Raising a young daughter in today’s fast-paced world can feel like riding a roller coaster. As young parents, we face new challenges that our own parents might not have even imagined. With a mix of social expectations, digital distractions, and the changing cultural landscape, it’s natural to have a few fears when it comes to parenting our little ones. Let’s dive into some of the biggest worries parents have and how we can tackle them together.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
In Indonesia, traditional gender roles are still quite strong. Whether it’s hearing comments like, “Girls should be gentle,” or “She’ll be a great homemaker one day,” societal expectations can sometimes box our daughters into a narrow set of roles. It’s tough because we want our daughters to be free to dream big, but we also don’t want them to feel isolated from their peers who might have different expectations.
What Can We Do? Start by encouraging our little ones to explore different activities, whether it’s sports, arts, or science experiments. Let them get a taste of everything and celebrate their unique interests. The more we normalize diversity in skills and hobbies at home, the more confident they’ll be in pursuing their passions, even if they break away from traditional norms.
Mental Health Stigma
In Indonesia, talking about mental health is still somewhat taboo. Many of us grew up hearing phrases like, “Don’t cry, be strong,” or “Mental issues are just a phase.” As a result, there’s a fear of seeking help, thinking it might label our children as “different.” But mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in the formative years when our kids are learning how to navigate emotions.
Tip for Parents: Let’s be proactive about creating a safe space for our kids to express their feelings. Simple practices like asking them how they felt during their day or validating their emotions can go a long way. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from child psychologists or counselors — it’s a sign of strength, not weakness!
The Digital Dilemma
Ah, the gadget dilemma. It feels like smartphones and tablets have become an extra pair of hands in every household, especially when we need a moment of peace. However, excessive screen time can quickly become a habit, and before we know it, our kids might prefer playing with a tablet over spending time outdoors.
How to Tackle It: Create designated screen-free times, like during family meals or before bedtime. Instead, try to fill those moments with interactive activities like storytelling, building blocks, or even simple arts and crafts. And hey, we can use tech in a balanced way too! There are many educational apps that help kids learn in a fun, interactive manner.
Holding Onto Traditional Values
As Indonesia becomes more globalized, it’s easy to feel like our traditional values are slipping away. Western influences are everywhere — from the shows our kids watch to the fashion they see online. This can sometimes make us worry about whether our children will appreciate and carry forward our cultural heritage.
Keeping Traditions Alive: Integrate cultural practices into daily life in simple, meaningful ways. It could be cooking traditional dishes together, telling stories from Indonesian folklore, or participating in local festivals. By making these activities fun and engaging, we can help our children develop a sense of pride in their heritage while still being open to new ideas.
Parenting is a journey full of uncertainties, but it’s also filled with precious moments of joy and discovery. By embracing a flexible mindset and being open to both modern and traditional approaches, we can help our daughters navigate this ever-changing world with confidence. Remember, we’re all in this together — learning, growing, and cheering on our little ones as they take on the world!
written by Shandy Lwieka,
Tutor Time Indonesia
Further reading: In Indonesia’s Surabaya, some 3,000 children, adolescents treated for mobile gadgets, online gaming addiction – CNA
