How much love should we show boys? Why do they mature later than girls? How should we react when they cry or shout? Early education up to the age of 7 is crucial in shaping social skills and behavior. The lack of intervention or healthy education principles can impact the development of the future adult's personality.
Statistics in the Republic of Moldova show that annually, more boys than girlsare born in our country. However, fewer men reach maturity due to health issues, suicide, substance abuse, workplace accidents, involvement in crimes and situations of violence, many of which are closely linked to behaviors and perceptions acquired in childhood – within the family, at kindergarten/school, in the circle of friends, in society.
The campaign "Raising a Man, but Remembering He's a Child," the first of its kind in the Republic of Moldova, will provide parents and early education institution (EEI) staff with valuable information and specific recommendations from specialists in the field on the most sensitive needs and challenges in the education of preschool-aged boys.
The campaign is conducted by the Institute for Family and Social Initiatives in partnership with the media platform Suntparinte.md, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Republic of Moldova, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom under the project "Parenting Education Sensitive to the Needs of Boys."
All interested adults will be able to access free parenting video courses and informative materials about the age-specific characteristics of boys, emotional development, discipline, sexuality, etc. The topics were selected based on 9 focus groups organized in 5 kindergartens in 3 pilot regions (Chișinău, Căușeni, and Ialoveni), where 100 parents/grandparents of boys were interviewed, along with specialists from EEIs. Additionally, 610 individuals from across the country responded to online questionnaires on the pentrucuplu.md page.
The results of the focus group sessions will be included in a qualitative study, which will be made public. Moreover, within the campaign, a Guide for facilitators of parenting education programs sensitive to the needs of boys will be developed and made available for free online.
All informative and educational materials will be published on the websites www.pentrucuplu.md and www.suntparinte.md, as well as on social networks.
