In celebration of World Mental Health Day this month, Trehaus School Jakarta, the first-of-its-kind preschool in Jakarta offering project and play-based early education built on the research-backed Trehaus Method pedagogy, hosted an impactful panel discussion today titled "Nurturing Young Minds: Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in the Early Years." This exclusive event brought together leading experts in child development and education to address the critical role of mental and emotional well-being during early childhood. The discussion emphasised the importance of fostering resilience, empathy, and self-esteem in young children, focusing on practical strategies to support their mental and emotional growth.
Moderated by Marissa Nasution, Research Psychologist, Counsellor, and Coach, the panel featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Elaine Kim, CEO & Co-Founder of Trehaus; Anastasia Satriyo, Child Psychologist, Author, and Certified Therapeutic Play Practitioner; and Sabrina Tan, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Trehaus School Jakarta. Together, they explored how parents, educators, and caregivers can create nurturing environments that promote children’s holistic development.
Dr. Elaine Kim, CEO & Co-Founder of Trehaus, said, “The early years lay the foundation for a child’s entire future. At Trehaus School Jakarta, we are committed to nurturing not just academic potential, but the emotional and mental well-being of each child. By cultivating resilience, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self, we empower children to become confident, compassionate individuals ready to face the complexities of the world. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where every child is equipped to flourish and lead with purpose.”
The event highlighted the growing recognition among parents in Indonesia of the importance of holistic early education. Trehaus School Jakarta’s child-led, play-based curriculum is designed to meet the needs of modern families by fostering emotional, social, and cognitive development through evidence-based pedagogies.
Anastasia Satriyo, Child Psychologist and Certified Play Therapist said, “A study combining data from Susenas (National Socioeconomic Survey) and Riskesdas (Basic Health Research) reveals that many Indonesian children aged 36-59 months are falling behind in essential developmental milestones, including literacy, physical abilities, social-emotional skills, and learning capacity. This highlights the urgent need for focused mental health interventions during early childhood.” She further emphasised, “The early years are critical for fostering emotional regulation, secure attachments, and resilience. It is vital for parents to understand age-specific parenting strategies, as these help cultivate healthy emotional connections and experiences, laying the foundation for strong brain development and mental health in children.”
Sabrina Tan, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Trehaus School Jakarta, said, “At Trehaus School Jakarta, we deeply value the partnership between educators and parents, recognizing that this collaboration is essential for a child’s emotional growth. Our approach ensures that every child receives the individualised care and attention they need to feel secure, understood, and empowered. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, we allow children to explore their emotions, express themselves openly, and develop at a pace that honours their unique journey.”
The panel event concluded with an engaging audience Q&A session and a delightful afternoon tea. Attendees left with practical insights and helpful resources to support their efforts in fostering their children’s mental and emotional well-being.
For more information on Trehaus School Jakarta, please visit: www.trehaus.co/schools/jakarta
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