Emphasizing the importance of communication in raising healthy individuals, an education expert advised parents to spend quality time with their children.

Following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," a two-day workshop titled "Provincial Action Plan for the Protection and Strengthening of the Family" was held at the Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Multi-Purpose Hall in Samsun Metropolitan Municipality. The event was organized within the framework of the "Vision Document and Action Plan for the Protection and Strengthening of the Family," initiated under the leadership of Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

During the workshop, discussions focused on rapidly changing social dynamics, globalization, technological transformation, social media, social risks, and deviant movements that threaten family unity.

Academics and experts shared their insights, aiming to establish five key objectives, ten strategic goals, and 50 activities to be implemented in Samsun.

"Children Need Attention and Love, and Parents Must Fulfill These Needs"

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Sciences, and Chair of the Women's and Family Studies Department, Prof. Dr. Hatice Kumcağız, emphasized the workshop’s importance in strengthening the family and marriage institution.

Discussing the depth of family communication, she stated:

"How can communication within the family be healthier? When families face problems, where can they seek help? There are existing activities and studies on this topic, but how can they be enriched? What solutions can be developed for healthy divorce processes and children from broken families? These were the main topics we addressed."

"Healthy Societies Are Built by Raising Healthy Individuals"

Highlighting the family as the cornerstone of society, Prof. Dr. Kumcağız remarked:

"Healthy societies are built by raising healthy individuals, which places a great responsibility on families. Parents work hard to ensure a stable future for their children, but communication between parents and children is invaluable. Spending quality time with children is crucial. Parents should talk to their children for at least 15 to 30 minutes when they come home—ask about their day and what they need. Children need attention and love, and parents must fulfill these needs."

Emphasizing that children model their parents' behavior, Prof. Dr. Kumcağız urged parents to be positive role models for their children.

"We Must Be Role Models in Communication and Problem-Solving"

Prof. Dr. Kumcağız further elaborated:

"Children pay more attention to what we do than what we say; they take us as examples. That is why we must set a good example. One of the most crucial things we can do is listen to them. Unfortunately, we often forget to listen and talk too much instead. Instead of speaking, we should focus on listening. This is especially important for maintaining healthy family relationships and modeling effective communication and problem-solving skills for our children."

"Parents Should Be Involved in Their Children's Digital Lives"

Addressing the role of technology and social media, Prof. Dr. Kumcağız acknowledged their unavoidable presence but stressed the need for responsible use:

"We must educate children on the healthy use of digital tools and devices. Parents should be aware of what their children do on their phones and computers, which shows they watch, and what websites they visit. Instead of telling children to take their phones and go to their rooms, parents should be involved and present. A father might say, 'I would give everything for my child, even my organs if necessary,' but when it comes to spending just 30 minutes with their child, they claim to be 'too busy.' Parents give their children money and material possessions, but they must also share their time."

"Parents Need to Improve Their Problem-Solving Skills"

Prof. Dr. Kumcağız identified lack of communication as one of the leading causes of family breakdowns and divorce, stating:

"Parents must improve their problem-solving skills. If we resort to violence to solve our problems, our children will model this behavior. When they encounter conflicts at school, they may also turn to violence, simply because they have witnessed it at home. We must develop effective problem-solving skills, internalize them, and apply them in our daily lives."