Parents must try to be friends with their children by giving priority to discussions rather than issuing instructions, chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) and psychologist, Seto Mulyadi, has said.
“Be children’s friends, not commanders who only give out instructions,” he said at the Chimiland press conference here on Thursday.
He urged parents to make a routine of casually talking with children and discussing a range of matters. Such talks can take place while eating together or any time when the family members at home are free.
Various issues and problems can be discussed by parents and children to create an agreeable and harmonious relations, which would turn the house into a safe and comfortable space for children.
“Listen to children’s voice, listen to children’s critique to parents. Parents should also not fight in front of children frequently,” Mulyadi advised.
By building a space for discussion where children feel heard and enjoy responsible freedom, parents can become people that children trust and rely on.
“Create a child-friendly family full of smiles, beautiful voices, and hugs so that children do not ‘escape’ outside, such as choosing gadgets that they feel are more beautiful compared to hearing parents’ lecture,” Mulyadi remarked.
Through discussions, parents and children can reach an agreement on matters such as the utilization of gadgets, which is akin to double-edged blade.
Parents can guide their children toward using gadgets for positive things, such as learning new things through video tutorials, while building understanding on staying away from negative content.
“With this, children will be controlled but without feeling that they are under pressure,” he explained.
“Parents must provide guidance and motivate children, while also giving them the opportunity to move while monitoring them to be on the right track,” he added.
Source: Antara News