Learning to Parent, Growing Together: The Transformation of Ibu Munayah through BKB Classes
20 April 2026
Ibu Munayah (32), affectionately known as Inaq Amar, is a mother of two, with her youngest child being five years old. Having married at the very young age of 16 to her husband who was then 22, she began her journey into motherhood with very limited experience and knowledge of child-rearing. The turning point in her parenting journey arrived in mid-2025, when she began actively participating in the Bina Keluarga Balita (BKB) parenting classes established in her village.
Before joining these classes, Ibu Munayah raised her children based on intuition and the advice of her parents-in-law, as they lived in the same household. At the time, she trusted more in traditional health practices that related to myths than in medical health information. During her first pregnancy and while breastfeeding, she was afraid to consume nutritious foods such as eggs, seafood, and fruits due to local taboos. This lack of nutrition led to Chronic Energy Deficiency (KEK) for her, and her first child was born with a Low Birth Weight (BBLR). Nutrition was not prioritized, and her communication with her child was often harsh, frequently involving yelling even for small mistakes. Her only sources of information were the local Posyandu and the guidance of her family.
Driven by a deep desire to be a better parent, especially for her second child, Ibu Munayah committed herself to join all the BKB sessions. She found the lessons on parenting styles and Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) to be invaluable. The interactive teaching style of the facilitators made the material easy to grasp and apply directly at home. Since attending the classes, Ibu Munayah has experienced a profound personal shift. She has become more patient in her communication, carves out quality time for her children, ensures a “four-star” balanced nutritional menu, and sets firm limits on smartphone use. The impact is undeniable: the bond between parent and child has grown deeper, the children’s appetites have improved, and their growth has become more optimal. She clearly sees that her second child is developing much better than her first child did at the same age.
This positive change has been further bolstered by the support of her husband, Lalu Hartawan, who attended the BKB class for fathers only at the village office. According to Ibu Munayah, her husband’s participation led to visible changes in their household dynamics. The division of roles has become much more equitable; when Ibu Munayah is busy caring for the children, Pak Hartawan does not hesitate to help with chores like washing, sweeping, or feeding the children. Despite his demanding job as a construction worker, he makes a conscious effort to balance his time. On days when he has no call for work, he stays home to assist his wife and play with the children, and even on workdays, he dedicates his evenings to his family.
Ditulis oleh: Zamroni Rangga Putrawan│Editor: Annisa Hanifa│Foto: Plan Indonesia/Zamroni Rangga Putrawan
