the tools to foster healthy, non-violent relationships with their children. Participants learn essential skills such as:
Active listening and validating their children's feelings.
Using positive language to encourage good behavior instead of scolding.
Practicing self-regulation to manage their own anger and stress.
So far, these efforts have reached an estimated 82,000 children, including 39,000 girls and 70 children with disabilities. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.
The Fruits of Patience and Love
At first, parents like Ms. Phearun and Ms. Phat found it difficult to abandon long-held habits. But as they applied the lessons, their families began to transform.
"I was surprised to learn we can raise children without violence," Ms. Phearun says. She now listens more and explains things to her son without aggression. This new approach has had a ripple effect. "I've noticed a big change in his behavior," she adds. "He shows more respect and is studying better."
For Kon Phat, the change is equally profound. "Now, Rachana doesn't steal money anymore. Instead, she tells me what she wants." Phat has also started to use hugs and encouraging words, building a bond of trust rather than fear.
The benefits extend beyond the parent-child relationship. Both Ms. Phearun and Ms. Phat's families have seen improvements in their marriages. "We don't blame each other anymore," Ms. Phearun says. Her husband, Mr. Phearith, has also noticed the change, remarking, "Now, our family seems happier. There's less yelling and hitting."
These stories highlight the profound truth that a non-violent home environment nurtures not only a child's health and well-being but also the entire family's harmony. As more Cambodian parents embrace this new, compassionate approach, the nation is laying the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future, one loving family at a time.
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