In an era where discussions around mental health are gaining momentum, concerns about children’s emotional well-being have become increasingly pressing. Terms like “healing” are now commonplace, yet reports of anxiety disorders, depression, and behavioural challenges continue to rise. This raises an important question: Is today’s generation more vulnerable to mental health issues?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 2022, one in eight people globally experience mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. A recent survey conducted in Jakarta revealed that 34% of high school students exhibited signs of mental distress, with 23% reporting emotional difficulties such as excessive worry and persistent feelings of unhappiness (Jiwa Institute, 2024).
Modern pressures, from academic expectations to social media influence, have intensified the challenges faced by young people. With children growing up in an environment of heightened competition and digital exposure, how can parents equip them with the emotional resilience needed to navigate these complexities?
Addressing these concerns, the Redea Institute, which oversees the Sekolah HighScope Indonesia network, recently hosted a series of workshops aimed at guiding parents in supporting their children’s mental well-being. Leading the sessions was Dr Rebecca Branstetter, a psychologist from the University of California, Berkeley, and a recognised expert in child development and family mental health. Branstetter, who has authored 11 books, including The Everything Parent’s Guide to Executive Functioning and Small Habits Create Big Changes, offered parents practical strategies to foster emotional resilience in their children.
The first session, “The ABCs of Managing Emotional Meltdowns and Shutdowns (Yours and Your Child’s!)”, took place on 26 February 2025 via Zoom. Branstetter explored the complexities of emotional regulation, offering parents 26 actionable strategies to help both themselves and their children handle overwhelming emotions.
“Kids don’t know how to deal with their big feelings,” Branstetter explained. “When a child acts out or withdraws, it’s a sign they are in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Our job as parents is not to join the chaos but to bring in our calm.” The session provided guidance on recognising stress reactions, staying composed during emotional outbursts, and turning difficult moments into learning opportunities.
The second workshop, “Parents’ Guide to Boosting Attention and Motivation at Home”, held on 4 March 2025, focused on strategies to enhance children’s executive functioning skills. Here, Branstetter emphasised the importance of fostering independence and perseverance in learning.
“I will give you an executive functioning pro-tip,” she advised. “As parents, lend your frontal lobe to the child—don’t be the child’s frontal lobe. Involve them in decision-making, ask them questions, and encourage their autonomy rather than dictating every action.” During this session, parents were also introduced to practical techniques for improving their children’s concentration, overcoming procrastination, and building habits that promote long-term success.
The final session, “Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health and Safety Online”, took place on 12 March 2025. Branstetter provided evidence-based strategies for ensuring children’s safety in a world where screen time is an inevitable part of daily life.
“Technology is neither good nor bad—it’s a tool, and it depends on how you use it,” she explained. “A carpenter can create beautiful things with a hammer, but we wouldn’t hand a hammer to a toddler and hope for the best.” The session covered methods for setting screen-time boundaries, identifying warning signs of online risks, and fostering open conversations about digital well-being.
The workshop series was met with enthusiasm from parents eager to gain deeper insights into supporting their children’s mental health. Antarina S.F. Amir, Founder and CEO of HighScope Indonesia and Redea Institute, expressed her appreciation for the participants’ engagement. “We hope the knowledge shared in these sessions strengthens your role in your child’s development,” she stated. “As a community, we look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth together.”
Mental health remains a deeply crucial aspect in children’s development and growth. Initiatives such as these offer valuable guidance for parents to navigate the ever evolving challenges of raising emotionally resilient children.
