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://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

• In Romania, a family’s costs for supporting a child’s education throughout a complete school cycle exceed 30,000 lei*.
• At the same time, approximately 9% of children in Romania require medical support for various mental and emotional issues, according to a UNICEF study. The same study notes that one in two children (46%) is hit at home, and 5% of children are physically abused at school.
• Shefali Tsabary, a global parenting expert, emphasizes to Romanians the importance of emotional support in a child’s development, considering it equally important, if not more so, than material aspects.

Bucharest, August 29th, 2024– In Romania, parents face significant financial difficulties to cover the costs of their children’s education. According to a study conducted by an education-focused organization*, the minimum expenses dedicated exclusively to meeting a child’s basic education needs can exceed 30,000 lei over a complete school cycle. In the same vein, the renowned Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist, recommends that parents in Romania balance material elements with a strong emotional connection and emotional support to ensure harmonious development for their little ones.

According to the study, the expenses that a family must bear to cover the minimum needs for supporting a child’s education include the purchase of school supplies, which can range from 100 lei/year at the age of 3 to 544 lei/year in the last year of high school; costs for textbooks, collections, and special notebooks, estimated from 140 lei/year at age 6 to 293 lei/year in the last year of high school. Additionally, participation in school celebrations involves expenses ranging from 46 lei/year at age 3 to 213 lei/year in the last year of high school, and after-school programs for primary classes (ages 6 to 11) require an allocated budget of 2,440 lei/year, while purchasing a personal computer at age 13 has an estimated cost of 1,990 lei.

At the same time, approximately 9% of children in Romania require medical support for various mental and emotional issues, according to a UNICEF** study. The mental health of Romanian children and adolescents is significantly more affected than that of children in other countries. Nearly 33% of Romanian adolescents aged 11 to 15 reported feeling sad several times a week, compared to an average of 13% in the 45 countries included in a study by the World Health Organization.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, renowned for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, emphasizes, in a special statement to the Romanian audience, the importance of emotional support in child development, considering it equally important, if not more so, than material aspects. Consistent emotional support is the foundation of self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to form healthy relationships. Consequently, children who benefit from a strong emotional connection with their parents are more likely to develop harmoniously in all aspects of life. Dr. Tsabary recommends balancing material elements with a solid emotional bond, ensuring that children feel loved, understood, and appreciated.

”While providing materially for children is important, emotional support is equally, if not more, crucial. Emotional support is the foundation of a child’s self-worth, confidence, and ability to form healthy relationships. Children who receive consistent emotional support from their parents are more likely to thrive in all aspects of life. Material provisions should be balanced with a strong emotional connection, ensuring that children feel loved, understood, and valued”. Dr. Shefali Tsabary conveys to parents in Romania.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, the prestigious parenting expert, will visit Romania for the first time on October 3, as part of the largest parenting event in the country: ParentED Fest, alongside other renowned international specialists, including Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, and Dr. Jessica Joelle Alexander, with expertise in areas such as child upbringing and care, family harmony, and personal development.

* https://www.clubulcopiilor.ro/
**Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Romania

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• 1,268 children were victims of physical and emotional abuse between January and March 2024, according to the statistics of the National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights (ANPDC)* analyzed by ParentED.
• The number is up by more than 20% compared to the same period in 2023, for which ANPDC had reported 1,001 cases of physical and emotional abuse of children.
• According to parenting expert Dr. Shefali Tsabary, raising children should not be based on fear of their parents, but rather on balancing traditional family values with embracing the core values of respect, discipline and love.

Bucharest, August 21^st, 2024 – 1,268 children in Romania were victims of physical and emotional abuse in just the first 3 months of 2024, according to the statistics of the National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights (ANPDC). The alarming figures bring back into question the need for children’s education to be based on respect, discipline and love. Dr. Shefali Tsabary, internationally renowned for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, says that a child should not fear its parents.

The number of children in Romania who are victims of physical and emotional abuse increased, in the first 3 months of 2024, by more than 20% compared to the same period in 2023, for which ANPDC had reported 1,001 such cases. Moreover, for the entire year 2023, more than 4,320 cases of such abuses against children were reported.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, clinical psychologist, international speaker and author of the best-selling books “The Map of Modern Parenting” and “The Conscious Parent”, also translated into Romanian, is of the opinion that through fear, parents create effects with a long-term negative impact on their children.

“A parent should not be feared by their child; respect is far more effective and healthier than fear. Parenting through fear can create distance and hinder open communication. Instead, parents should aim to be firm yet compassionate, setting clear boundaries while also being nurturing and understanding. Balancing traditional family values with modern parenting involves embracing the core values of respect, discipline, and love while being open to new ideas that promote empathy, autonomy, and mindfulness in parenting”, says Dr. Shefali Tsabary.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, the prestigious expert in parenting, is coming to Romania for the first time, on October 3, during the largest parenting event in the country, ParentED Fest , together with other international specialists such as Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe , Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, specializing in areas such as raising and caring for children, family harmony or personal development

* Source: ANPDC

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• “Enrolling children in summer camps they do not want to attend can place pressure on them, causing stress and anxiety”, says the renowned Dr. Shefali, global parenting expert.
• Shefali, known for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, emphasizes the need for children to connect with their parents and close individuals in common situations where they can more easily develop skills and abilities.
• In Romania, over 60% of Romanian children attend summer camps, according to a study by a relevant organization*.

Bucharest, July 29th, 2024 – Parents should not force their children to attend summer camps or participate in activities they do not want. Additionally, the tendency of parents to pressure their children to perform can cause them stress and anxiety, highlights Dr. Shefali, a global parenting expert.

According to a recent study by an NGO that organizes summer camps for children and teenagers, over 60% of Romanian children attend summer camps. Specifically, 63.2% of children aged 6 to 17 from urban areas are enrolled in camps or summer programs in Romania.

Dr. Shefali, renowned for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, emphasizes the need for children to connect with their parents and close individuals in common situations where they can more easily develop skills and abilities. Furthermore, preparing children for the transition to adulthood in a pressure-free and stress-free manner requires that their entire childhood and adolescence take place in a safe and stress-free environment, believes Dr. Shefali**.

“Enrolling children in summer camps they do not want to attend can place pressure on them, causing stress and anxiety. Most parents choose to force their children to participate in various activities out of a desire for them to achieve high standards or simply to meet the social norms of their environments. It is more beneficial for the emotional and social development of children to spend time with emotionally connected individuals in a simple, common environment***”, says Dr. Shefali.

Dr. Shefali, the prestigious parenting expert, is set to visit Romania for the first time on October 3, to attend the largest parenting event of the year in Romania: ParentED Fest, alongside other renowned international speakers, including Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, and Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, specializing in areas such as child-rearing, family harmony and personal development.

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

*ATGR
** Parenting & You with Dr. Shefali
***The Terri Cole Show  

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• “We’re asked to do the most difficult thing in the world, which is to own our own childhood conditioning, heal our own emotional baggage, and show up for our children in a way that doesn’t impose upon them our beliefs, our expectations, our fantasies. To do that is to suppress their authentic signature”*. This is the advice that Dr. Shefali, a global parenting expert, gives to parents everywhere.
• Shefali, renowned for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, emphasizes the importance of parents’ personal development in raising healthy and resilient children.
• In Romania, 56% of parents say they punish their children if they make mistakes, and 23% of them report that this happens frequently, according to a study by Save the Children Romania**.

Bucharest, July, 15^th, 2024 – Parents should not project their own experiences or personal unfulfillments onto their children’s future. They should not be authoritarian but rather negotiate with them, even though it often seems difficult. This is the advice that Dr. Shefali, a global parenting expert, offers to parents worldwide in a recent interview*.

In Romania, 56% of parents say they punish their children if they make mistakes, and 23% of them report that this happens frequently, according to a study by Save the Children Romania**.

Dr. Shefali, renowned for her innovative approach to conscious parenting, emphasizes the importance of parents’ personal development in raising healthy and resilient children.

„Parents have to look at themselves; that’s what conscious parenting says: look at yourself. Parents need to raise themselves as much, if not more, than they raise their children. And who wants to look in the mirror? No one. We’re asked to do the most difficult thing in the world, which is to own our own childhood conditioning, heal our own emotional baggage, and show up for our children in a way that doesn’t impose upon them our beliefs, our expectations, our fantasies. To do that is to suppress their authentic signature. Our role is really to set them free, to be who they are. And that’s an impossible thing for us as parents because we think we own them”, says Dr. Shefali in a conversation with Oprah Winfrey*.

Dr. Shefali, the prestigious parenting expert, is coming to Romania for the first time on October 3rd, as part of the country’s largest parenting event: ParentED Fest. She will join other renowned international speakers including Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, and Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, specializing in areas such as child upbringing and care, family harmony, and personal development.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.parentedfest.ro and through the www.iabilet.ro network.

*In Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast
**Save The Children Romania

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201

• The largest parenting event in Romania, ParentED Fest, will take place on October 3, 2024, in the Aula Magna at the University Politehnica of Bucharest, bringing some of the most renowned international speakers in the field face-to-face with the Romanian audience.

• Shefali Tsabary, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and bestselling author, will speak, for the first time in Romania, about the art and practice of conscious parenting. “The traditional parenting paradigm is based on the idea of hierarchy and implies that the parent knows best. Conscious parenting detonates this paradigm and brings reciprocity into the relationship,” says Dr. Shefali.

• According to The Parenting Index, 61% of Romanian parents feel intense pressure from society regarding how they choose to raise their children, and 46% find the role of parent more challenging than they expected.

Bucharest, July 4, 2024 – The largest parenting event in Romania, ParentED Fest, will take place this fall on October 3 in Bucharest. It will bring to the Romanian audience some of the most renowned international speakers specialized in areas such as child growth and care, family wellbeing and personal development.

World-renowned clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Shefali, will speak, for the first time in Romania, about the art and practice of conscious parenting and the most effective ways to raise authentic, happy and resilient children.

According to The Parenting Index*, as of 2021, 61% of parents in Romania felt intense pressure from society regarding how they choose to raise their children, while 46% found the role of parent more challenging than they had expected. 

“In an era where parenting can feel like navigating a maze of constantly changing advice, it is essential that we come together to share, learn, and grow as an informed community. The event is not just about disseminating information; it is about sparking conversations, forming connections, and creating a support network that extends far beyond these walls. Through expert panels and interactive sessions, we aspire to bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and everyday practice,” says Diana Bălan, founder of ParentED Fest.

During the event, some of the most renowned international specialists in the field will interact with the Romanian audience:

• Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist, international speaker and bestselling author of “The Conscious Parent” and “The Awakened Family,” which have also been translated into Romanian, will make her debut appearance in Romania. “ The traditional parenting paradigm is based on the idea of hierarchy and implies that the parent knows best. Conscious parenting detonates this paradigm and brings reciprocity into the relationship. I would say that, often, the teacher is the child, teaching the parent how to become a better version of themselves and, especially, how to live in the present, as only children know how to live.” Dr. Shefali captures the challenges families face in 2024 in her books, reaching millions of parents worldwide and systematically dismantling outdated methods of educating children, through extensive research and years of experience.
• Deborah MacNamara, a scientist, clinical counselor and parenting expert with over 25 years of experience, is the author of one of the most celebrated parenting books worldwide, “Rest, Play, Grow”. “Our children are not meant to strive for our love. They are meant to feel comfortable in our care so they can play and develop. Therefore, the security of the relationship is essential.”
• Vanessa Lapointe, a Doctor of Psychology, author and “parenting educator,” will contribute to understanding child development and offer advice to parents on one of the biggest challenges of parenting: how to instill resilience in children without causing trauma. “Unfortunately, the main lesson children learn from classic discipline is that parental love is conditional and directly linked to obedient behavior.
• Greer Kirshenbaum, a parenting expert, author, neuroscientist and specialist in infant sleep and early childhood development, will speak in Bucharest on one of the most important topics in modern parenting: managing stress to build mental health in babies and parents. “Sleep health is built by helping your child fall asleep and stay asleep, holding them and offering love as long as they need you.”

ParentED Fest is powered by Lidl Romania as Strategic Partner and Sanador as Healthcare Partner, alongside ThedaMar, AutoKlass, One United Properties, Catena, Casa Timiș, Raiffeisen Bank and CEC Bank. Media partners: ZYX Books and Euromedia.

Tickets on sale at www.parentedfest.ro and the IaBilet.ro network.

* Source: The Parenting Index – România, 2021

Media enquiries: Stefan Pascuta +40 748 883 201