The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and three other organisations have jointly launched a campaign -- “My Good Husband, My Smart Children” -- to raise public awareness of child-rearing strategies.
USAID works in partnership with RTI International, Helen Keller International and Safe Haven to launch the behavioural change communication campaign through integrated early childhood development activities. The aim of the campaign is to encourage children to thrive and reach their full developmental potential through nurturing care, starting from before birth.
According to a joint press release, two public events will be held in Siem Reap province: One on April 1 at the Heritage Walk Mall in Siem Reap town and the other on April 8 at Kampong Kdei High School in Chi Kraeng district. Each event is expected to attract approximately 30 key stakeholders and 170 households, and will feature a book fair and expo.
“The campaign will include various community engagement activities, social media messaging, and communication materials. The key messages for the day will address gender norms and the importance of child-rearing for men and women, while promoting positive models for caregivers through diverse materials,” said the press release.
It added examples of these key messages. “A man can provide the same quality of care to a child as a woman. Caregivers should take turns caring for a child if they need to relax or take a break. A couple that listens to each other and has a predetermined routine for household chores can more easily overcome the challenges of child-rearing.
"Children grow stronger and smarter by playing. Praise your child if s/he does well to encourage them to keep doing good things,” it said.
“Beating or shouting at children teaches them to fear rather than understand the consequence of their actions. Child safety is critical. Caregivers should not take out their stress or anger on their children, including those with development delays or disabilities,” it added.
