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7 December 2020 - Story

Transforming Discipline Practices towards Positive Parenting

Min Sarorn, 47, a fisherman and an active member of a positive parenting group living in Prey Veng, was smiling when we met him at the riverside, clearing garbage away from his fishing net. Sarorn, who used to hit and blame his children, said to us, "without violence in the family, my children's wellbeing and happiness in life can improve."

In 2016, with funding support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian Embassy, Save the Children organized several group trainings facilitated by Village Volunteers (VV) on positive parenting. Sarorn attended these training, where he started to learn more about positive discipline, understand his children's feelings, and positively respond to their needs. "I now understand that educating children at home does not require using violence. Understanding and being responsive to their needs in a positive way is more helpful," said Sarorn.

Sarorn told us that he lost much income during the COVID-19 pandemic because he could not sell fish like before. However, he never blamed his family because he applies his positive parenting techniques. He is educating his children on protecting themselves against COVID-19, with the information taught by a VV during the home-visit. "I worry my son would get the virus as he works far away from home," Sarorn continues, "I always remind him to follow the guideline from Ministry of Health until it is gone."

Sarorn understands how to help prevent the spread by informing his communities to stay socially distanced, wear the mask, and avoid gathering.

Sarorn's children are happy and listen to their father's teachings intently despite a financial crisis. Sarorn wants to see his whole community stop using violence against children, especially during this challenging time of COVID-19.