Bandung, October 10, 2026 — As part of its commitment to strengthening the partnership between school and family in supporting children's growth and development, DHIS Primary 2 Buahbatu held a parenting seminar entitled “Fatherhood Movement: Growing Together, Guiding with Love” on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the DHIS Primary 2 Buah Batu campus.
The seminar featured two distinguished speakers with expertise in psychology and family development: Dr. Irfan Fahmi, S.Psi., S.Th.I., M.Psi., Psychologist, Chairperson of HIMPSI West Java, and Elma Triyulianti, M.M., Psychologist, Senior Family Planning and Population Development Specialist at the West Java Provincial BKKBN Representative Office.
The event provided a meaningful opportunity for parents, particularly fathers, to reflect on their roles in parenting and discover ways to build stronger, more meaningful connections with their children.
Being Present: Helping Children Grow with Love
Through the theme “Growing Together, Guiding with Love,” the seminar encouraged fathers to recognize that parenting goes beyond providing for children's physical and material needs. It also involves emotional presence, warm communication, and consistent guidance throughout every stage of a child's development.
In his session, “The Evolution of Fatherhood in Parenting,” Dr. Irfan Fahmi invited participants to reflect on the evolving role of fathers in their children's lives. Being a father is not simply about being physically present at home; it also means being emotionally available, willing to listen, and actively involved in building a positive relationship with one's children.
Several key messages highlighted during the session included “Being Present: A Father Who Is There,” “Connect Before Correct,” “Guiding with Love,” and “Growing Together.” These principles emphasize the importance of building emotional connections before correcting behavior, guiding children with compassion, and growing alongside them throughout the parenting journey.
Meanwhile, Elma Triyulianti presented the Gerakan Ayah Teladan Indonesia (GATI), or the Indonesian Exemplary Fatherhood Movement. The initiative encourages fathers to take an active role in raising and supporting their children.
Through her presentation, participants gained a deeper understanding of how fathers contribute to shaping children into independent, responsible, optimistic individuals who are prepared to face future challenges.
Together, the two sessions highlighted that parenting is a shared journey requiring awareness, commitment, and active involvement. Both fathers and mothers play essential roles in creating a safe, supportive, and loving family environment where children can thrive.
Learning Through Experience: Parents and Children Growing Together
Beyond the educational sessions, the seminar featured interactive activities designed to strengthen cooperation between parents and children.
One of the highlights was a ball relay game, in which parents and children worked together to complete the challenge. The activity encouraged communication, coordination, teamwork, and trust while creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and laughter.
Through this simple yet meaningful game, participants experienced how parenting also requires patience, communication, and cooperation. The lessons reflected in the activity served as a reminder that everyday interactions can become valuable opportunities for parents to support their children's development and strengthen family bonds.
Tree of Us: Hope and Commitment
The seminar concluded with a heartfelt reflection activity titled “Tree of Us: Hope and Commitment.”
During this activity, children wrote down their hopes for their parents on leaf-shaped sticky notes, while parents wrote their personal commitments to their children. Each leaf was then placed on a special tree-themed banner, bringing together the hopes and promises of every participating family.
Each leaf represented a child's wish to be heard, understood, and loved, alongside a parent's determination to remain present, supportive, and committed to their child's growth.
As the leaves came together to form a tree, the display became a powerful symbol of family relationships that continue to grow through love, care, and shared commitment.
The activity reminded everyone that behind every growing child is a desire for connection, understanding, and affection. At the same time, every parent has the opportunity to learn, reflect, and become a better companion in their child's journey through life.
Building a Better Future Begins at Home
Through the “Fatherhood Movement: Growing Together, Guiding with Love” parenting seminar, DHIS Primary 2 Buahbatu hopes to inspire more parents to recognize that active involvement in parenting is one of the most valuable investments in a child's future.
The participation of fathers in this event marked a positive step toward fostering a more engaged, compassionate, and child-centered parenting culture. The seminar also reinforced the belief that character education does not take place only at school; it begins at home through meaningful relationships, daily interactions, and the example set by parents.
At DHIS, a strong partnership between school and family is essential to supporting children's holistic development. Through continued collaboration, children are encouraged to grow into confident, independent, and responsible individuals who develop strong character and healthy relationships with others.
Because being a father is not just about raising a child. It is about being present, listening, guiding with love, and growing together.
Growing Together, Guiding with Love — because every child deserves a father who is present, engaged, and willing to grow together.
