UNAIR NEWS 鈥 National Children’s Day (HAN) served as an important reminder for parents to reflect on the quality of parenting within their families. Dr Primatia Yogi Wulandari SPsi MSi Psikolog, a psychology expert at 东京热 (UNAIR), stated that parenting challenges had shifted alongside rapid technological advancements and the growing influence of Generation Alpha. Dr Wulandari explained that, in Indonesia, the primary challenge in parenting was no longer simply about disciplining children, but about building warm and responsive parent-child relationships.
Responsive parenting
In reality, some parenting practices still regard shouting or physical punishment as a form of discipline. The primary goal of parenting is not to make children blindly obedient, but to help them grow into independent, resilient and psychologically healthy individuals.
鈥淪cientific evidence shows that responsive parenting characterised by warmth while maintaining clear boundaries is more effective in developing children鈥檚 emotional regulation, self-confidence and problem-solving skills,鈥 she explained.
To achieve this, Dr Wulandari further explained that consistent two-way communication was essential. According to her, children were more likely to open up when they felt heard, valued and free from judgment. Parents could begin by practising active listening, allowing children to finish sharing their thoughts before offering advice and by validating their emotions.
鈥淎 communication culture that tends to be hierarchical between parents and children makes some children reluctant to express their opinions because they fear being seen as disrespectful. In fact, giving children the space to express their views does not diminish parental authority. Instead, it strengthens parent-child attachment, making children more likely to turn to their parents when they face problems,鈥 she emphasised.
Parents as digital mentors
Rapid technological advancements and the emergence of Generation Alpha have demanded a more adaptive approach to parenting. Parents are expected not only to set limits on children’s screen time, but also to take an active role in mitigating risks such as digital addiction and cyberbullying.
鈥淭he most appropriate approach is for parents to serve as digital mentors rather than merely digital police. This allows them to teach their children how to use technology in a healthy and safe way,鈥 explained the UNAIR Faculty of Psychology lecturer.
On the other hand, social media trends have often contributed to parental burnout by promoting unrealistic parenting standards. This has highlighted the need for greater digital literacy among parents, particularly in critically evaluating the practice of sharenting (the practice of sharing information about children on social media).
鈥淏efore posting content about their children, parents should consider their children’s best interests, their right to privacy, and the digital footprint that will remain long into adulthood,鈥 Primatia explained.
Reflecting on National Children’s Day, she emphasised that a nation’s greatest investment lies in the quality of family relationships rather than expensive facilities. She added that the commemoration serves as an important reminder for parents to be fully present in their children’s lives.
鈥淐hildren do not need perfect parents, they need parents who are truly present. Set aside time free from digital distractions to listen to and support them, because a safe family environment is the key to raising a generation that is both intellectually capable and mentally healthy,鈥 she concluded.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
