Through a mother's lens: exploring maternal knowledge and skill acquisition in the in-person sessions of the Naungan Kasih positive parenting intervention in Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are significant worries about inadequate parenting practices and the mistreatment of children, especially in low to middle-income areas where parents often do not have access to helpful resources. Many mothers encounter difficulties in promoting positive child development, resu...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118359/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/118359/1/118359.pdf |
| Summary: | In Malaysia, there are significant worries about inadequate parenting practices and the
mistreatment of children, especially in low to middle-income areas where parents often do not
have access to helpful resources. Many mothers encounter difficulties in promoting positive
child development, resulting in detrimental outcomes for children. The Naungan Kasih Positive
Parenting Intervention was designed to address these gaps by equipping mothers with essential
parenting skills and support. This pilot study investigates the experiences of 74 mothers who
participated in the program across Selangor and Putrajaya, Malaysia. A qualitative descriptive
approach was employed, collecting data one month post-intervention through three focus group
discussions (FGDs) and nine in-depth interviews, targeting mothers with varied programme
attendance levels. This approach enabled an understanding of how mothers incorporated
program content into their parenting practices and perceptions of child development.
The findings reveal that Naungan Kasih significantly impacted participating mothers, enhancing
their confidence in parenting and decision-making. Mothers expressed gratitude for the
knowledge and skills gained, noting that they felt more empowered and dedicated to their roles.
The program’s supportive environment encouraged mothers to share experiences, challenges,
and successes, fostering group learning and a sense of community. Many reported
improvements in parent-child interactions and positive changes in their children's behavior,
demonstrating the program's practical impact on family dynamics. Additionally, the study
identified potential barriers to the program’s success, such as resource allocation and program
duration, which are crucial for future implementation. The age-based weekly interventions were
particularly effective, allowing mothers to engage with content relevant to their child’s
developmental stage and share insights within the group.
In conclusion, the Naungan Kasih Positive Parenting Programme shows significant potential in
empowering mothers, fostering positive family relationships, and promoting healthier parenting
practices. While the program's in-person approach and content delivery were well-received,
considerations regarding program duration and resource availability should be addressed for
broader scalability and long-term sustainability. This study offers valuable insights into the
program’s effectiveness from a maternal perspective, highlighting its role in strengthening family
dynamics. |
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