BY NURIN PATRA & DAYANG MILLIANA
KUCHING: Children’s Day is more than just a celebration for Sarawak parents; it is a moment to reflect on love, patience, and the hopes they carry for their children.
Observed globally on Nov 20, World Children’s Day aims to raise awareness of children’s rights, promote their wellbeing, and highlight the importance of nurturing the next generation.
For parents, it is also an opportunity to pause and reflect on their role in shaping their children’s futures.
Father of two, Iswandi Jamain, 35, said becoming a parent helped him truly appreciate the sacrifices his own parents made.
“Only now, as a parent myself, do I fully understand the challenges my parents faced and the patience they invested in me from childhood to adulthood,” he told Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Nov 19).
Iswandi shared that parenting has taught him lessons in empathy and understanding that he never fully grasped as a child.
“Every decision a parent makes, every word of encouragement, every moment of guidance comes from love. I now see how much my parents shaped who I am today,” he said.
Looking to the future, he added, “I pray my child will grow up to be someone who brings goodness to our family, the community, our state, and ultimately our country. On this Children’s Day, may you grow with kindness, courage, and purpose — and may you always know how deeply you are loved.”
For Hanizah Hali, 54, Children’s Day is a reminder that learning goes beyond textbooks, and parenting is a journey of learning alongside one’s children.
“As my child continues the journey toward higher education, my greatest hope is that they grow not only through academic studies but also through activities and co-curricular experiences that make school life meaningful,” she said.
She explained that in today’s fast-paced world, children are constantly exposed to new technologies, information, and social influences, making it important for parents to stay involved and supportive.
“I am also learning new skills, from digital tools to AI technologies, so I can better guide my child and keep up with the changing world,” she said.
Spa owner Salbiah Baderi, 45, who was accompanied by her youngest child, 12-year-old Elya Shahzaara, said parenting today requires patience, openness, and adaptability.
“Back then, children were easier to guide; even a small scolding was enough for them to understand. Now, we find ourselves adapting, learning to follow our children’s pace and understand their world,” she said.
Salbiah, the mother of seven, added that many of the things they lacked while growing up are now opportunities they strive to provide for their children.
“We want them to have better opportunities, a brighter future, and a life filled with possibilities,” she said.
World Children’s Day serves as a global reminder that society plays a critical role in nurturing children.
Governments, educators, communities, and parents share the responsibility of providing safe, supportive, and enriching environments where children can grow.
The day highlights the need for access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm, and the opportunity to develop their talents and creativity.
In Sarawak, parents said they see Children’s Day not only as a celebration but also as a moment to reflect on their own parenting journey.
From teaching children moral values to preparing them for the challenges of modern life, the responsibility is both rewarding and demanding.
Many parents expressed gratitude for the lessons they have learned along the way, recognising that parenting is as much about growing themselves as it is about guiding their children.
“Every child is a reflection of their parents’ hopes and values.
“It is our duty to nurture them, protect them, and equip them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, not just for themselves but for the wider community,” Iswandi said.
As the world observes Children’s Day on Nov 20, Sarawak parents like Iswandi, Hanizah, and Salbiah hope the celebration serves as a reminder that children are the foundation of the future.
Their wellbeing, education, and happiness are essential not only for families but for society as a whole. It is a day to honour their potential, celebrate their individuality, and reaffirm the enduring love and guidance they deserve.
