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Living Values Education is gradually expanding in India.
We now have three cities operational offering individual reports:
India | Mumbai ~ Goa ~ Ayodhya
2025
Action plan for the year 2025
- Fortnightly LVE sessions for parents and teachers at JBCN International, Parel (Mumbai) for one year
Precious Parenting Workshop - In collaboration with JBCN International School
Date: 19 March 2025
Location: JBCN International School, Parel
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Number of Participants: 10
Download a pdf of this full report here.
We had another exciting session on ‘Precious Parenting’ in JBCN international school on 19th March, 2025. Toral Shah, helped the parents to delve into the importance of the values Peace, Respect & Love.
Parents brainstormed in small groups how they could create an atmosphere of respect and love at their homes
- The parents shared the following insights on the value of Respect:
- Respect starts with respecting myself, first.
- It’s important to value what the child is trying to communicate.
- Communication and having eye contact is key.
- Taking a pause before reacting/responding is powerful.
- Teaching values to our children, regardless of how others behave, is essential.
‘The importance of cultivating Peace at home’ was shared with an interesting example of Russia - Ukraine war.
Just as the Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused collateral damage to neighbouring countries, disharmony between parents can create a ripple effect that impacts their surroundings. This tension can affect not only their relationship with each other but also their interactions with helpers, cooks, drivers, spouses, and, ultimately, their children. It is crucial to cultivate peace and harmony, not only in your immediate relationships but also with those around you - be it in the workplace or within your broader community.
Tolerance is a powerful tool!
Parents shared how the value of 'Tolerance' has helped them overcome significant challenges, such as children ignoring them or responding with frustration. They emphasized that by practicing patience, acceptance, and understanding they’ve been able to foster a values-based atmosphere at home, promoting calmness over reacting impulsively.
Parents' Feedback:
"I've become much more patient with my child."
"I've successfully overcome mealtime tantrums by embracing the 'Value of Peace."
"My relationship with my spouse has improved, and that positive shift is benefiting my child as well."
"I'm still a work in progress, but the Living Values sessions have helped me bring out the best in myself. They've taught me the importance of working on myself first."
The parents were brimming with joy as they left the school.
Precious Parenting Workshop - In collaboration with JBCN International School
Date: 24 February 2025
Location: JBCN International School, Parel
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Number of Participants: 38
You can download a pdf of this full report here.
A parent sharing her success story after implementing the Value of 'Peace' from the last session, at her home which enhanced communication with her child.
Like many parents, I often found myself caught up in the hustle & bustle of daily life. Between work, daily chores, and running errands, my child and I rarely had time to just be with one another. When we did talk, it was often in the middle of chaos or at a time when emotions were running high. There was always a sense of urgency in our conversations, and sometimes, that led to misunderstandings, raised voices, or feelings of frustration.
After the session of Living values on Peace, where we discussed how peace can enhance relationships and communication, I realized that I wasn’t giving my child the space he needed to communicate freely and openly. I also realized that I, too, needed to create a more peaceful environment within myself in order to better support my child.
The first step I took was to slow down. I made a conscious effort to pause before reacting. If my child came to me with a concern, I no longer jumped straight into problem-solving mode. Instead, I took a deep breath, acknowledged their feelings, and gave them my full attention. I began to practice active listening - not interrupting, not offering solutions right away, but allowing them to express themselves fully. At home, I also worked on eliminating distractions during our interactions. No more checking my phone or multitasking when my child wanted to talk. I made a point of sitting down with him at the dinner table, or even setting aside 'quiet time' for just the two of us, where we could connect and talk without any interruption.
Parents reflecting on the question - Is part of taking care of the self (Thoughts, words and actions) being responsible?
Our thoughts shape our emotions, decisions, and interactions with others. As parents, we strive to model positive self-talk and resilience for our children. But this starts with how we take care of our own minds. Being responsible means not letting negativity, self-doubt, or anxiety take over. It's about cultivating a mindset that encourages growth, learning, and patience - not only toward others but also toward ourselves. By being aware of our internal dialogue, we can teach our children how to handle their own thoughts in a healthy and constructive way.
Values Activity 1: 'Pass a pen with Respect'
The act of passing the pen signifies the importance of respectful dialogue. Adults often juggle busy schedules and have many things to say, but the activity reminds them that taking time to acknowledge and honour others' viewpoints is essential. Respectful communication fosters understanding, reduces misunderstandings, and builds stronger connections. The activity also prompts adults to reflect on their own communication styles and how they express respect or values in their daily lives. It offers an opportunity for self-awareness - examining how they may need to adjust their tone, words, or actions to be more considerate and inclusive in different conversations
Values Activity 2: 'Values Balloon'
Breathe into your balloon, a Value that you would like to give to the world!
Then keep your values up high!
By breathing into the balloon, participants symbolically "infuse" their chosen value with their energy and intentions, emphasizing that values are not abstract ideas, but powerful forces that can be "shared" and "spread" through actions and words. The activity conveys that our values are living aspects of ourselves that can have an impact on the world around us.
Exchange your balloon with the person sitting next to you.
What Value did you give?
What did you receive in return?
The act of exchanging balloons with another person highlights the importance of sharing values with others. It reinforces the idea that values aren't meant to be kept to ourselves but are meant to be passed on, cultivated, and exchanged with others. In this way, it symbolizes the collective contribution of individuals to a shared positive environment.
Participants visualising 'A Respected self, harmonious relationships, a loving home environment and responsible parenting'
Imagine a version of yourself who carries these values deeply. Visualize how self-respect manifests in your thoughts, actions, and interactions. How does it affect how you carry yourself? How do you set boundaries and advocate for your own well-being?
By visualizing a respected self, participants understand that the way they treat themselves is the way others will learn to treat them, establishing an atmosphere of dignity and self-respect.
Next they imagine themselves engaging with others, whether in personal or professional settings. How do you listen to people? Are you able to offer empathy and understanding when someone is upset?
Harmonious relationships thrive when mutual respect, patience, and empathy are consistently practiced. Visualizing these values allows participants to see the positive impact they can have on their relationships, making them more fulfilling and peaceful.
A loving home is built on values that prioritize emotional well-being and trust. By visualizing this environment, participants are reminded of the responsibility they hold in making their homes nurturing spaces. These values support both the growth and happiness of everyone who lives there. It also emphasizes that love and care are not just abstract feelings but deliberate actions and behaviours that need to be practiced daily.
Letter of gratitude & appreciation from JBCN International School, Parel 28th Feb, 2025
On behalf of JBCN International School, Parel, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your initiative in conducting this truly meaningful workshop for our parents.
Your dedication and effort in making these sessions happen have been invaluable, and the positive impact on our parent community has been deeply appreciated. These workshops have provided immense support and guidance, and we are grateful for the difference they have made.
Thank you once again for your proactive approach and unwavering commitment to bringing Living Values to life for our parents. We truly appreciate your contribution.
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Precious Parenting Workshop - In collaboration with JBCN International School
Date: 5 February 2025
Location: JBCN International School, Parel
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Number of Participants: 28
You can download a pdf of this full report here.
Participants deeply reflecting on "What values are important to them right now, which ones do they wish to use at home?"
Participants in a power dialogue discussing the major parent concern - "Think Before saying, 'No'"
Participants role playing in a situation where the one parent is nagging the child (Parent pretending to be a child) to get off the screen, whilst the child argues with the parent for some more screen time. They realise how one feels when they are shouted at, and thereafter they enact the same situation in a peaceful way.
Participants visualising a 'A Peaceful Home, with harmonious beautiful relationships.'
Participants reflecting and discussing on - What are the situations that challenge your peace? And how would you advise yourself to overcome them?
PARENTS FEEDBACK
"I attended the Living values workshop at school which was an eye opener. We as parents are so caught up with multiple things, that sometimes we lose the right way of raising our kids. This workshop for me, touched the right points of self-development and affirmations, which will not only help me to see my own personal growth but in turn impact my child positively. Thank you so much for helping parents like me who need guidance and regular reminders"
~ Parina Mehta
"Thank you for this opportunity. I attended the workshop today and it was as if it was designed for me. From entering the seminar hall in an overwhelmed, unhappy mood to feeling much more relaxed by the end of it. It’s great that there are experts who can guide us parents to be more fulfilled and happier as it’s the toughest job in the world as we frequently are in a 'self-doubt' mode. So, I look forward to Phase 2 of the workshop.
I strongly feel that such workshops (age appropriate) should be planned for younger kids also as a lot of problems begin from Grade 1 onwards. These smaller problems become the cause of bigger problems when these kids enter their teens and eventually become a part of their being. When they know that they’re not alone and each of their peers is facing something or the other, they’re reassured and also find innovative ways to improve the situation with correct guidance"
~ Shubhangi Bansal
"Thank you for the synopsis. The Precious Parenthood session was too good and i am eagerly awaiting the next one."
~ Dr Dharini Sheth
"The session shattered some beliefs / norms, it forced me to look inwards and reflect on myself and my balance. Answers to some simple questions were eye openers and resulted in a change in perspective that I embraced with absolutely no resistance. The session had very clear pointers and actionable that made the transition from a self-doubting parent to an empowered one.
A soul enriching session, I look forward to the next one. Would recommend this as a mandatory for every teacher and parent. Thank You for all your effort"
~ Grade 7 Parent
"Nice to hear and see what other parents are also facing. Each parent has their own unique challenge and this was a nice session to get a better understanding of how we all can deal with the challenges of bringing up our kids in a loving home. The session was truly insightful and awakening. The facilitator - Ms. Toral was highly knowledgeable, and the engaging format made it impactful. Strategies shared through real- life scenarios and behaviour management tips were incredibly helpful.
It was a highly beneficial experience! Regular monthly sessions like this would be an excellent support for parents."
~ Grade 3 Parent
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Precious Parenting Workshop - In collaboration with JBCN International School
Date: 22 January 2025
Location: JBCN International School, Parel
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Number of Participants: 30
Download a pdf of this full report here.
Introduction: The Living Values Workshop for Parents was conducted in JBCN, Parel in Mumbai with the goal of empowering parents with tools and techniques to instil core values in their children. This workshop focused on fostering personal growth, positive communication, emotional intelligence, and eff ective parenting strategies that align with the principles of Living Values. The session was designed to be interactive, engaging, and informative, helping parents understand how values can be taught and embodied both at home and in the community.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the workshop were:
- To introduce the concept of Living Values as a holistic approach to child development, particularly the Value of 'PEACE'
- To provide parents with practical strategies for nurturing positive character traits such as peace, empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity in their children.
- To create awareness about the role of values in shaping a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
- To promote a balanced approach in parenting by incorporating mindfulness, communication, and emotional support.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction to Living Values:
The facilitator began by explaining the framework of Living Values, which includes 12 core values such as Peace, respect, love, etc. Parents were introduced to the idea that values are not just abstract concepts but are actionable traits that can be integrated into daily life.
Interactive Activities:
A key component of the workshop was hands-on exercises and group discussions. Parents participated in role-playing activities to explore various real-life situations where values could be applied to guide children’s behaviour. This activity encouraged parents to reflect on their own parenting styles and how they can model these values for their children.
Communication Strategies:
The facilitator emphasized the importance of effective communication in fostering understanding and trust between parents and children. Several communication techniques, including active listening, non-violent communication, and expressing empathy, were introduced to help parents address conflicts with their children constructively.
Emotional Intelligence:
A segment was dedicated to emotional intelligence, highlighting how parents can nurture their children’s emotional awareness. The workshop emphasized how understanding emotions, both in oneself and others, is crucial for healthy relationships and personal growth. Parents learned techniques for helping their children label and manage their emotions.
Mindfulness Practices:
The session also included a brief introduction to mindfulness practices, encouraging parents to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines. Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and being present in the moment were discussed as tools to enhance emotional regulation and reduce stress in both parents and children. A vision of "A Peaceful Home" was created through a commentary, which the parents wanted to practice every time they said they lost their "Peace".
Reflective Activity:
A key highlight enjoyed by most parents was reflection. Following questions were asked, for which they had to journal:
What are the top 3-5 values you cherish most in life?
How do these values show up in your day-to-day interactions with your children?
Reflect on a recent parenting moment: How did your values influence your behaviour or decision?
Are there moments where you feel your actions didn't align with your values?
What could you do differently?
Parenting Challenges and Solutions:
Towards the end, the facilitator opened the floor to discussions on common parenting challenges. Parents shared their experiences and sought advice on issues such as dealing with difficult behaviour, fostering independence, and balancing discipline with compassion. The group collectively brainstormed potential solutions and shared resources for continued learning.
FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS
Participants shared positive feedback regarding the interactive nature of the workshop. Many parents expressed that the session provided valuable insights into how they can be more mindful in their approach to parenting, especially when it comes to managing their emotions and responding to their children’s needs. Several parents also appreciated the practical strategies they learned to build stronger, value-based relationships with their children.
"The workshop gave me new perspectives on how to handle diffi cult situations with my children. I now feel more equipped to teach them life values."
"I loved the mindfulness exercises. I’m going to practice them with my children, to see positive changes in how we communicate."
"The interactive activities were a great way to refl ect on our parenting styles and learn from others."
CONCLUSION
The Living Values Workshop for Parents at JBCN was a highly successful initiative aimed at empowering parents with the knowledge and skills to raise emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and value-driven children. The interactive nature of the workshop, combined with practical takeaways and real-life strategies, ensured that participants left with valuable tools to enhance their parenting journey. Moving forward, the school plans to continue off ering similar monthly workshops to reach a broader audience and contribute to the holistic development of children in the community.
2024
LVE Workshop for JBCN International School, Mumbai
Theme: Orientation of LVE
Date: 14 October, 2024
Location: JBCN International School, Parel, Mumbai
Facilitator: Toral Shah
Session Overview
A Living Values Education orientation workshop for leaders and teachers of JBCN International school, Parel (Mumbai) was organised on October 14, 2024. Around 35-40 participants attended including school principal, teachers from all sections and others from the senior management of the school.
The objective of the workshop was to orient the school management and teachers about ALIVE International and give them an experience of Living Values.
Methodology:
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Visualization Exercise
- Reflection
- Discussion
- Games
Key Insights:
The values activities session enthused participants. It gave them a new and positive perspective to deal with situations in the classroom as teacher or a parent at home. It gave them an opportunity to reflect on and experience peace, love and joy in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. It was something new, something to give them an adrenaline rush!
Feedback from Teachers:
- Teachers are often more concerned about academics of their students while it is equally important to focus on their behaviour.
- We know about all these values but are we actually living them!?
- Explore, Experience and Express values is the first step.
- To slow down and take some time out for self-reflection and journalling daily.
- Teachers felt calm and comfort during the visualisation exercise.
