“Raising Parents”

FAISALABAD June 30: Positive parenting with the special focus on respect for children can play vital role in reshaping the society and making it a better place to live by instilling high values to combat increasing impatience and rude behaviors which have become common in the society. It was stated by the speakers at a seminar titled “Raising Parents” organized by the Institute of Home Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with UNICEF. A walk was taken out which started from admin block and ended at University clock tower. The event aimed at recognizing the vital role of parenting in child development, organized to foster dialogue and sharing ideas for effective parenting practices. While leading the awareness walk, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali emphasized that parenting is a continuous learning process that greatly influences the emotional and intellectual growth of children. He said that in today’s fast-paced world, it is essential for parents to stay informed and adapt positive parenting trends. He said that positive parenting contribute to good mental health and well-being for children and reduce risk-taking behaviours throughout the life course. Dean Faculty of Food Science Dr Imran Pasha said parenting is a journey. A journey filled with love, challenges and endless learning. He said that stunted growth of the children was a major challenge for the country. For which, we have to educate the parents about balanced foods and habits that will result in a healthy society. He said that Pak-Korea Nutrition Center (PKNC) at UAF working to overcome the malnutrition in children by making strategies in which a balanced diet is introduced for children’s physical health. Director Institute of Home Sciences Prof Dr Beenish Israr said that at UAF day care center which is facilitating the working women either the faculty/ staff of the university or the outsiders. She said that as children spend a significant period of the day at day care center, we ensure to make that time utmost quality time in which main focus is given to their mental and physical health. She also said that activities are planned to cater each age group. Dr Ayesha Riaz said that a strong parental attachment is the single biggest protective factor in the life of any child. Ehtisham ul Haq from UNICEF said that raising a child is every parent's most precious task, but too often caregivers around the world are left to do it alone. He said that that's why UNICEF is calling on governments and business to invest more in families. He said that malnutrition among the children was a matter of grave concern that must be addressed at the national level. Clinical psychologist Iqra Nafees stressed upon the need to develop the healthy parent and children relationship for a better future. Lecture Home Sciences Qurrat ul Ain said that every child deserves to grow up in a loving, nurturing and safe environment. Police Communication Officer Mubarra Sameen said that Pakistan’s first Virtual Centre for Child Safety has been established with regard to forced child labour under the auspices of Punjab Safe Cities Authority. A team of professional experts in the Virtual Centre for Child Safety is tasked to carryout search operation for the missing persons, getting in touch with heirs and verifying their credentials. Dr Hira Iftikhar, Dr Alvina Haseeb, and Dr Bensah Sarwar said that during their first three years of life, your child’s brain develops faster than at any other time When children play, they are exploring their world and building critical skills.