In an effort to build cooperation and harmonious relationships in supporting children’s growth and development, the school held a parenting seminar with the theme “Becoming a Friend to Your Child.” This activity aims to provide parents with an understanding of the importance of building warm, open, and trusting relationships with their children.
The event began with remarks from the school’s Director of Education, Dr. Ari Rosandi, S.Si., M.Pd., who emphasized that children’s education is not only the responsibility of the school, but also a close synergy between the school and the family. The Director of Education conveyed that in the digital era and the rapidly changing times, children face many challenges, so they need parents who not only act as guides, but also as trusted friends.
After the remarks, the event continued with an introduction to the material on “How the Brain Works,” delivered by Chusnul Justanti, S.Tr.Kes., Ftr., M.Kes., AIFO. Understanding how a child’s brain works will help us as parents respond more wisely to various situations. Sometimes children seem difficult to manage, their emotions change easily, or they appear unfocused. These things are often not simply because the child does not want to obey, but may occur because their brain development is learning to manage emotions, understand rules, and build thinking abilities.
In the main session, Dr. Aski Marissa, Psychologist, as the speaker delivered material on “Becoming a Friend to Your Child,” explaining effective parenting patterns in building emotional closeness with children. The speaker explained that becoming a friend to a child does not mean parents lose authority or allow children to do anything. On the contrary, parents still have a role as guides, but with a more empathetic approach, full of attention, and respectful of the child’s feelings.
Participants were also invited to understand the child’s world, listen without judging, and provide positive emotional support. In this way, children feel appreciated and accepted, allowing their self-confidence and ability to manage emotions to grow well.
This seminar took place interactively. Parents were given the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences regarding the challenges they face in educating their children. The discussion showed that every family has different dynamics, but the main principles that must be maintained are communication, affection, and parental role modeling.
Through this parenting seminar, it is hoped that parents will increasingly understand the importance of building harmonious relationships with their children. When parents are able to become good friends, children not only feel loved but also have a safe place to share stories and seek solutions.
In the end, a warm family full of communication will become an important foundation in shaping a generation that has character, self-confidence, and the ability to face life’s challenges in the future.
