Psychologist Reminds Parents of the Importance of the 'Art of Listening' for Their Children in the Modern Era

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Parents’ communication abilities are considered to require ongoing training. According to Theresia Novi Poespita Candra, S.Psi., M.Si, Ph.D., a psychologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology at Gadjah Mada University, this is beneficial for building healthy relationships with children amid the challenges of the digital era today.

According to Novi, many parents are aware of communication issues but do not have them because they are not used to listening or engaging in deep dialogue with others. ‘If we are invited to talk for a long time or listen to others for a long time, do we get bored? That actually could be a measure,’ Novi said on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

She said that the current communication habits in society tend to be short, fast, and focused on practical needs, so the ability to listen gradually weakens. In fact, she said, children need parents who are able to be present and listen to their stories with full attention.

‘Children do not need their hearts to be broken all the time. They need to be listened to,’ she said.

Novi assessed that many parents are too quick to give advice or instructions rather than opening space for dialogue with their children. According to her, such a pattern of communication can make children reluctant to open up because they feel they do not truly understand.

‘Don’t be quick to advise because that makes the space unsafe at home,’ she said. She explained that the ability to communicate and listen can actually be cultivated further, including by adults.