Recap of Mental Health Training
Topic: Parenting with Empathy: Raising Emotionally Healthy Children
Facilitator: Dr. Mfon Bassey
Date: Friday, 25th July
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
The recently concluded mental health training, facilitated by Dr. Mfon Bassey, centered on the critical topic “Parenting with Empathy: Raising Emotionally Healthy Children.” This session was designed to equip parents, caregivers, and educators with practical tools to nurture children’s emotional well-being and foster healthy parent-child relationships.
Dr. Bassey emphasized the pivotal role of empathy in parenting, highlighting that emotionally healthy children are more resilient, confident, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. The training explored how understanding a child’s emotions and validating their experiences creates a safe environment where they can thrive.
Key points discussed included:
* Understanding Emotional Development: The stages of emotional growth in children and how parents can support them at each phase.
* Empathy as a Parenting Tool: Practical ways to listen, validate, and respond to children’s feelings without judgment.
* Positive Communication Skills: How to replace criticism with constructive dialogue, encouraging openness and trust.
* Building Resilience: Helping children develop coping skills to navigate stress, disappointment, and conflict.
* Parental Self-Awareness: Recognizing how parents’ own emotional health and past experiences affect their parenting style.
The interactive session also featured case studies, reflective exercises, and role-playing scenarios, enabling participants to practice the skills discussed. Dr. Bassey encouraged parents to view empathy not as permissiveness but as a strength that helps children feel understood while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Participants left with a renewed understanding of how intentional, empathetic parenting shapes emotionally balanced, self-assured, and socially responsible individuals. The training underscored that raising emotionally healthy children is not just about discipline or academic success but about fostering a foundation of trust, love, and emotional intelligence.