Free “Kopā Augšup” parenting education forum to be held in Jelgava on 17 October

The Latvian Parents' Organisation (Latvijas Vecāku organizācija) will hold a parenting education forum called “Kopā Augšup” (“Upwards Together”) in Jelgava on 17 October. Parents can attend expert lectures free of charge, take part in discussions and ask questions about raising children, child development and family relationships, the organisers said.

Two parts to the programme

The programme is split into two parts. The first is aimed at expectant parents and families with children below school age, while the second covers issues relevant to parents of schoolchildren and teenagers. Organisers encourage attendance at both parts, as the topics are interlinked and useful at different stages of a child's development.

Experts and topics

Psychiatrist Ņikita Bezborodovs will speak about the development of a child's thinking, wisdom and curiosity. In the first part he will look at creating an environment that supports development in the early years, and for parents of schoolchildren he will discuss supporting thinking, motivation and learning without putting excessive pressure on the child.

Psychology doctor Sabīne Bērziņa will address changes in the family after a baby is born, including the partners' relationship and the child's emotions. Physician and psychotherapist Artūrs Miksons will focus on setting boundaries for a child, maintaining respectful relationships, and parents' self-control when their patience has run out.

In the second part, clinical psychologist Kristīne Balode will discuss teenage sexuality and how families can talk about the body, relationships and boundaries. Viktorija Jansone, a certified nutritionist and expert for “Rimi Bērniem”, will explain the link between nutrition, wellbeing and emotional balance in children and adults. Clinical psychologist Marija Ābeltiņa will speak about the workload and resources of parents of teenagers, including how to reduce the risk of burnout and stay emotionally available to the child.

Both parts include discussions and question-and-answer sessions.

The forum series

The “Kopā Augšup” series took place in Liepāja and Sigulda this spring. Its aim is to give parents high-quality, modern educational content outside Riga as well. Registration and more information are available on the Latvian Parents' Organisation's website. A similar forum is planned in Tukums on 7 November.