TAZA and Tentang Anak on Raising Whole-Brain Children: Nurturing Intelligence and Character, Side by Side
Recognizing that the choices we make today will shape the next generation, we presented a parenting workshop in collaboration with Tentang Anak as part of our solo exhibition, A Tale of Tomorrow. Led by dr. Mesty Ariotedjo, Sp.A, MPH, the session invited participants to reflect on parenting through a more holistic and conscious lens. The discussion emphasized the importance of balancing intelligence, character, and emotional regulation from the very beginning of a child’s life.
Through a whole-brain approach, parenting was understood as more than nurturing intellectual achievement alone. It also involves cultivating empathy, moral values, and emotional well-being. These foundations not only support academic growth, but also help children become more aware of their surroundings, think critically, and develop genuine care for others.
Because the Future Begins with How We Raise Our Children
During the approximately one-hour session, dr. Mesty explained that whole-brain development begins as early as pregnancy. Studies show that a mother’s ability to regulate her emotions during pregnancy is closely linked to a child’s temperament and character later in life. From around 26 weeks of gestation, a baby’s sense of hearing has already developed, allowing words, tone of voice, and surrounding emotions to shape the child’s emotional foundation.
As children grow into infancy and toddlerhood, balance between emotional development and cognitive growth becomes essential. Simple activities such as reading to children from an early age not only introduce values and positive behavior, but have also been shown to significantly support cognitive development. This is where parenting becomes a process of nurturing knowledge and character side by side, rather than prioritizing one over the other.
dr. Mesty also connected these ideas to the values found in the Qur'an Surah Luqman, which emphasize respect and good character as fundamental principles in life. These teachings encourage children to grow with awareness, wisdom, and thoughtful judgment, while keeping strong moral values at their core. In this way, good character strengthens a child’s ability to think critically and develop empathy.
When discussing emotional regulation, dr. Mesty highlighted that although genetic factors do play a role, environment and parenting practices have a significant influence. Several key elements were emphasized:
- First, the way parents manage their own emotions, build a sense of safety, and create closeness during the first two years of life greatly affects a child’s self-confidence. Children who feel secure and trusted are more likely to explore, develop healthy curiosity, and adapt more easily to new learning experiences.
- Second, other essential foundations include proper stimulation, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These three factors are closely connected and play a major role in shaping brain structure, emotional regulation, and behavior from an early age.
- Lastly, the role of technology in children’s lives was also discussed. Gadgets are not something that must be completely avoided, but they need to be used consciously and proportionally. The key is not only the duration of use, but also a child’s readiness, parental guidance, and the values behind how technology is introduced. With the right approach, technology can become a supportive tool rather than a distraction from healthy development.
Through this session, participants were encouraged to view parenting as a continuous journey of learning and adjustment. There is no single ideal formula, as every child grows with unique character, temperament, and needs. What matters most is a parent’s willingness to stay present, reflective, and willing to grow alongside their child.
In line with the spirit of A Tale of Tomorrow, the workshop served as a reminder that the future is not shaped by one major decision, but by the small choices we nurture every day. From the way we speak, respond to emotions, to the environment we create for our children. Because in the end, tomorrow’s story always begins with how we support them today.
