CHARACTER FORMATION OF CHILDREN THROUGH COUNSELING AT THE MUTIARA RUMAH GADANG FOUNDATION

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the role of family care in children's character building in Gantiang Village, Padang City, focusing on addressing parenting issues and the development of children’s character. Method: This research is a community service project using an extension method (workshop), conducted over two days on September 16-17, 2023. It involved 45 parents and students from TPQ Rumah Gadang through lectures, discussions, brainstorming, and presentations. Results:
The results showed that children were enthusiastic about the activities and understood the importance of proper knowledge and parental care. The workshop also revealed challenges faced by children, such as gadget addiction, refusal to heed advice, and neglect of duties. This led to the successful design of the Child Family Care program, scheduled for November 2023. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in its approach to involving both parents and children in a community-driven initiative aimed at improving family care practices. The Child Family Care program serves as a model for increasing parental knowledge and skills to support children’s growth and character development, particularly for ages 7-12 years. The implementation of these findings is expected to influence other communities in fostering children's character through family coaching.