Qualitative Descriptive Study Patterns Of Family Communication Between Children And Single Parents With The Social Attitude Of Children In Tanjung Mulia Village, Medan Deli District
Family Communication Patterns between Children and Single Parents: Qualitative Studies in Tanjung Mulia Village, Medan Deli District
Introduction
Family communication is a vital aspect of a child's social and emotional development. In a family with a single parent, the communication pattern can significantly impact the child's social attitude. This study aims to explore the patterns of family communication between children and single parents in Tanjung Mulia Village, Medan Deli District, North Sumatra. The study focuses on the characteristics of communication patterns carried out by single parents and their impact on the social attitudes of their children.
Background
Single parenting has become a common phenomenon in many societies, including Indonesia. According to the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the number of single-parent households in Indonesia has increased significantly over the past decade. This trend is expected to continue, making it essential to understand the challenges faced by single parents and their children.
Methodology
This study employed a qualitative research design, which involves in-depth data collection and analysis. The data were collected through interviews with eight single parents who live in Tanjung Mulia Village. The participants were selected based on their willingness to participate and their availability for interviews. The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured format, allowing the participants to share their experiences and perceptions about their communication patterns with their children.
Communication Pattern Analysis
The results of the study showed that each single parent had different characteristics of communication patterns. Two parents used permissive and authoritative communication patterns, while the rest applied other communication patterns that were more unconscious. Two parents used consensual patterns, which tend to create an open dialogical environment, while others applied laissez-faire and protective patterns in their daily lives.
Permissive communication patterns, where parents give full freedom to children in making decisions, often produce social attitudes that are less directed to children. On the other hand, the pattern of authoritative communication, which combines firmness and warmth, can help children develop better social attitudes, by encouraging them to understand the consequences of their actions.
Implications of Children's Social Attitudes
The pattern of communication applied by a single parent has a significant impact on children's social attitudes. Children who experience clear and open communication patterns tend to have a more positive attitude in social interaction. They can understand and appreciate differences of opinion, and learn to communicate effectively. Conversely, children from parents who apply poor communication patterns can experience difficulties in establishing healthy social relations.
Conclusion
This study provides an important insight into how the pattern of communication carried out by a single parent in Tanjung Mulia Village affects the social attitudes of their children. It was found that single parents need to be more aware of the types of communication patterns they use, as well as the impact that might have been on the social development of children. Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to provide education and support to single parents so that they can develop better communication patterns for children's welfare.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Education and Support: Single parents need to receive education and support to develop better communication patterns for their children's welfare.
- Awareness: Single parents need to be more aware of the types of communication patterns they use and their impact on the social development of their children.
- Program Development: Related parties, such as government agencies and non-governmental organizations, need to develop programs that support single parents in developing better communication patterns for their children's welfare.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- Small Sample Size: The study only involved eight single parents, which may not be representative of the larger population.
- Limited Generalizability: The study was conducted in a specific village in Medan Deli District, which may not be generalizable to other areas.
- Qualitative Design: The study employed a qualitative research design, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to:
- Increase Sample Size: Future studies should involve a larger sample size to increase the generalizability of the findings.
- Use Mixed Methods: Future studies should use mixed methods, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
- Explore Other Variables: Future studies should explore other variables that may impact the social attitudes of children, such as family income, education level, and social support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into how the pattern of communication carried out by a single parent in Tanjung Mulia Village affects the social attitudes of their children. The study highlights the need for single parents to develop better communication patterns for their children's welfare and recommends education and support programs for single parents. Future research should aim to increase the sample size, use mixed methods, and explore other variables that may impact the social attitudes of children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Family Communication Patterns between Children and Single Parents
Q: What is the importance of family communication patterns in a single-parent household?
A: Family communication patterns play a crucial role in a single-parent household as they can significantly impact the social attitudes and development of children. Effective communication can help children develop better social skills, emotional intelligence, and a positive attitude towards life.
Q: What are the different types of communication patterns used by single parents?
A: The study found that single parents use various communication patterns, including permissive, authoritative, consensual, laissez-faire, and protective patterns. Each of these patterns has a unique impact on the social attitudes of children.
Q: What is the permissive communication pattern, and how does it affect children?
A: The permissive communication pattern involves giving children full freedom to make decisions without setting boundaries or consequences. This pattern can lead to children developing a less directed social attitude, as they may not learn to take responsibility for their actions.
Q: What is the authoritative communication pattern, and how does it affect children?
A: The authoritative communication pattern involves combining firmness and warmth in communication. This pattern can help children develop a better social attitude, as they learn to understand the consequences of their actions and develop self-discipline.
Q: How can single parents develop better communication patterns for their children's welfare?
A: Single parents can develop better communication patterns by being more aware of their communication style, setting clear boundaries and consequences, and engaging in open and honest dialogue with their children.
Q: What are some recommendations for supporting single parents in developing better communication patterns?
A: Some recommendations for supporting single parents include providing education and training on effective communication, offering counseling and therapy services, and developing programs that promote healthy communication patterns.
Q: What are some limitations of this study, and how can future research address these limitations?
A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size and limited generalizability. Future research can address these limitations by increasing the sample size, using mixed methods, and exploring other variables that may impact the social attitudes of children.
Q: What are some future research directions for studying family communication patterns between children and single parents?
A: Future research directions include increasing the sample size, using mixed methods, and exploring other variables that may impact the social attitudes of children, such as family income, education level, and social support.
Q: How can this study contribute to the development of supporting programs for families led by single parents?
A: This study can contribute to the development of supporting programs for families led by single parents by providing insights into the importance of effective communication patterns and the impact of these patterns on children's social attitudes.
Q: What are some implications of this study for policymakers and practitioners working with single-parent families?
A: The study has implications for policymakers and practitioners working with single-parent families, as it highlights the need for education and support programs that promote healthy communication patterns and provide resources for single parents to develop better communication skills.
Q: How can this study be used to inform the development of policies and programs that support single-parent families?
A: This study can be used to inform the development of policies and programs that support single-parent families by providing insights into the importance of effective communication patterns and the impact of these patterns on children's social attitudes.