Have you ever lied awake at night, terrified your kids would drop out of school and end up working in the fields like other children in your village?
Eva, a loving mom in Indonesia, constantly worried her little ones would become child laborers. And she didn’t know how to help them.
Fearful and frustrated, she struggled to control her emotions with her three children: 10-year-old Ebenezer, 8-year-old Sammy (pictured above), and 4-year-old Cassia.
But after joining our parenting workshops, which run thanks to generous people like you, everything changed. Eva learned to raise her children with patience and joy – and big dreams for their future.
A loving mom, fearful for her children’s futures
Like all parents, Eva wanted the best for her children. But she wasn’t sure how to guide them.
“I restricted my children from playing outside. I was afraid they would be influenced by unfavorable friendships,” says Eva.
“Many children in our neighborhood work to earn money without prioritizing education, and their parents allow it.
“This made me feel uneasy. I used to get angry quickly. And I made decisions without considering what my children wanted.”
“You can imagine what happened when I discovered that my child had been working in someone else’s field without my permission.”
Unlocking the power of positive parenting
Your love was there, ready to come alongside moms like Eva who day in and day out, are giving their all.
Because people like you cared, Eva was able to join our parenting workshops with her young toddler, Cassia. She learned how to support her early education and connect with her children.
“I learned about effective parenting for toddlers. I learned that education begins at home. I gained insights into games that can boost child development,” says Eva.
She also learned how to support her older children’s education. “I learned the importance of walking alongside them in their learning journey,” she says.
Eva started reading with her kids, asking about their school day, helping them with their homework, and encouraging their ideas.
Most of all, Eva says she learned the power of patience.
“I have experienced remarkable changes. One significant impact is my improved emotional control, preventing my anger from erupting as easily.
“When I feel emotions rising, I remember the training. I understand I can’t impose my will on my children, as each child requires a different approach to parenting.”
“I’m now more patient and less prone to anger. I’ve developed the ability to discern when to be firm with my children and when to tolerate their behavior.
Renewed strength, hope, and joy
Eva no longer fears letting her children play with others or that they will drop out of school and go to work. She trusts the values she’s instilling at home.
She is confidently nurturing their education and supporting them to reach for their dreams.
And now, her children love learning!
Eva’s most excited about the change in her son Sammy. “Before, he was unable to read at all, but now Sammy reads fluently,” she says.
“The changes I’ve experienced make me feel happier and mentally healthier.
“My hope is that my children can make me proud, succeed in their education, and eventually work in line with their interests and abilities.
“It’s not just for my own children; I also hope that all children in our community will succeed in their education.”
Eva is now encouraging other parents in her community to prioritize their children’s learning, because she’s seen the power of change at home.
Thank you so much — “Terima kasih banyak”— for helping to change the lives of both Eva and her children in Indonesia!
