Liepāja Municipality Reveals That Child-Rearing Is a Science — Classes for Those Who Thought Love Was Enough

While parents in Riga still think child-rearing is an art, Liepāja municipality has decided to prove it's pure science. Starting April 7th, the Baltic Rehabilitation Center will begin an informational class cycle for parents raising children up to five years old who want to learn how to do it 'based on experience and science.' Psychologist Ieva Pelīte will lead five sessions, each lasting an hour and a half. As befits any scientific field, no certificate will be issued without completing the full course.

Spaces are limited, so parents must register by phone, sending a text message with information about themselves and their partner. Organizers especially emphasize that both parents are invited, as it turns out child-rearing is a team sport. 'We want to strengthen the equal role of both parents,' the municipality explains, as if until now one of the parents had been just decoration.

The class program includes topics on child development stages, safe environments, and 'healthy communication with children.' Apparently there's also unhealthy communication, but that will likely be covered in a separate course. Local parent Jānis Kalniņš comments: 'Finally I'll learn how to scientifically explain why my three-year-old cries when he doesn't want to go to bed.'

The course is funded by the European Social Fund project 'Liepāja.Healthy.Active.Happy.2.0' — a name that sounds like a smartphone app for healthy living. While some parents are learning to scientifically raise children, others are already taking their little ones to seashore, where on the sandy beach children naturally master life's basics — how to dig holes and why sand doesn't taste as good as it looks.