The CIA FIRST International School parent workshop on healthy mental and emotional development highlights an increasingly important focus in education today: supporting the whole child. Recently shared through the school’s official communication, this event brought parents and guardians together to better understand how children grow emotionally and mentally, why certain behaviors occur, and how everyday actions at home can make a meaningful difference.
From the very beginning, the CIA FIRST International School parent workshop emphasized partnership. Rather than positioning learning as something that happens only inside the classroom, the discussion reinforced the idea that children thrive when schools and families work together with shared goals and consistent strategies.
Why Mental and Emotional Development Matters
Mental and emotional development plays a critical role in how children learn, form relationships, and cope with challenges. Emotional regulation, self-esteem, resilience, and communication skills all influence academic performance and social success. When these areas are nurtured early, children are better equipped to manage stress, adapt to new environments, and build positive peer relationships.
The workshop highlighted that emotional growth is not a fixed process. Children develop at different rates, and behaviors often reflect unmet needs rather than intentional misbehavior. Understanding this distinction helps adults respond with empathy rather than punishment.
Understanding Children’s Behavior
A key takeaway from the session was exploring why children behave the way they do. Emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or attention-seeking behaviors are often signals of frustration, anxiety, or difficulty expressing feelings. By recognizing these signs early, parents and educators can provide support before challenges escalate.
During the CIA FIRST International School parent workshop, practical examples were shared to help families reframe challenging moments. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with this child?” the focus shifts to, “What is this child trying to communicate?” This mindset encourages problem-solving and emotional safety.
Practical Strategies for Home and School
The workshop focused strongly on actionable strategies that parents can realistically apply at home. These included building self-esteem through positive feedback, maintaining open and age-appropriate communication, and creating predictable routines that help children feel secure.
Small daily actions—such as listening attentively, validating feelings, and modeling calm responses—were presented as powerful tools. These approaches align closely with best practices in child development and inclusive education, reinforcing consistency between school and home environments.
The Importance of Family–School Partnerships
At the heart of the CIA FIRST International School parent workshop was the belief that collaboration matters. When families understand the school’s approach and educators understand a child’s home context, support becomes more effective and personalized.
This philosophy reflects a broader trend in Cambodia’s international and inclusive education sector, where schools are increasingly engaging parents as active partners. Such collaboration strengthens trust, improves outcomes, and fosters a shared commitment to children’s well-being.
Building Confident and Resilient Learners
By addressing emotional health alongside academic learning, schools help children grow into confident, resilient individuals. Workshops like this demonstrate how schools can extend their impact beyond the classroom, empowering parents with knowledge and practical tools.
The CIA FIRST International School parent workshop serves as a strong example of how educational institutions can lead meaningful conversations around mental and emotional development, benefiting students, families, and the wider school community.
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