Dongduk Women's University research team publishes 'Modern Parent Competency Class'

A research team from Dongduk Women's University's Department of Education Consulting has released its first research outcome: a new book titled 'Modern Parent Competency Class'. Published by Yangseowon, the book is the result of a two-year project involving six doctoral students and current students, all guided by Professor Lee Sang-seop.

The core feature of the book lies in its systematic, educationally-grounded approach to defining parental competencies and translating them into practical, everyday applications. Significantly, the research team comprises not only educational experts but also parents actively raising their own children. This dual perspective allows the book to integrate both theoretical depth and practical, on-the-ground experience.

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We wrote this book to offer empathy and encouragement to parents facing the same concerns, rather than providing answers.

The research team identified that many parents experience frustration due to the gap between societal expectations of ideal parenting and their actual lived realities. Their goal was not to judge parents or offer definitive answers, but rather to establish 'parental competencies' as a concept that supports parents' internal growth. The book is structured around six key themes: emotion, temperament, learning, play, parenting, and space.

It includes practical advice on topics such as emotional coaching, understanding temperament through MBTI, self-directed learning coaching, and using board games for play-based education. These strategies are presented with vivid examples from actual parenting situations. The authors stated their intention was to offer empathy and encouragement to parents facing similar challenges, aiming to warmly support their journey of growth alongside their children. Professor Lee emphasized that parental competency is not merely a set of parenting skills but a core competency that requires continuous development throughout life.

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Parental competency is not just a parenting technique, but a core competency that must be continuously developed from a lifelong learning perspective.