Yayasan Rumah Impian Indonesia (The Dream House Foundation), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi, successfully held a parenting workshop titled “Strengthening Parenting Without Violence: From Physical Punishment to Positive Discipline.” The event took place at Wisma Pojok Indah, Sleman, and brought together 15 parents from across the Yogyakarta region.
Background: Addressing Hidden Maltreatment
This workshop was organized in response to the ongoing prevalence of both visible and hidden forms of violence (maltreatment) in child-rearing practices. The goal was to equip parents with practical understanding and skills in positive discipline, creating a foundation for safe, comfortable homes that support children’s positive character development.
Interactive Sessions with Practical Skills
Facilitated by parenting practitioner Dr. Agnes Indar Etikawati, the workshop was highly interactive. It began with a reflection session where parents shared their hopes for their children, revealing a common desire to raise good individuals despite daily challenges.
The core material focused on recognizing and avoiding maltreatment, emphasizing that positive discipline aims to teach, not to punish. A key interactive session trained parents to reframe negative commands into positive guidance. For example, transforming “Stop playing with your phone!” into “You can play with your phone after you eat and change your clothes.”
Parents were also introduced to simple behavioral theory: paying attention to good behavior and ignoring (not emotionally punishing) minor misbehavior, allowing children to learn natural consequences.
Results and Positive Feedback
Despite a pre-test not being conducted due to time constraints, a post-test showed a marked increase in participants’ understanding of positive discipline concepts and hidden forms of violence. Participants could also provide examples of applying positive communication.
Attendance reached 71% of the initial target (15 of 21 parents), with absences mainly due to health and sudden family matters.
Key Takeaways and Future Steps
The workshop successfully created a safe learning space for parents to reflect on their parenting styles. A noticeable shift in perception occurred—from a focus on “punishment” to “teaching” as a method of discipline.
Recommendations for the future include:
- More intensive invitation and confirmation processes to boost participation.
- Establishing a follow-up online support group or a follow-up meeting within 2-3 months to monitor implementation and discuss challenges.
- Developing workshop materials into a simple take-home module for parents.
- Expanding similar workshops to other regions.
Yayasan Rumah Impian Indonesia believes that significant change begins at home. Loving, non-violent parenting helps children grow stronger, braver, and more hopeful.