Parental account, social advertising and other ideas. What offered large families at the forum in Polotsk

Opening a parent account, projects on spiritual and moral education in schools from large families, the work of a Christian psychologist with children and parents - participants of the international forum "Talk about the important: a happy family - a strong state", held in Polotsk, offered many ideas for popularizing traditional family values, protecting children and elderly parents.

The event is held under the patronage of the Council of the Republic and the Belarusian Orthodox Church. The traditional forum, which this year is held in an international format, was attended by five large families from each region and Minsk. They discussed their ideas and issues of interest to them with the Chairman of the Council of the Republic Natalia Kochanova and Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslav, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.

One of the most worrying parents of problems is the impact of the Internet and social networks on the younger generation. The forum participants noted that in addition to destructive groups and questionable interlocutors in messengers, there is another problem - schoolchildren use artificial intelligence to solve homework, because of this they cease to think independently, so that the learning process is in vain. Experienced parents suggested that children should do homework at school, where the child can not use a smartphone, as it is handed over before the start of the school day. For example, you can try it in the extension in the first class.

Many of the participants of the “Talk about the Important” are people of faith and adherence to Christian traditions. Parents, who are worried about the spiritual education of the younger generation, proposed to create a joint project for schoolchildren, where children would be told about the spiritual component of family life, and perhaps this could change the attitude of children to marriage, they could learn patience and mutual understanding, taking into account God’s commandments. Another proposal from large families is the work of a “Christian psychologist” who would help children and adults find a way out of difficult life situations, including relying on the word of God. Such spiritual and psychological support, parents believe, would be invaluable for the prevention of suicide among children.

Touching upon moral education, the forum participants drew attention to the fact that in many cities on billboards you can often see advertising, where half-naked models in underwear adorn. “I would like such billboards to have photos of our Belarusian families, because what can be better than a personal example of happy people,” the forum participants noted.

Guests from the Gomel region told that thanks to the “Family of the Year” contest, where they presented their useful initiative, they are developing a project: mothers with many children meet with teenage girls from different educational institutions and tell them about motherhood, life in a large family, ways of self-realization, raising children and how to build communication with their husband. And many girls, according to the initiators, are interested in this topic, for them the opinion of those who have similar experience is important. The family is ready to extend their experience not only to their native area, but also to share their experience with everyone.

The winners of the Republican contest “Family of the Year – 2026” Olga and Dmitry Sviridyuk proposed to create a so-called parental account, where adult working children could transfer 1-2% from salary so that their mothers and fathers in retirement or even before her could use such financial assistance. This could be a good airbag for the older generation, according to the creative couple.

Many families came to the forum to share their concerns. For example, where to undergo a qualified examination if the child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disease. How to eliminate obscene language among schoolchildren, especially younger ones. This will help protect children from bullying in schools. How to preserve the continuity of generations and pass on to young mothers the experience of their mothers and grandmothers in creating coziness and raising sons and daughters.

The participants of the forum, who gathered in the Savior-Euphrosinievsky convent, also visited the excursion to the holy monastery and heard about the spiritual feat of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, touched the relics of the saint. Many thanked for this opportunity to come to the city, where the Belarusian statehood was born and everything is imbued with history.

On October 13, large families will take part in the plenary session at the Sophia Cathedral, where they will be able to hear about the achievements of Belarus, the events held by the BOC to popularize traditional family values, and also visit the concert.