Learning Parenting in the Digital Era, Himaiko of IPB Features Mona Ratuliu

The role of science related to family and childcare is increasingly important in the process of human resource development. The Family and Consumer Sciences Student Association (Himaiko) of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) successfully held a Family and Consumer Science National Competition and Symposium (Fantasy). This series of essay and scientific writing competitions in the family field was held at the Dramaga Campus of IPB, Bogor (18-20/10).

With the theme of "Smart Era-Smart Family, Present Family Adaptation for Better Families", the main seminar presented Mona Ratuliu and Indra Brasco (Author of the book "ParenThink"), Prof. Euis Sunarti (Professor of Family Resilience, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB) and Sudaryatmo, SH (Daily Executive of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation). The seminar was attended by approximately 120 participants from various universities in Indonesia.

Alfiasari, S.P, M.Si as the Secretary of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (IKK) of IPB in her speech conveyed the importance of studying family-related knowledge. "Considering the importance of this knowledge, in this digital era it is not enough to only learn in the formal sphere, but we are also required to participate in other activities that will provide broad insights and knowledge such joining this Fantasy," she said.

According to her, with the rapid development of technology in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, are the people ready to deal with these changes?

"We all need to be able to adapt. Technology also comes with its benefits, namely by bringing the relationship among family members closer, such as children who are studying abroad, husbands who are working out of town. The family relationships remain harmonious because they always communicate via video calls. Warmth in the family can still be created because of technology," said Prof. Euis who is also the founder of the Indonesian Family Activists (Giga).

In the consumer aspect, Sudaryatmo explained the fact that the Indonesian Consumer Empowerment Index was low in 2015. That was only about 34.17 percent at the level of understanding. Indonesia's consumer complaints behavior was also very low at only around 4.1 percent compared to South Korea which had reached 64 percent. In addition, there are still many consumer problems in Indonesia, in which one of them is piracy of consumers' personal data online.

"Regarding the low data of Indonesian consumers, we all as consumers must be a smart consumer with more careful and not hesitating to put forward a complaint," he said.

Mona Ratuliu and Indra Brasco during the children's material session of talk show explained lightly that parents must understand the characters of the generation in which the children are born and grow. Millennial generation is not better than generation X and generation Z is also not better than millennial generation. Each generation has its own strengths and unique characteristics.

"Parents must understand this so as they do not assume that the influence of technology affects the children negatively," said Mona.

Mona also advised that parents in the digital era must be brave to be consistent. When children are introduced to limit themselves to gadgets since early stage, then the interaction with the gadgets must be maintained. Because once a parent is inconsistent, the children will confuse about which rules they should follow.

Indra said, the most important thing to be taught to children since childhood is 'ability to fight'. "Stimulus to grow and develop for the generation of children in the digital era must also be more diverse, because the challenges ahead will be more difficult. They needs to be equipped with a variety of knowledge that are useful for their lives, so that children can adapt well in times of rapid change," he said.

Meanwhile, Wulan, as Chairperson of the Executives hoped that in the coming years, this kind of activity will continue to be held so that the knowledge of the family field can be known more by the community.

Fantasy was participated not only by the students, but also by mothers who want to learn ideal care for their families. (FI/ZSP/Zul)