I am writing these lines not only as the co-founder of ParentED Fest, but also as the ambassador of a movement that aims to bring parents closer to high-quality resources, dedicated specialists, and communities that believe in the same vision: education for parents, through an authentic, connected, and transformative experience.

ParentED Fest was born out of a real need that I felt myself and witnessed in those around me: the need for a space where parents can find answers, inspiration, and support during a stage of life that is both beautiful and incredibly challenging. We built this event with parents in mind – parents who seek balance between theory and practice, between validated knowledge and emotional connection, between learning and truly experiencing the joy of parenting.

Our Gratitude to the Main Partners

ParentED Fest would not be possible without the partners who chose to believe in our mission and join this initiative. I am deeply grateful to our main sponsors, who share the same values and the same desire to support parents and children:

• Lidl Romania and the Lupilu brand – for their constant support of families and for the way they provide parents with affordable, high-quality products that make everyday life easier. Their values of care, responsibility, and sustainability naturally align with the vision of ParentED Fest. Lupilu means more than products – it means trust and support for parents at every stage of their children’s growth.
• SANADOR – for their dedication to the health and safety of families. With a modern medical network and top-quality services, SANADOR represents prevention, quick access to care, and a team of professionals who put patients and families first. Their values – care, professionalism, and innovation – go hand in hand with the mission of ParentED Fest: to support parents in making informed choices and having the resources they need for a healthy and balanced life.
• Kids Hero – a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and their families, through projects and initiatives that bring closer real resources, support, and opportunities. Kids Hero exists to offer children a better future through education, involvement, and solidarity. We share the same belief: that every child deserves to be protected, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Thanks to All Our Partners

Beyond these three main sponsors, I want to wholeheartedly thank all our partners and collaborators involved in this event. Every contribution – whether resources, expertise, or presence – brought added value and made ParentED Fest a vibrant, warm, and meaningful space.

ParentED Fest 2025 – We Begin Tomorrow!

Tomorrow marks the start of ParentED Fest 2025 – two full days of inspiration and connection, bringing together powerful voices, authentic messages, and real resources for parents.

I want to thank everyone who has shown interest in this event, those who took the initiative to spread the message further, those who will be present in the room, as well as those who cannot attend but are with us in thought.

Because change begins with small steps.

And it begins with us.

With gratitude,

Diana Bălan

Co-founder ParentED Fest

• Nearly 70% of children aged 10 already own a smartphone, unlocking access to a limitless digital universe
• 69% of young people aged 9 to 22 spend over 3 hours a day on social media or online gaming—even during school days
• Parenting expert Maggie Dent: “The digital distraction of devices, laptops, screens and smart phones is stealing precious moments of verbal communication with our kids.”

Bucharest, 1^st of July, 2025 – Around 70% of 10-year-old children already own a smartphone, and spend, on average, more than 3 hours a day on social media and online games—even during the school week. Over the past decade, screen time has tripled among children aged 9 to 15, and more than 80% of young people across Europe use social media daily. In a world where technology and screens increasingly dominate children’s and teenagers’ lives, parents are under growing pressure to strike a healthy balance between digital opportunities and the risks they pose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued clear guidelines to support children’s health and balanced development: infants under 1 should not be exposed to screens at all, while those aged 2 to 4 should spend no more than one hour per day in front of a screen. At the same time, daily physical activity—at least 180 minutes—is crucial to motor and cognitive development.

Renowned for her expertise in child development and balanced parenting—and widely recognized as “the voice of boys” in the parenting world—Maggie Dent warns of the potential damage technology can inflict on childhood:

“We are stealing play from childhood. We give children screens to keep them quiet. We offer content that is more boring, with less autonomy and less movement. And we expect better outcomes? Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, and sticks.”

Maggie Dent also stresses the vital role of active parental involvement:

“Quite simply, the more words children hear before they are five, the better. Digital distractions caused by devices, laptops, screens, and smartphones are stealing valuable moments of verbal communication with our children. It’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about the social and emotional impact, which can cause real difficulties later in life. A key concern is that a child who doesn’t learn to express unmet needs may grow into an adult who struggles to communicate effectively. And poor communication can become a serious barrier to genuine, authentic human connection.”

In Romania, the situation is even more alarming: 50% of parents say they gave their children their first phone between the ages of 5 and 8, while over one-third did so between the ages of 9 and 12.

With the school break just beginning, ParentED Fest urges parents to replace unsupervised access to technology with quality family time, outdoor activities, and meaningful conversations—essential for children’s emotional health and overall development.

Maggie Dent will visit Bucharest on October 4–5 to deliver a keynote conference as part of ParentED Fest 2025.

The largest parenting event in Romania, ParentED Fest, will take place on October 4-5, 2025, in Bucharest. The event, now in its second edition, will bring together world-class experts in child-rearing and care: Maggie Dent, recognized parenting expert and author of books on balanced child development; Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and bestselling author on connection-based parenting; Dr. Shefali, international clinical psychologist, who returns to ParentED Fest for the second time after last year’s success; Dr. Gordon Neufeld, psychologist specializing in child development and pioneer in attachment; Tamara Neufeld Strijack, therapist and author, and Dr. Daniel Siegel, world-renowned neuropsychiatrist and pioneer in integrating neuroscience with psychology.

ParentED Fest 2025 is supported by Lidl Romania – Strategic Partner, Sanador – Healthcare Partner, Kids Hero Foundation – Empowerment Partner, as well as ThedaMar, Catena, Raiffeisen Bank, Activ, English Kids Academy, Maison Dadoo, and Aquatique.

Innovation Partners: Fundația Alfa, Fundația Bog’Art.

Media partners: Zyx Books, Pagina de Psihologie, Psychologies, Ringier Romania, Părinți și Pitici, Adevărul de Weekend, Mommy Hai.

Event supported by: Matca Social Club, Destiny Park, International British School of Bucharest, CyberJump, Genesis College, KinetoBebe, American International School of Bucharest, Liceul Teoretic Luca, Museum of Senses, Muzeul Fotbalului, Basme cu Cai, Ograda Bunicilor, Acvatic Bebe Club, Edenland Park, Bob Coffee Lab, Dino Park, Tzitzi – Poc, Mamaz, Curtea Veche Publishing, Editura Trei, Editura Univers, Editura Herald, Editura For You, Kiddo Play Academy și Adeomed.

Tickets are available through the IaBilet.ro network and www.parentedfest.ro website.

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• 14 cases of domestic violence were recorded in Romania during the first months of 2025.
• 38% of parents admit to physically abusing their children, and 63% of children state that they are beaten at home by their parents.

Bucharest, June 3, 2025 – In the first four months of 2025, there was an average of approximately 14 cases of domestic violence per hour in Romania. Police intervened in over 40,000 cases at the start of this year, according to IGPR*; meanwhile, according to Save the Children data, nearly 30% of children and young people of school age do not attend any form of education, and the dropout rate in primary and secondary cycles reached 19.2% in 2024.

In Romania, the correlation between various forms of domestic violence—including child abuse—and low education levels is becoming increasingly evident, representing a serious social problem. According to a study by Save the Children, 38% of parents admit to physically abusing their children, and 63% of children report being beaten at home by their parents.

At the same time, nearly 20% of parents still perceive physical punishment as an acceptable disciplinary method, indicating a lack of awareness about the negative effects of violence on child development**.

“The tragic events of recent days are not exceptions but direct consequences of a system that does not function — a system that does not protect but exposes women and children to ongoing risks. At ParentED Fest, we believe that real change starts with education. It is essential to help families build safe relationships based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. In such a culture, violence is neither method nor justification. When violence becomes part of daily life, it is no longer perceived as an exception. It becomes the norm. And tragedies are just a natural consequence of this sick ‘normality’. It’s time for action. We join civil society voices calling for a profound rethinking of public policies regarding the safety of women and children. We can no longer wait for the next tragedy”, said Diana Bălan, parenting expert and founder of ParentEd Fest.

Prevention Starts with Education

Parental education is not just about “how to set gentle but firm boundaries for your child.” It means raising a child who can identify a lack of respect, recognize aggression, and trust enough to report it. It means parents becoming those adults whom children can trust.

UNICEF Romania emphasizes that approximately 400,000 Romanian children are out of the education system, two out of 10 children do not complete eight grades, and only six out of 10 attend high school***

This lack of access to education contributes to perpetuating a vulnerable family environment prone to violence. Low education levels, especially in rural areas or vulnerable communities, are often associated with a culture of violence, perpetuated through inappropriate disciplinary methods, impacting both family relationships and children’s emotional health. 

“Secure relationships between parents and children are fundamental for their healthy development. Understanding children’s emotions and needs help fosters resilience, trust, and emotional balance. Children cannot report danger when they are afraid of the adults they should trust. They need to feel safe first in order to recognize what is not safe. And safety does not only mean physical protection. It also involves parental education, emotional education in schools, critical thinking; tools through which a child can learn to say: What is happening to me is not normal,” highlights Dr. Gordon Neufeld, child development psychologist, who will be present at ParentED Fest this fall.

According to a British study, parents’ education level directly influences children’s cognitive development, including reading and math skills. Thus, parental involvement in early childhood education leads to higher graduation rates, better academic performance, and stronger social skills****.

*https://politiaromana.ro/ro/stiri-si-media/stiri/interventii-pentru-prevenirea-si-investigarea-violentei-domestice1748158296

**https://www.salvaticopiii.ro/sites/ro/files/migrated_files/documents/a271a06c-4e1e-4a6f-831a-b1c8de0917bd.pdf

*** https://www.unicef.org/romania/ro/educa%C8%9Bia-parental%C4%83-%C3%AEn-rom%C3%A2nia

**** https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/s5eyg_v1

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• Sound pollution in Romanian homes affects children’s learning, play, and sleep, who are more vulnerable to noise than adults
• Studies show that children exposed to TV for 2 hours daily are 6 times more likely to experience language development delays
• Renowned doctor: Experiences actually change the physical structure of the brain

Political scandals during this period, arguments from debates and talk shows, and continuous noise stress children right in their own homes[1]. A recent study analyzed by ParentEd shows that little ones are becoming increasingly agitated due to the noise caused by the adults around them. The situation is even more serious when children aged 8-12 are glued to phones and tablets for 5.5 hours a day, while televisions are constantly on throughout homes, even when no one is watching.

In this tense and hyper-mediatized climate, children are involuntarily exposed to a chaotic sound environment that affects their development. While parents stay on phones or in front of televisions, children can no longer learn, play normally, or sleep peacefully. Experts state that children exposed to television for 2 hours daily have 6 times greater risk than others of speaking later and less correctly. In Romania, adults aged 35 to 55 tend to watch television together with family and prefer TV news, shows another study[2].

Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, a doctor from the United States and expert in brain development, warns:

“Experiences actually change the physical structure of the brain.”

Every hour spent in front of screens with chaotic content, every electoral scandal on TV affects children’s neurons, who don’t remain indifferent: over 50% of parents surveyed in another study stated they observed concerns in their children related to political issues presented in the media[3].

Sound pollution inside homes – from televisions with news and political scandals to noisy household appliances – is added to that from the external environment, and children are more vulnerable to noise than adults because they are developing and have limited control over filtering information.

According to studies analyzed by ParentEd, excessive noise can affect:

• Learning: Children can no longer concentrate at school, memory decreases, and test performance suffers.
• Play: Television running in the background prevents them from concentrating on toys.
• Sleep: They wake up frequently, stressed and tired, even if they don’t realize it.
• Stress: Their bodies are constantly alert due to sound chaos.

Additionally, children have their own screen time: Children aged 8 to 12 spend approximately 5.5 hours daily on devices. Usage has increased since 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread, shows research from 2024[4] Children between 12 and 24 months who spend 2 hours daily on screens have 6 times greater risk of speech delays.

Specialists recommend turning off televisions when no one is watching, limiting screens, and creating “quiet zones” in the home. Dr. Daniel Siegel also recommends, for reducing anxiety, the RAIN method: acronym RAIN: Recognize, Accept, Investigate, and Not identify with your anxiety when defining who you are, for both children and adults. The renowned specialist will come to Bucharest between October 4-5 to deliver a conference at ParentEd Fest 2025.

The largest parenting event in Romania, ParentED Fest, will take place on October 4-5, 2025, in Bucharest. The event, now in its second edition, will bring together world-class experts in child-rearing and care: Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and bestselling author on connection-based parenting; Dr. Shefali, international clinical psychologist, who returns to ParentED Fest for the second time after last year’s success; Dr. Gordon Neufeld, psychologist specializing in child development and pioneer in attachment; Maggie Dent, recognized parenting expert and author of books on balanced child development; Tamara Neufeld Strijack, therapist and author, and Dr. Daniel Siegel, world-renowned neuropsychiatrist and pioneer in integrating neuroscience with psychology.

Tickets are available through the IaBilet.ro network.

ParentED Fest 2025 is supported by Lidl România – Strategic Partner and Sanador – Healthcare Partner, as well as ThedaMar, Catena, Raiffeisen Bank, Activ, English Kids Academy, Maison Dadoo. Innovation Partner – Alfa Foundation. Media partners – Zyx Books, Pagina de Psihologie, Psychologies, Ringier România. The event takes place with support from: Matca Social Club, Destiny Park, International British School of Bucharest, CyberJump, Genesis College, KinetoBebe, Museum of Senses, Football Museum, Basme cu Cai, Ograda Bunicilor, Acvatic Bebe Club, Edenland, Bob Coffee Lab, Curtea Veche Publishing, Editura Trei, Editura Univers, Editura Herald, Editura For You.

[1] How Noise Affects Children – HealthyChildren.org

[2] https://dataintelligence.ro/focus-on-romanians-new-media-adoption/

[3] Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature – PMC

[4] Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature – PMC

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• A 2024 study[1] shows that when adults recognize and accept young children’s emotions, they become more capable of handling frustrations and being more persistent, including in school activities
• 12% of Romanian children are very rarely or never hugged by their parents, according to Save the Children[2]
• Dr. Daniel Siegel, neuropsychiatry expert: “If you name an emotion, you can tame it”

Preschool children who are listened to and told that their emotions are normal cope much better with persevering in difficult tasks, compared to those who are not given this attention, shows a recent study analyzed by ParentED. Specialists emphasize that when parents accept and understand children’s emotions, instead of overlooking or criticizing them, the little ones gain a solid foundation for balanced development.

“If you name an emotion, you can tame it. For a child or an adult, it’s extremely powerful to hear someone say, “I get you. I understand. I see why you feel this way.” This kind of empathy disarms us,” states Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, renowned neuropsychiatrist and bestselling author.

Known for his expertise in children’s brain development and attachment-based parenting, Dr. Siegel considers emotional validation fundamental for building an affirmative mindset:

“The Yes Brain mindset is what we want for our kids, so that they learn to view obstacles and new experiences not as paralyzing impediments but simply as challenges to be faced and overcome and learned from. When kids work from a Yes Brain mentality, they’re more flexible, more open to compromise, more willing to take chances and explore. They’re more curious and imaginative, less worried about making mistakes”.

The differences are evident in children’s emotional development: the 2024 study shows that when parents tell children between 4 and 7 years old that it’s normal to feel upset or frustrated, they come to better understand their emotions and don’t give up when things get tough.

In contrast, in Romania, Save the Children data shows that 12% of children are almost never hugged or caressed by their parents, and almost half (48%) spend their free time alone or with people outside the family.

According to Daniel Siegel, from early infancy, our ability to regulate emotional states depends on the experience of feeling that an important person in our life simultaneously experiences a similar state of mind. Dr. Daniel Siegel will come to Bucharest on October 4-5 to give a conference at ParentEd Fest 2025.

Romania’s largest parenting event, ParentED Fest, will take place on October 4-5, 2025, in Bucharest. The event, now in its second edition, will bring together world-class experts in child-rearing and care: Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and bestselling author on connection-based parenting; Dr. Shefali, international clinical psychologist, returning to ParentED Fest for the second time after last year’s success; Dr. Gordon Neufeld, child development psychologist and pioneer in attachment; Maggie Dent, recognized parenting expert and author of books on balanced child development; Tamara Neufeld Strijack, therapist and author, and Dr. Daniel Siegel, world-renowned neuropsychiatrist and pioneer in integrating neuroscience with psychology.

ParentED Fest 2025 is supported by Lidl Romania – Strategic Partner and Sanador – Healthcare Partner, as well as ThedaMar, Catena, Raiffeisen Bank, Activ. Innovation Partner – Alfa Foundation. Media partners – Zyx Books, Pagina de Psihologie, Psychologies, Ringier Romania. The event is supported by: Matca Social Club, Destiny Park, CyberJump, Genesis College, KinetoBebe, Museum of Senses, Museum of Football, Basme cu Cai, Ograda Bunicilor, Acvatic Bebe Club and Edenland.

Tickets are on sale at https://2025.parentedfest.ro/ and in the IaBilet.ro network.

[1] Your feelings are reasonable: Emotional validation promotes persistence among preschoolers, Jeewon Jeon, Daeun Park, 2024

[2]  https://www.salvaticopiii.ro/sites/ro/files/2024-06/urgenta_starea-copilului-jocurile-de-noroc-abuzul-bullyingul-si-saracia-statistici-002.pdf

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• A 2024 study shows that the “mental load” in families is unequally distributed: mothers manage 79% of daily tasks
• 83% of mothers take care of “keeping track of the family calendar,” and 77% of mothers keep “track of household supplies”
• Maggie Dent, parenting expert: “More and more women are experiencing parental burnout”

Bucharest, April 15, 2025 – Over 79% of daily responsibilities in a family with children are managed by mothers, while fathers predominantly handle (65%) episodic matters related to maintenance and finances, according to a study conducted last year in the UK and analyzed by ParentED Fest. Experts are drawing attention to the impact this mental load has on parents’ mental health, especially that of mothers.

“More and more women are experiencing parental burnout. Social conditioning also contributes to our increased states of overwhelm. Social norms mixed with biological drives can still play out unconsciously,” says Maggie Dent, one of Australia’s most recognized educators and parenting experts.

Widely recognized for her expertise in child development and balanced parenting—and often referred to as “the voice of boys”—Maggie Dent highlights how technology intensifies this growing problem:

“One of the worst things that is contributing to excessive mental load is definitely the smart phone.  There are so many messages on school WhatsApp groups organizing all the things that need to be organized – and there are often different groups for your different children. This is causing cognitive fatigue and subsequently creates stress in the nervous system.”

The differences become even more pronounced when looking at specific household tasks: according to the 2024 UK study based on a sample of parents from the United States, 83% of mothers take care of “keeping track of the family calendar,” 77% “keep track of household supplies,” and 76% notice when the house needs cleaning. In contrast, 69% of fathers report taking responsibility for specific tasks, such as “remembering when electronics or the car need service” and 66% for “researching options for financial products.”

Specialists emphasize that this unequal distribution of “invisible work” can have significant consequences on family balance and parents’ mental health, requiring awareness and a more equitable redistribution of tasks.

Maggie Dent will be in Bucharest on October 4-5, to speak at ParentEd Fest 2025.

Romania’s largest parenting event, ParentED Fest, will take place in Bucharest on October 4-5, 2025. Now in its second edition, the event will bring together world-class experts in child development and care: Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and bestselling author on connection-based parenting; Dr. Shefali, internationally renowned clinical psychologist, who returns to ParentED Fest for the second time, following the success of last year’s edition; Dr. Gordon Neufeld, psychologist specializing in child development and pioneer in the field of attachment; and Maggie Dent, recognized parenting expert and author of books on balanced child development.

ParentED Fest 2025 is supported by Lidl Romania – Strategic Partner and Sanador – Healthcare Partner, but also by ThedaMar, Catena, Raiffeisen Bank, Aqua Carpatica, Activ. Innovation Partner – Alfa Foundation. Media Partners – Zyx Books, Pagina de Psihologie, Psychologies. The festival is organised with support from Matca Social Club, Destiny Park, CyberJump, Genesis College, KinetoBebe, Museum of Senses and Acvatic Bebe Club.

Tickets are on sale at https://2025.parentedfest.ro/ and in the IaBilet.ro network.

*A typology of US parents’ mental loads: Core and episodic cognitive labor, Ana Catalano Weeks, Leah Ruppanner, 2024

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• Approximately 35% of all mental disorders onset before the age of 14, with the percentage increasing to 48.4% before reaching adulthood, according to a global meta-analysis that correlates the findings of 192 studies conducted in 29 countries.[1]
• 11.2% of adolescents in Romania suffer from mental health disorders, according to UNICEF data[2]
• Dr. Laura Markham, parenting expert: Children need to feel deeply connected to their parents, because otherwise they don’t feel safe so that they regulate their emotions and accept parental guidance.

Bucharest, March 25, 2025 – Global statistics show that 1 in 7 youngsters aged 10 to 19 face a mental health disorder, a percentage that remains consistent in Romania, where, as of 2019, 11.2% of adolescents were affected by a mental health issue, according to a ParentED Fest analysis. In this context, experts emphasize the need for a preventive approach that should begin within the family.

Children need to feel deeply connected to their parents, because otherwise they don’t feel safe so that they regulate their emotions and accept parental guidance, says Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and parenting expert. A bestselling author on connection-based parenting, Dr. Laura Markham believes that family play is at the heart of connection:

„Before you can correct, you have to connect. Discipline will just make the child feel less safe. Play, on the other hand, creates a sense of safety and releases the connection hormone, oxytocin.”

Dr. Laura Markham will be in Bucharest on October 4-5, to deliver a keynote speech at ParentEd Fest 2025.

Approximately half of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 18, according to a meta-analysis that correlates the findings of 192 studies conducted across 29 countries. Around 35% of all mental health disorders occur before the age of 14, with the percentage increasing to 48.4% before adulthood and over 62% before the age of 25[3].

Experts emphasize that daily interactions with parents can fundamentally shape how children manage emotions, stress and social relationships, forming the foundation for their long-term mental health.

Romania’s largest parenting event, ParentED Fest, will take place on October 4-5, 2025, in Bucharest. The second edition of the event will bring together world-renowned experts in child development and parenting: Dr. Laura Markham, psychologist and bestselling author on connection-based parenting; Dr. Shefali, internationally recognized clinical psychologist, who returns to ParentED Fest for the second time after the success of last year’s edition; and Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a child development psychologist and a pioneer in attachment theory.

ParentED Fest 2025 is supported by Lidl Romania – Strategic Partner, Sanador – Healthcare Partner, along with ThedaMar, Catena, and Raiffeisen Bank.

Tickets are available for sale on https://2025.parentedfest.ro/ and through the IaBilet.ro network.

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34079068/

[2] https://insp.gov.ro/2024/02/01/campania-promovarea-sanatatii-mintale/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34079068/

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

Renowned Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Shefali are coming to Bucharest in October 2025

• • The interest of parents in Romania in various forms of parental education is on the rise. The Romanian government is set to allocate nearly 100,000 euros annually for organising parental education courses in 900 localities, through the National Strategy for Supporting Parents*, adopted at the end of 2024.
  • In 2024, over 78,000 parents participated in parenting sessions organised by public institutions**
  • In response to the growing interest in this topic, a private initiative, ParentED Fest, now in its second edition, will host the largest parenting event in Romania in October 2025 in Bucharest, featuring renowned international experts, including Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Shefali.

Bucharest, February 11, 2025 – The interest of parents in Romania in various forms of parental education is increasingly high. The government is expected to allocate nearly 100,000 euros annually for organising parental education courses in 900 localities, through the National Strategy for Supporting Parents adopted at the end of 2024. In addition, over 78,000 parents have participated in parental education sessions organised by public institutions over the past year.

Simultaneously, the parenting event industry has gained momentum with the organisation of ParentED Fest, the largest event of its kind in Romania. The first edition in 2024 attracted over 1,000 participants, demonstrating the growing interest of the Romanian public in parenting and personal development topics.

ParentED Fest, the largest parenting event in Romania, will take place this fall on October 4 and 5 in Bucharest. It will bring to the Romanian audience some of the most renowned international speakers, such as Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Shefali, who specialise in areas such as childrearing, family well-being, and personal development.

“In Romania, the concept of conscious parenting is becoming increasingly relevant as parents realise the importance of emotional connection and attention in their relationship with their children.” We must teach our children and ourselves to be present in every moment and encourage authentic development. Conscious parenting is not just an approach but an art of creating an environment where children feel loved, understood, and supported on their journey. At ParentED Fest, we aim to promote these principles and build a community of dedicated parents who make conscious education a norm in daily life,” says Diana Bălan, Founder of ParentED Fest.

In 2025, ParentED Fest will expand to two days, adding two engaging workshops led by the main speakers to the conference. Dr. Shefali, a pioneer in conscious parenting, will host a transformative session on shifting generational paradigms and cultivating deeper and more authentic relationships with children. This method helps parents let go of rigid control and build a relationship based on trust and understanding. Additionally, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, an expert in developmental psychology and attachment theory, will explore the importance of secure relationships between parents and children. His session will focus on understanding children’s emotions and needs, helping parents foster their resilience, confidence, and emotional balance.

Dr. Shefali, a clinical psychologist and world-renowned author, returns to Romania for the second time on the ParentED Fest stage after the success of the first edition, where she captivated the audience with her innovative approaches.

Additionally, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, an international expert and founder of the Neufeld Institute, will be present at the festival, bringing his vast contributions to child development and attachment theories in parental relationships. His book, “Hold onto Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers,” co-authored with Dr. Gabor Maté, has profoundly influenced parenting approaches worldwide. Dr. Neufeld will speak to the Romanian audience about the development and importance of attachment between children and parents for the emotional health of the entire family.

ParentED Fest 2025 promises to be a transformative experience for all participants, offering unique opportunities for learning and connection within the parenting community in Romania.

Tickets are on sale at https://2025.parentedfest.ro/ and through the IaBilet.ro network.

* https://sgg.gov.ro/1/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ANEXA-35.pdf
** https://www.qie.ro/platforma/ 

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• Dr. Shefali in Romania: “The first lie we tell ourselves as parents is that parenting is about the child. It’s not, it’s about the parents! Children can act as a wakeup call to reality!”
• Global parenting experts explained at ParentED Fest that one of the most common sources of conflict in parent-child relationships is linked to parents’ – not children’s – issues or traumas. Free play, affection, connection, and a shift in perspective are some of the solutions that can help when facing the challenges of modern parenting.
• Globally, 6 out of 10 parents claim that being a parent is more difficult than they expected.*

Bucharest, October 4, 2024 – Global parenting experts explained at ParentED Fest in Bucharest that one of the most common sources of conflict in parent-child relationships is linked to parents’ issues or traumas, not the children’s.

Free play, affection, connection, and a shift in perspective are some of the solutions that can help when it comes to the challenges of modern parenting. For the first time in Romania, Dr. Shefali, a clinical psychologist, international bestselling author, and one of the most renowned global parenting experts, recommended by TV star Oprah Winfrey, spoke to the Romanian audience about the most effective ways to raise authentic, capable, and resilient children.

“The first lie we tell ourselves as parents is that parenting is about the child. It’s not, it’s about the parents! No parent will ever believe they are doing something against their child. Parents always think they’re doing everything for the child, and that’s a fundamental problem, because we have children for us, not for themselves. Children are the ones who can act as a wakeup call to reality!” said Dr. Shefali.

She also added that a slap to a child means they are worthless or not important enough for the parent to treat them with respect. However, by negotiating with the child, you give them the feeling that they, too, have power.

Jessica Joelle Alexander, a parenting expert and author of one of the best-selling parenting books of all times, The Danish Way of Parenting, mentioned that in Denmark, it is illegal to spank a child.

“The idea that a child might fear you would be considered a failure for a Danish parent. Their greatest desire is to earn their children’s respect.”

ParentED Fest is a learning and inspiration space for parents, educators, and education specialists, providing participants with the tools needed to successfully tackle the challenges of raising children in the modern era. This is especially relevant as 6 out of 10 parents claim that being a parent is more difficult than they expected, according to a global study.*

* Source: Pew Research Center

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• Over 60,000 children in Romania have one or both parents working abroad, according to public data* analyzed by ParentED. 

• Children with parents working abroad either remain in the care of relatives or enter the national protection system, with foster families or in residential care centers. 

• Diana Bălan, ParentED: “The emotional and psychological impact felt by these children can be profound and long-lasting.” 

Bucharest, September 26th, 2024 – The number of children left in the care of relatives or in special protection systems due to their parents working abroad has significantly decreased over the past year in Romania, according to public data*. This trend may indicate an improvement in domestic economic conditions; however, the issue remains a matter of national concern, according to a ParentED analysis.

Data from the National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoption (ANPDCA) shows that as of March 2024, 61,007 children from over 50,000 families were in this situation, a decrease compared to the same period last year, when 72,902 cases from nearly 57,000 families* were reported.

This nearly 17% drop is encouraging, but, although more parents are returning or assuming financial support roles without leaving the country, thousands of children still live far from those who provide them with their most crucial emotional foundation—the family.

A concerning aspect is that some of these children enter special protection systems such as foster care or residential centers, where they face additional challenges related to adapting to new environments and the absence of constant parental contact.

“The emotional and psychological impact felt by these children can be profound and long-lasting, especially since their emotional and social development directly depends on the presence of a stable parental figure”, says Diana Bălan, ParentED representative.

Romania’s largest parenting event, ParentED Fest, will take place next week, on October 3^rd, in Bucharest. It will feature five internationally renowned experts specializing in areas such as child-rearing, family well-being, and personal development. Globally acclaimed clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, recommended by television icon Oprah Winfrey, will make her debut in Romania to discuss the art and practice of conscious parenting and the most effective ways to raise authentic, happy, and resilient children.

* Source: *The National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoption

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201