Research on parental caregiving practices in developing independence for children aged 5-6 years in Mandalika Village, Mataram City, was conducted by Siti Zaenab from IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. This research is critical to understanding how family environments and consistent guidance can shape a child's independence, self-confidence, and discipline from an early age to prevent excessive psychological dependency.
Early childhood is a golden period of comprehensive growth that requires physical, social, and emotional support. A child's independence does not develop suddenly, but rather through habits and real experiences within the family environment. Parental roles in providing rules, balanced freedom, guidance, and simple responsibilities dictate a child's success in completing developmental tasks.
This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive design to explore real conditions within the family environment. Research informants were selected using purposive sampling, consisting of parents with children aged 5-6 years living in Mandalika Village, Mataram City. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, behavioral observations, and documentation studies, then analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing.
Based on data analysis, several core findings regarding parenting practices and children's independence were identified:
- Parental caregiving is implemented through consistent habituation of daily activities, such as training children to eat independently, tidy up toys, and store personal belongings.
- Parents provide space and opportunities for children to try performing tasks on their own before offering assistance or taking over.
- Simple responsibilities are assigned according to the child's age and abilities so they understand obligations and consequences.
- Forms of child independence are clearly visible in daily routines, such as putting on shoes, bathing independently, using the bathroom alone, and dressing without full assistance.
Implementing consistent parenting patterns adjusted to a child's developmental stage yields broad positive impacts on early childhood education and family life. Siti Zaenab from IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram emphasized that proper parental guidance—aligned with the Zone of Proximal Development concept—enables children to learn how to complete tasks and take responsibility, ensuring physical, social, and emotional readiness for the future.
Author Profile:
Siti Zaenab: Academic and researcher at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram specializing in early childhood education and child psychological development.
Research Source:
- Article Title: Parenting Practices in Developing Independence in Children Aged 5-6 Years in Mandalika Village, Mataram City
- Journal Name: Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4, No. 8 August 2026
- DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/cjas.v4i8.229
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