Parenting with confidence: discover the new Comon project
Parenting is an adventure, full of questions, choices, and challenges. In a world of digital stimuli, endless advice, and an increasingly individualistic society, it can easily become overwhelming. That’s why Comon is launching the new project 'Parenting with confidence', to bring together (grand)parents, teachers, educators and youth workers. Together we’re building a stronger parenting community — because 'It takes a village to raise a child'. Discover more about this new Comon project.
Parental stress is completely normal
Stress expert Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt (Ghent University) explains how parenting can throw us off balance: "Parenting is a unique experience that can, from time to time, shake us to our core. That shaking is exactly what we mean by stress, it unsettles us. We feel that the demands or expectations are greater than what we can handle at that moment. Parental stress is completely normal, because we often set high expectations for ourselves, or want to do better than we’re capable of. And also because children frequently show unexpected emotions or behaviors, while parents have to juggle many things at once."
How is Comon tackling this?
Over the next one and a half year, Comon will take on the challenge: “How can we raise children with confidence?” We’ll do this by bringing people together to search for solutions. Everyone is welcome. Together we’ll brainstorm about the root causes of parental stress, come up with technological solutions and actually build them together. The focus is on connecting people, because parenting is not something you do alone. That’s how we make Ghent even better
For the City of Ghent, this is an important experiment, says Alderwoman Evita Willaert: “In Ghent, we work closely with many partners to give children and young people every opportunity to grow up safely, happily, and with confidence. But parenting is becoming increasingly complex and comes with many challenges. That’s why it’s crucial that we continue to support and connect parents, teachers, youth workers, and organizations working with children, young people, and families. It’s equally important that we share expertise and inspire each other with innovative initiatives. By looking for creative solutions together, we not only strengthen families, but also build a warm and caring city, where everyone matters and every child can develop to their full potential.”
Innovative solutions
Reducing stress through innovation and technology? Connecting people digitally? Isn’t that a contradiction? We admit it. Technology is often a source of parental stress. But maybe it can also be part of the solution. As long as we keep people at the center, the possibilities are endless. We invite everyone to dream along and think critically: an app that tells you exactly why your baby is crying inconsolably, a smart watch with a sensor that detects your emotions and alerts you when you're getting angry, or a digital playground that brings neighbors together… Which solutions would really make a difference?
Alderwoman Astrid De Bruycker highlights the importance of innovation: “One in three Flemish parents finds parenting more challenging than expected, and one in four feels emotionally drained. That’s why Comon is working on innovative solutions, together with experts and citizens. Because when parents feel good, it reflects on their children.”
‘Parenting with confidence’ at De Krook
At De Krook, you’ll find a Comon info corner all about parenting with confidence. Visitors can explore the current state of the Comon project at any time. Expect fascinating facts, portraits of people from Ghent, prototypes of innovative solutions, and a curious robot eager to hear about your personal experiences. Drop by, dive into the world of parenting, and get inspired.