Modern Parenting Shifts Perspective on the Role of Fathers
The role of fathers in child-rearing is gaining increasing attention as parenting patterns in modern families shift. Fathers are no longer viewed solely as breadwinners, but also as parties involved in making important decisions for their children’s growth and development, including fulfilling nutritional needs.
This issue emerged at the launch of AceKid in Jakarta on Sunday (7/6), which also introduced Denny Sumargo and Chef Arnold Poernomo as brand ambassadors. The presence of these two male public figures was used to convey the message about the importance of fathers’ involvement in contemporary family parenting styles.
Feihe Overseas Department General Manager, Lee Meng Thong, said that the division of roles in families is now undergoing changes compared to previous generations’ parenting patterns. “In the past, the father’s role was solely to earn money and the mother’s responsibility was to raise the children and take care of the house. However, modern parenting blurs the roles of fathers and mothers in raising their children,” said Thong in the Thamrin area, Jakarta, Sunday (7/6/2026).
According to him, fathers’ involvement in parenting is visible not only in daily activities with children, but also in decisions relating to health and nutrition. In the context of modern families, the decision to choose a child’s intake ideally should no longer be the mother’s burden alone, but rather discussed together by both parents.
Similar views were also expressed by Denny Sumargo and Chef Arnold. Both believe that fathers have an important role to play in being more actively present during their children’s developmental phases. Denny, known for often inserting humour on various occasions, touched upon a father’s responsibility in meeting children’s needs. But beyond the jokes, he emphasised that a father’s involvement should not stop at the family’s economic affairs.
Meanwhile, the launch of the children’s nutritional product took place amid rising public attention to the quality of children’s intake. Besides the issue of stunting, children’s health in Indonesia still faces various other challenges, including the risk of obesity and dental health problems.
Founder and CEO of Feihe International, Leng Youbin, said Indonesia is one of the countries considered important for the company’s development. He stated that the company wants to present products with an emphasis on transparency of composition and raw material sources. “Through AceKid, we want to present a children’s nutrition choice that not only prioritises product quality, but also transparency of composition, raw material sources, and responsible education for Indonesian families,” said Leng Youbin.
In its statement, the company said AceKid uses natural whole milk as the main ingredient with a one-step fresh processing system. The company also claims its product uses no added sucrose, maltodextrin, corn syrup, or synthetic flavourings.
However, health experts reminded that parents still need to carefully read and understand product compositions before making nutritional choices for their children. Professor of Child Health Sciences at the University of Indonesia, Rini Sekartini, said understanding labels and compositions is an important part of responsible decision-making. “By understanding the composition more thoroughly, parents can choose children’s nutrition products more appropriately and responsibly,” said Rini.
On the other hand, the launch of formula milk products must still be placed within the framework of proportional nutritional education. The company stated it continues to support exclusive breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for infants in early life.
Thus, the issue emerging from this launch is not only related to the arrival of a new product on the market, but also reflects a shift in perspective on the role of fathers in the family. Amid the demands of modern parenting, fathers are increasingly encouraged to be present as equal partners in parenting, including when families make decisions regarding children’s health and nutrition.