ChildWise Connects 200 Thousand Mothers on International Women’s Day
On March 8th, International Women's Day, more than 200 thousand Chinese mothers connected with three female education and business leaders on a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to learn about the latest policies impacting women worldwide, and to learn science-based parenting methods.
This online course was co-organized by ChildWise and New Dimension. Ying LIU, Director of the International Early Education Institute and Child Development Associate (CDA) Professional Development Specialist, was the keynote speaker. In addition, special guests, Jing Zhao CESARONE, CEO of the Global CSR Foundation and Founder & CEO of ChildWise, and LAW Yee Ping, CSO of ChildWise and General Manager of Nobel Early Education, attended and shared their thoughts and experiences on parenting and issues impacting women.
ChildWise is the only authorized partner of the CDA Council to develop and provide CDA training in Greater China. ChildWise provides Early Childhood Education training for teachers, families, and caregivers. New Dimension independently developed the Internet of Xroom (IoX), and provided technical support for MOOC.
Special thanks to the support of strategic partners such as World Women Organization (WWO), Zhihuishu, Topmuying, EYAS Education Group, Zoomedia, Beijing Family-Building Promotion Association, Wuhan Tongfu Mother Academy.
Law Yee Ping, who is participating in the International Women's Day Conference and the 64 Sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64) at the United Nations in New York, shared the "Five Most Important Things Women Care About Worldwide" put forward by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, which include: better political representation, building an inclusive economy, bridging the digital divide, conflict resolution, and climate change.
Law Yee Ping observed that parent training has entered the policy stage. According to Beijing's new policy, as of 2025, 80% of families with children ages 0-3 must receive at least six sections of parent training. According to the latest policy of Sichuan Province, there will be 10 preschool spots available for every thousand residents in newly developed districts.
Ying Liu shared the three basic skills of parenting to help mothers and their children, including the development a positive parent-child relationship, understanding the growth and development of the child, and observing the child. She gave the example, "father may be busy at work, but he insists on tucking in the child every night,” as a way to establish parent-child relationships through small acts. This example was widely praised by the participants.
As International Women’s Day originated from Chicago on March 8, 1909, Jing Zhao Cesarone, who lives with her family in Chicago, feels a special connection to the holiday.
Cesarone introduced the origin and mission of ChildWise, and discussed the course’s theme, Mothers Fighting Against COVID-19. It is one of the vocational training and parent training programs for ChildWise to promote science-based Early Childhood Education in China. The aim is to support the Chinese education system as they continue education at home during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Cesarone also discussed the 1997 Italian film, Life is Beautiful. In the film, the father makes survival in the concentration camp a game for his child, so that the child can stay brave and not miss out on love and beauty in the extremely harsh environment.
In addition, Ying Liu told the participants that she recommends children ages 0-3 use fewer electronic products. Before the age of 5, children should watch less TV to avoid affecting the child's brain development. Electronic products’ one-way form of communication means a lack of real interaction for the child.
Regarding the next generation’s children, Liu said that, from a scientific perspective, the most important thing for a 0-3 year-old is to have a long-term companion or caregiver, such as a grandparent. Though there may be a generational gap between grandparent and grandchild, Liu says that conflicts may be resolved by using the three basic skills mentioned earlier.
Finally, the three speakers extended greetings to mothers and parents in Wuhan, as well as the rest of China and other countries impacted by COVID-19.
ChildWise, the Global CSR Foundation and the World Women Organization (WWO) collaborated on International Women's Day to promote the charity initiative, “Igniting Hearts to Spark Joy.” WWO Secretary General Angela LUO said, "On this special day, March 8th, the World Women Organization wishes women to become pioneers and implementers of innovation, bringing love and happiness to the world."
