parental communication

Parenting practices may shape young children's opportunities to develop English-speaking skills in bilingual family environments. This study aimed to explore parenting styles and parental communication practices in relation to children's English-speaking ability in four bilingual families in Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through online semi-structured interviews with parents, naturalistic observations of parent-child interactions, and children's English-speaking activities, including storytelling and picture description. The findings indicated that three families demonstrated characteristics of authoritative parenting, including emotional warmth, regular language activities, and active parental involvement. These practices were accompanied by children's reported willingness and confidence to speak English. In contrast, one family demonstrated a more permissive approach, with less structured language exposure and less active parental involvement. The findings also highlighted the role of responsive communication, shared educational media activities, and consistent opportunities to use English in everyday interactions. Given the small sample and qualitative design, the findings provide contextual insights rather than evidence of causal effects. This study highlights the potential importance of supportive parenting practices in creating opportunities for young children to use English in bilingual family settings.

The widespread availability of smartphones and internet access has made TikTok part of children’s everyday entertainment. This situation requires parents to guide children not only by limiting screen time but also through communication that helps children understand appropriate content and use. This study aims to describe and analyse parents’ interpersonal communication patterns in controlling TikTok use among children aged 7–12 years in Villa Gading Harapan 5 Housing Estate, Tambun Utara, Bekasi. The study used a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected from April to June 2026 through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation. Five parents were selected as key informants using purposive sampling, while two children participated as supporting informants. The data were analysed through data reduction, presentation, conclusion drawing, and technique triangulation. The findings show that parents apply the five elements of effective interpersonal communication proposed by Joseph A. DeVito: openness, empathy, supportiveness, positiveness, and equality. Supportiveness is the most visible element, expressed through advice about age-appropriate content, direct supervision, time limits, and diversion to other activities. Openness remains the most vulnerable element because one child tended to restrict parental access to digital activities. The study indicates that controlling TikTok use is more effective when rules are accompanied by warm dialogue, emotional understanding, and opportunities for children to express their views. Parents should therefore maintain consistent, non-judgmental conversations and make digital supervision part of daily family interaction.