Trauma and child development – how to be an aware and supportive parent
This lecture explores trauma awareness and the impact of trauma on children, why it is important for parents to understand these issues, what trauma means and how it may appear through both visible and hidden experiences, and how parents can better understand and support their children. The lecture offers practical insights and recommendations for creating a safe and developmentally supportive environment for children.
The speakers are Elo Palmiste, head of the Rajaleidja Centre for central Estonia, and Iiris Tagen, head of the Rajaleidja Centre for south-eastern Estonia.
The video is in Estonian with English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
Parental expectations and reality: the challenge of integration viewed from both sides
This video focuses on how a child adjusts to a new environment. This involves not only adaptation to a new school or language environment but also an inner journey experienced by the child, the parents and the school.
Harno Rajaleidja psychologist Nataliia Shevchenko examines the topic from a psychological perspective, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality and offering practical advice on how to support a child’s adaptation in a new country.
The video provides useful reflections for both parents and teachers who want to understand what a child may experience when entering a new culture and society and how to offer them a sense of security and support throughout this period of change.
The video is in Ukrainian with Estonian, English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
As a parent or teacher, do you know how to recognize the first signs that a child's mental well-being is at risk?
Do you know what signs indicate that a child needs help – and what you can do to help? In this video, Tiina Kütt, director of the Rajaleidja Center, talks about how to notice changes in a child's behavior and support their mental well-being. In recent years, children and young people have been increasingly faced with anxiety and stress, constant pressure from social media, and lack of quality time with their families. It is no wonder that many are more restless and easily overwhelmed.
In this video, you will learn:
• What signs indicate that a child is worried
• How to understand irritability, sadness, and sudden mood swings
• How stress affects learning and concentration
• When it is time to intervene and where to turn for help
Speaker: Tiina Kütt, director of the Rajaleidja Center and psychologist.
The video is in Estonian with English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
How to establish effective communication between school and family
In this video lecture, Nataliiia Shevchenko, a psychologist at the Harno Rajaleidja Center, speaks candidly and encouragingly about how communication between parents and school affects a child's self-esteem, motivation, and sense of security. When there is tension between adults, children feel it too. Lack of information, misunderstandings about teaching methods, or unresolved conflicts can cause stress, insecurity, and a desire to "withdraw" in children.
From this video lecture, you will gain:
• a better understanding of why cooperation with the school sometimes breaks down;
• the courage to ask questions and talk openly about your child's needs;
• practical advice on how to establish a trusting and calm dialogue with the school;
• knowledge of how your behavior can support your child's well-being.
When parents feel confident and informed, children can also be calmer and more self-assured.
Speaker: Nataliiia Shevchenko, psychologist at the Harno Rajaleidja Center
The video is in Ukrainian with Estonian, English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
How to support a child with learning difficulties at home?
How to support a child with learning difficulties at home?
Did you know that 5–15% of children experience specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia? What does learning difficulty actually mean – and who does it affect and when does it manifest itself?
• Difficulties may already become apparent in preschool, when children begin to learn to read, write, and do arithmetic.
• However, they more often become apparent during school age, when both the workload and social expectations increase.
• Children with learning difficulties need more time to acquire a new language and learn in a language other than their mother tongue.
• Early detection and consistent support create a better future.
• The earlier a child is supported, the better their opportunities in learning and in life in general.
Speaker: Kristin Binsol, Senior Development Specialist at the Rajaleidja Center.
The video is in Estonian with English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
How to support your child at every stage of their development as a parent
Do you want a better understanding, as a parent, how to support your child’s learning journey – whether they are just starting out or already a teenager? The sixth video lecture in the series provides clear and practical advice on how to be a strong support for your child at any age and in any language environment.
In this video, you will learn:
- How to maintain your child’s motivation - children grow and learn faster when their efforts are noticed and acknowledged – especially when learning in a second language.
- How to create a safe and supportive learning environment - in a multilingual classroom, a child may feel different. The lecture offers tips on how the home can provide a sense of security and belonging.
- How to understand your child’s behavior under stress - Learning in a new language environment can cause stress, which may lead to forgetfulness or distraction.
The lecture provides practical, immediately applicable advice to support your child’s learning, motivation, confidence, and stress management – especially in multilingual and multicultural school settings.
Speaker: Yuliia Kravchenko, Psychologist
The video is in Ukrainian with Estonian, English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
Inclusive Education – what every parent should know
How to understand inclusive education in a way that truly contributes to a child’s development and well-being? In this video lecture, expert Jürgen Rakaselg explains the meaning of inclusive education and debunks common myths. As a parent, you’ll learn how to support your child so they can learn in an environment that suits them, develop at their own pace, and feel safe and cared for at school.
This lecture is perfect for parents who want to understand:
• why inclusive education is not a passing trend, but a research-based approach,
• how to support your child’s success in a diverse classroom,
• how school and home can work together to create an environment where your child feels welcomed and valued.
Speaker: Jürgen Rakaselg, Head of the Inclusive Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Research
The video is in Estonian with subtitles in English and Russian (select your preferred language in YouTube settings).
How to Support Your Child as They Start First Grade
The first year of school is a major change for both the child and the parent—especially when classes are taught in a second language. In the final video lecture of this series, a psychologist discusses how to prepare your child for this transition and support them in their new environment.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- what true school readiness means (more than just letters and numbers);
- how to help your child adapt to a new school environment, including one where classes are taught in a foreign language;
- which skills and habits give your child self-confidence;
- how to support your child without over-helping.
If your child is starting school, this lecture offers you valuable support and practical advice!
Speaker: Viktoriia Tkachuk, psychologist
The video is in Ukrainian with Estonian, English and Russian subtitles (select your preferred language in the YouTube settings).
See also:
Tallinn University 1 Minute Lecture: How to Talk to Young People?
Õnne Uus, a lecturer in educational psychology at Tallinn University, shares tips on how to talk to young people.
Last updated: 19.08.2026
