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Parental Engagement in Emotional Regulation: A Case Study of Kindergarten Children in Yogyakarta
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Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the role of parents in managing their kindergarten-aged children's negative emotions. Utilizing a descriptive, qualitative case study approach, the study was conducted in Yogyakarta, involving six parents, six teachers, and three children. Data collection comprised in-depth interviews and non-participant observation, analyzed using an interactive model by Miles et al. (2014). The results revealed that parents act as supporters, teachers, students, counselors, and guardians in their children's emotional development. Case studies of children, namely AD, NK, and AT, highlighted strategies like modeling positive behavior, teaching problem-solving and dynamic management, and providing comfort. Parents should enhance their knowledge and expertise and motivate their children to learn practical negative emotion management skills. Negative emotion management enhances kindergarten children’s well-being and aids in their adjustment to their surroundings. The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of a supportive, responsive, and involved parenting approach, particularly in emotional development during early childhood. This aligns with Bandura's observational learning theory and resonates with findings from Hornby and Epstein on parental education and involvement. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including its small sample size and qualitative focus, suggesting the need for further research with broader, more diverse samples and quantitative methods. Overall, this study underscores the significant impact of parental involvement on children's emotional resilience and intelligence, highlighting the need for effective parental guidance programs and enhanced teacher-parent collaboration in early childhood education settings.
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Introduction
Parents' role in shaping children's emotional development is an increasingly vital topic in contemporary society, psychology, and education. Early childhood emotional competence significantly predicts long-term social, academic, and psychological outcomes. This competence is greatly influenced by parental interaction and guidance in managing negative emotions, a crucial aspect of child development. Understanding and addressing this dynamic is essential for fostering healthier, more resilient future generations. The effective management of childhood emotions not only benefits the individual child but has broader implications for societal well-being.
Emotions develop due to children’s growth and their exposure to diverse experiences. All children exhibit emotional dynamics, which significantly affect their personality and behavior. Developing emotional understanding in children promotes empathy, prosocial behavior, and leadership skills(Dariyo, 2017). Social interactions are vital in nurturing emotional development. Studies show that certain parenting styles, when applied in educational settings, can influence children's development in areas like sensitivity, responsiveness, comfort, aggression, warmth, and control(Berzenski & Yates, 2013). Thus, it is crucial to support children in managing their emotions and developing prosocial skills. Effective emotion management forms the basis for social and academic learning and is pivotal for a child's school adjustment and future academic success(Denham et al., 2002).
As children grow, they may face emotional challenges. Early studies indicate that some children require help with dynamic management to address such issues. This is evident in behaviors like tantrums when desires are unmet, aggression due to unfulfilled immediate needs, and other harmful actions such as yelling, throwing things, and physical aggression(Eisenberg et al., 2001). Emotional issues in children may arise from factors like abusive family environments, parental rejection, immature or inadequate parenting skills, early loss of a loved one, parental incapacity to express love, uncontrolled jealousy, unpreparedness for new situations, bullying, peer hostility, and physical disabilities affecting their confidence and self-esteem(Allen & Marotz, 2010).
Studies reveal that various factors, including separation, conflicts with parents or friends, vaccinations, and challenges in completing tasks during physical injuries, can trigger negative emotions in children. Without proper management, these emotions can lead to destructive behaviors. This emphasizes the importance of adult guidance, particularly from parents, in managing children's emotions(Palts & Harro-Loit, 2015). Emotional support is vital for children's self-concept and for modeling positive emotions Atom. However, harmful emotional exposure at home, often from parents, impedes children's adaptability(Caspi & Shiner, 2006). Marital anger and conflicts cause emotional distress in the home(Cummings & Davies, 2002), leading children to mimic family members' behaviors. Bandura's theory on imitation and modeling explains the significant impact of this behavior replication.
Children exposed to marital conflict show more distress, behavioral problems, and sensitivity compared to their peers. Research also indicates that parental belittling and criticism can cause embarrassment in children, and strict, harsh parenting often results in poor behavior and emotional and cognitive management. Epidemiological studies indicate that internalizing problems like anxiety and depression affect up to 20 percent of children.
Children acquire social-emotional competence through parental modeling, providing feedback about emotions, and discussing them(Eisenberg et al., 2005). They are influenced by adult emotions and expressions, including those of caregivers, parents, and teachers. Positive emotional expression by parents leads to children mirroring this positivity at home and in social interactions(Denham, 2006). A research supports that children learn emotional management from their parents.
CHOC (Children’s Health of Orange County) has identified various techniques for managing childhood emotions, such as abdominal breathing, guided imagery, journaling, physical activity, positive self-talk, gratitude expression, muscle relaxation, paying it forward, acupressure, and aromatherapy. These strategies include actively addressing issues, seeking comfort, problem-solving, positive thinking, and seeking support and guidance. However, some children may use unproductive coping mechanisms, feeling lost and unsure how to proceed. Additional stress management techniques include drawing or coloring, deep breathing exercises, religious practices, staying hydrated, stepping out of one's comfort zone, reading, exercising, embracing loved ones, recalling happy memories or peaceful places, seeking support through conversation or asking for help, and playing with pets.
Despite some children continuing to struggle with controlling negative emotions, they often expressed through crying, yelling, swearing, retaliating, or damaging belongings, proficient negative emotion regulation has been observed in children aged 5 to 6 years, namely AD, NK, and AT. Initial observations indicate that children can regulate their emotions using strategies like ignoring bullies, avoiding uncomfortable friends, engaging in different activities, standing up to bullies, hydrating when anxious, and expressing their feelings to teachers and parents. The support of parents is crucial in helping children manage negative emotions, underscoring the need for ongoing research in this area.
Research on marital conflict underscores the relationship between family dynamics and children’s emotional well-being.(Denham et al., 2002)found that marital anger and conflict contribute to emotional distress in children.(Salkind, 2004)discusses Bandura’s theory of imitation and modeling, suggesting that children often mimic the emotional expressions of their family members, which significantly influences their emotional development and management.
However, there are still gaps and controversies in understanding all the factors affecting children's emotional management. Current research often misses the subtle interplay between parenting styles, external factors, and children's emotional responses. The role of positive emotional support in children's emotional regulation remains underexplored. This study aims to fill these gaps by providing a comprehensive view of the factors affecting children’s emotional management, focusing on the role of parents.
This research delves into the
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