FK-KMK UGM. Every year, we celebrate National Children’s Day as a reminder of the importance of protecting and supporting our children. This year, we embrace the theme “Child Protection: The Nation’s Future.” Children are valuable assets for the future of the nation. Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, healthy environment that supports their development. Child protection is our shared responsibility. On this special occasion, we explore the dynamics of ideal parenting for optimal child growth with Prof. Dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Ph.D, Sp.A (K).
Indonesia ranks third in the world for the number of children growing up without a father figure. The phenomenon of fatherlessness is explained by various conditions such as long distances due to work, disharmonious family environments, caregiving entirely entrusted to the mother, divorce, and death.
The absence of a father figure can have a significant impact on a child’s mental and physical health. One important step is to maintain emotional connection and communication with fathers who may be working out of town or even abroad. Technology such as video calls can be used to stay connected so that the child still feels the presence and support of their father. Additionally, it is important for parents to gradually and wisely explain the family situation to the child so they can understand and manage their feelings well. Thorough family planning before having children, including considering mitigation for long-distance situations, is also crucial to ensuring consistent and supportive caregiving.
To strive for the best possible care for children, parents can learn and implement the nurturing care framework. Nurturing Care is a framework developed by the WHO that emphasizes essential components for comprehensive child care, including good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, opportunities for early learning, and security and safety. This framework provides guidance for parents to create environments that support the optimal development of their children. By applying the principles of nurturing care, parents can ensure their children receive the attention and support needed to grow up healthy physically, emotionally, and socially. Nurturing Care also encourages collaboration between various health and education service sectors, making child care more integrated and effective.
Every child has basic rights that must be fulfilled, including the right to live and grow, the right to education, and the right to protection from violence and exploitation. Fulfilling these rights is the first step in securing their future. Child-rearing is a shared responsibility between mothers and fathers. Collaboration in making important decisions related to the health, education, and well-being of the child is crucial to ensuring optimal care.
The celebration of National Children’s Day is also closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a global agenda adopted by the United Nations (UN) to achieve well-being for all by 2030. Several SDGs relevant to child protection include Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By protecting and supporting children’s growth and development, we contribute to achieving these goals. For example, ensuring children have access to good healthcare and quality education will improve their quality of life and prepare them for a better future. Additionally, creating a safe and supportive environment for children aligns with efforts to maintain peace and justice in society.
Child protection is an investment in the nation’s future. By working together, we can ensure that every child grows up in a supportive and safe environment. Let us all commit to protecting and supporting our children for a better future. “Of course, having children needs to be well-planned. Ideally, a family should be in one home consisting of the mother and father figures. Parenting should be done by both parties, requiring the complete figures of mother and father according to nurturing care, from physical health, nutrition, stimulation, responsive caregiving, including a sense of security and comfort. It is the obligation of both parents to be present and create a safe situation for growth and development at home,” said Prof. Dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Ph.D., Sp.A (K), in an interview marking National Children’s Day celebrated every July 23rd. (Reporter: Assyifa. Source: Prof. Dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Ph.D., Sp.A (K))
