Mother's Day is not just an annual commemoration, but a moment of reflection on the role of mothers in the family and the daily growth and development of children in the lives of Moms and their Little Ones. In Indonesia, many new parents face significant challenges in ensuring their children grow up healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally amidst the changes of modern lifestyles.
As practitioners in the field of family health and parenting, experts agree that mothers hold a key role as the first educators and primary caregivers who shape the foundation of a child's growth and development from the first day of life.
What Is Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is a national commemoration observed every December 22 in Indonesia. Unlike Mother's Day celebrations in other countries, which are often associated solely with domestic roles, Mother's Day in Indonesia holds a broader and deeper meaning.
Mother's Day is interpreted as an appreciation for the contributions of women, especially mothers, in the family, society, and national development. For moms who are raising little ones, Mother's Day also serves as a reminder that a mother's role is not only about caring but also educating and shaping the future of the child.
In the context of children's health, Mother's Day becomes an important moment to educate families about the role of mothers in providing quality and sustainable childcare.
History of Mother's Day in Indonesia
History Mother's Day in Indonesia is rooted in the first Indonesian Women's Congress held on December 22, 1928, in Yogyakarta. This congress advocated for women's rights, education, and the role of women in national life.
The Indonesian government then designated December 22 as Mother's Day through Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 316 of 1959. This designation emphasizes that mothers have a strategic role in building a healthy family and a strong society.
In the modern context, the meaning of Mother's Day is increasingly relevant because data in Indonesia shows that the quality of early childhood care greatly affects a child's development into adulthood. The National Population and Family Planning Agency notes that active involvement of mothers in caregiving significantly contributes to children's mental health and social development.
The Important Role of Mothers in the Family
The role of a mother in the family cannot be separated from the growth and development of a child. A mother becomes a central figure who provides a sense of security, emotional stability, and developmental stimulation from infancy.
1. Mother as the First Educator
Mother is the first educator for a child. Since the Little One is born, the mother plays a role in introducing language, emotions, and basic life values. Research in Indonesia shows that children who receive early stimulation from their mothers have better cognitive and language development at school age.
Through simple interactions such as talking, singing, and reading together, mothers help build the child's brain nerve connections that are important for long-term learning processes.
2. The Role of Mothers in Child Development
Child development includes physical, motor, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Mothers play a role in ensuring all these aspects develop in a balanced manner.
In daily life, mothers manage their children's diet, sleep schedule, and activities. Adequate nutrition, breast milk, and a balanced diet provided by mothers have been proven to significantly impact the child's immune system and motor development.
In Indonesia, challenges such as stunting remain a serious concern. The role of mothers in ensuring proper nutrition from an early age is key to preventing long-term health issues.
3. The Role of Mothers in Children's Mental Health
Child mental health is greatly influenced by the quality of the mother-child relationship. The emotional bond or bonding between mother and child helps the little one feel loved and secure.
Children who have a warm relationship with their mother tend to have better self-confidence, are able to manage emotions, and easily socialize. The mother also becomes the first place for the child to learn to express feelings in a healthy way.
In the context of Indonesia, the increasing exposure to gadgets among young children makes the role of mothers increasingly important in building direct communication and emotional closeness.
4. The Role of Mothers in Character and Moral Value Formation
Mother plays a significant role in instilling moral values, empathy, and positive discipline. Children learn from the example set by their mother in daily life.
The way a mother speaks, resolves conflicts, and shows affection will be imitated by the child. Therefore, the role of the mother in a harmonious family becomes the foundation for building a child's strong character.
In both modern parenting and Islamic parenting, the mother is regarded as the first school that shapes the child's character and personality.
5. The Role of Mothers in Parenting and Family Environment
The parenting style applied by the mother influences the child's social development. A warm, consistent, and supportive parenting style helps the child grow into an independent and responsible individual.
A safe and loving family environment also plays an important role in the well-being of a child. The mother, as the primary caregiver, ensures that the home becomes the best place for the child to grow and develop.
In Indonesia, the role of a mother often includes managing the household as well as parenting. This challenge demands family support and awareness of the importance of maternal health to ensure optimal parenting.
Facts About the Role of Mothers in Indonesia
Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia shows that maternal involvement in early childhood care correlates with a reduced risk of developmental problems. Additionally, a study from the Indonesian Pediatric Society confirms that maternal stimulation and responsiveness directly affect children's brain development.
This fact reinforces that the role of a mother in the family is not only emotional but also has a tangible impact on the health and future of the child.
The Comfort of the Little One as Part of Mother's Parenting
In the role of a mother as the primary caregiver, maintaining the comfort and health of the little one is an important part of daily caregiving. A baby who feels comfortable tends to be calmer, easier to sleep, and more ready to receive developmental stimulation.
One aspect that mothers often pay attention to is the protection of a baby's still sensitive skin. Choosing the right diaper helps keep the skin dry and reduces the risk of irritation. MAKUKU Comfort Fit is designed to support the needs of active babies with a snug fit design that doesn't easily shift when the little one moves.
SAP Thin Core technology helps lock in moisture optimally and keeps the surface dry longer. The support of the air circulation layer and elastic waistband helps maintain the baby's comfort throughout the day.
By paying attention to these basic needs, Moms can focus more on accompanying their child's growth and development without being distracted by discomfort issues with the little one.
Mother's Day is a reminder that the role of mothers in the family and the development of children has a long-term impact on the future of Indonesia's generation. From nurturing, education, to children's mental health, mothers hold a central and irreplaceable role.
With the support of knowledge, a healthy family environment, and the right product choices for the Little One, Moms can fulfill their role as the first educator and primary caregiver more optimally. Celebrating Mother's Day means appreciating every small step a mother takes in raising a healthy, happy, and well-charactered child.
