POLA ASUH GRANDPARENTAL DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER ANAK YANG DITINGGALKAN ORANG TUA MERANTAU

Abstract

This study aims to describe grandparental parenting patterns in shaping the character of children whose parents migrate for work and to analyze their impacts on child development. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving Ahmad (grandfather), Mahmulah (grandmother), their granddaughter Zahra, as well as supporting informants such as classroom and religious teachers in Argosuko Wangkal Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency. The findings reveal that the applied grandparental parenting patterns were a combination of styles: authoritarian in the religious and discipline aspects, democratic in academic learning, and permissive in affection and protection. These parenting practices had positive impacts, such as fostering religious obedience, moral discipline, and respect for elders. However, they also produced negative outcomes, including low self-confidence, dependency, and limited social skills. Several factors influenced the applied parenting styles, namely the grandparents’ age, socio-economic conditions, emotional attachment, and communication with the migrant parents. This study highlights that grandparental parenting is a complex social phenomenon requiring collaborative support from parents, schools, and communities to optimize children’s development, both in religious values and social independence.

Keywords: grandparental parenting, child character, migrant parents, independence, family education.