| dc.description.abstract | This study was motivated by the high number of stunted children found in the stunting locus, namely in Kelurahan Kahean and Sigulang gulang, Kecamatan Siantar Utara, Kota Pematangsiantar. This study also found indications of inadequate parenting in the aspects of nutrition and child health care. This condition is a serious concern because stunting not only affects children's physical growth, but also affects cognitive development and quality of life in the future. To understand this phenomenon in depth, the research used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through indepth interviews, observations, literature studies, and documentation, involving a total of 11 informants consisting of 2 key informants, 6 main informants, and 3 additional informants. The results revealed that 4 out of 6 parents with stunted children apply inadequate parenting, especially neglectful parenting which is the most dominant parenting pattern. Neglectful parenting is characterized by a lack of adequate supervision and attention to the provision of nutritious food and child health care. Parents who apply this parenting style tend to ignore children's nutritional and health needs consistently, thus increasing the risk of stunting. In addition, some parents also apply permissive parenting, which is characterized by allowing children to freely choose food without clear limits or regulations. As a result, children often consume non-nutritious foods and have irregular eating schedules. In addition to parenting factors, the limited socioeconomic conditions of families also exacerbate the risk of stunting. Parents' low level of knowledge about balanced nutrition and child health care increases the likelihood of stunting. This shows that economic and educational factors are the main obstacles in stunting prevention efforts in the Kecamatan Siantar Utara area. | en_US |
