Responsive Parenting Season 2 – Stage 1 – Seminar “Parental Happiness”: The Greatest Gift Parents Can Give Their Children Is Their Own Happiness

Over the weekend, more than 300 parents joined an emotional and inspiring journey at the seminar “Parental Happiness”, co-organised by Vinschool and Vinmec.

During the seminar, psychological experts emphasised that parents’ happiness serves as a model that shapes their children’s emotions and thoughts, providing the foundation for their lifelong well-being. When parents learn to pause, listen to themselves, acknowledge their emotions, and manage negative reactions, children, in turn, learn how to understand, empathise, and find their own happiness.

Drawing from the concepts of Parenting Paradox and Happiness Penalty shared by Dr. Hoang Thi Kim Hue – Lecturer at the National Academy of Education Management, and Dr. Nguyen Trung Nghia – Head of the Psychiatry Department, Vinmec, parents were reminded that while children bring immense joy, raising them often comes with sacrifices – of time, opportunities, energy, and emotions. Therefore, it is important for parents not only to nurture their children’s happiness but also to care for their own. According to the experts, a sustainable source of parental happiness can be found by focusing on the meaning children bring to one’s life and understanding their “circle of influence.”

After the expert sharing, many parents took part in interactive workshops to practice emotional awareness, stress management, rediscover personal joy, and strengthen their bonds with their children.

Parent Pham Thi Phuong shared: “The seminar offered valuable insights into building a happier parenting journey and provided practical guidance on how to better support and accompany my child. I was particularly inspired by the concept of the ‘circle of influence’, which encourages parents to focus on what they can control — such as their reactions, listening, and guidance — so that children feel empowered and happier, instead of getting caught up in worries beyond their control.

Explore memorable moments from the ‘Parental Happiness’ seminar here.