“Parents should not stick to one-sided education -- we need to listen more, open up, and communicate with heart to foster better relationships between fathers, mothers, and children,” she remarked during an online talk show, which was accessed from Jakarta on Thursday.
She made the statement on the occasion of National Children’s Day, which falls on July 23 every year.
In addition to being more attentive, she said it is important for parents to prioritize quality time with children, involve them in daily activities, translate love into concrete action, and promote and practice positive behaviors and values.
Highlighting the importance and nature of two-way communication, the deputy minister encouraged children to be honest and courageous in sharing their feelings and thoughts with their parents.
“We want to listen, learning how to become better parents,” Oka emphasized.
At the same event, president of the Seribu Satu Cita Indonesia Foundation, Azzahra Putri Santi, underlined the need for parents to be present in their children’s lives.
She said that fathers can help build a healthy family environment by providing emotional support for their children’s dreams and becoming role models.
“Meanwhile, mothers can play a role in building emotional bonds with children, serving as their first source of education, and helping them manage their emotions,” she added.
Yosi Mokalu, an Indonesian actor, musician, and father, highlighted the importance of parents monitoring how much time their children spend on gadgets.
He also advised parents to identify their children’s interests and instill noble values, such as patience and kindness.
The Voice of Indonesian Children: We need Our Fathers and Mothers talk show was co-organized by the Ministry of Population and Development and the Indonesian Well-Planned Generation Forum.
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Translator: Lintang B, Tegar Nurfitra Putra Rofian
Editor: Primayanti
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