UNAIR NEWS – Child development is very important, especially for parents. For children to grow well, positive parenting is needed.
UNAIR Faculty of Psychology lecturer Dr. Dewi Retno Suminar M.Si., Psychologist. gave an explanation. Before bringing up children, according to her, it is important for teachers or parents to know the definition of children first. “If children are educated based on assignments, they will treat them differently,” she said.
She conveyed this in a webinar, Positive Parenting to Improve Knowledge and Skills of Pre-school Teachers, Cadres, Parents, and Pre-school Administrators to Promote Obedient Behavior and Mental Health of Preschool Students, on Tuesday afternoon, September 15, 2020.
In general, Dewi divides her parenting patterns into two categories, Parental Support (PS) and Parental Control (PC). Although at first glance they are the same, but they are actually different.
Dewi explained that Parental Control is a traditional type of parenting. It means that children are more often used considered as objects. Meanwhile, Parental Support puts children as the subject.
“PS parenting prioritizes support for children, either emotional or facility support. For example, like praising ‘good, smart, nice’ to children, “said Dewi.
However, Dewi said that the two types of parenting should be as balanced as possible because they affect the optimal development of children, especially affective, motor and cognitive development.
Furthermore, regarding the mental development of children, Dewi said that children need to be given the opportunity to convey their initiatives. As much as possible in parenting, children are allowed to speak even though they are still small. The goal is to prevent children from being depressed.
“It can be done, for example by asking the children’s opinions,” said Dewi.
Regarding positive parenting, Dewi elaborated at least four things. First, ignore the negative behavior and praise the positive behavior. Second, learn to listen to children.
Furthermore, do not hesitate and be ashamed to express affection by touching them. Finally, avoid words that restrict the development of the child’s thinking process. “We have to promote question words in dealing with children. Make them ask, like ‘what is this?’ “why is that?”, ” she explained.
In the end, Dewi emphasized not to label children. “Don’t give them label ‘naughty’ and all. Show affection to children. That’s the right way of raising children, ” she said. (*)
Author: Erika Eight Novanty
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
