When children are young, parents often face the question of how to stimulate their development without placing unnecessary pressure on them. To address this need, the "Our Premature Children" Foundation is organizing a specialized program as part of a UNICEF project focused on early intervention and family support during the first years of a child's life. It is during this period that many new skills are built through daily interaction and play. Starting September 16, the "Little Miracles" Child Development Center will host a series of 9 free practical sessions designed for parents of children aged 0 to 3.

The importance of understanding a child's individual rhythm is emphasized by Petya Yordanova, a psychologist and family therapist, who will lead the training sessions alongside speech therapist Tatyana Mitova. Both experts underwent specialized training for the program earlier this year. According to Yordanova, early childhood is a stage of intense changes, filled with anxieties about whether a child is developing correctly and whether parental efforts are sufficient. She notes that parents often fall into the trap of comparing their children to others and receiving numerous pieces of advice that do not always bring peace of mind. "When a parent has these guideposts, they can make decisions with more confidence and less anxiety," she adds.

The program is structured to interweave expert guidance with practical experience and exercises applicable at home. During the sessions, held every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., participants will explore important topics:

  • Motor development during the first three years.
  • The ways in which babies and young children learn through play and daily experiences.
  • The importance of self-care for parents as part of the overall care for the child.

Tatyana Mitova notes that complex conditions or special activities are not necessary for developing new skills. "The goal is to show parents how to recognize moments in everyday life and use them naturally through talking, playing, and providing opportunities for the child to try things on their own," she shares.

The small-group format encourages dialogue, allowing parents to share real-life cases, ask their questions, and exchange experiences with one another. Between sessions, parents can apply what they have learned at home and share their observations with the specialists. This initiative is part of the "Our Premature Children" Foundation's efforts to expand support for families in Bulgaria. The organization, founded in 2012 by parents of premature babies, collaborates with neonatal units and international experts to improve early childhood care. In September, the Foundation is launching two more new groups – for expectant fathers and for pregnant women – and for the third consecutive year, it is also offering free first-aid courses for parents.

More details regarding registration and schedules are available via the organization's official link. The Foundation's work can also be supported through donations on their website or by sending an SMS with the text DMS BEBE to the number 17 777.