Early Childhood Education: Manjujai as an Early Childhood Care Practice in Minangkabau

Background/purpose. This study investigates manjujai, a traditional Minangkabau parenting practice, as a culturally embedded method of early childhood care and education. The research aims to uncover the meaning and function of manjujai—specifically its role in transmitting cultural values, historical narratives, and emotional bonding between mothers and children. It responds to the need for culturally relevant parenting approaches within the Minangkabau society in Padang, West Sumatra. Materials/methods. The research employed a qualitative case in the working area of Puskesmas Belimbing, Kuranji District, Padang. Data collection techniques included participant observation, in-depth interviews with six mothers practicing manjujai, two supporting informants, and two key informants, as well as documentation and literature analysis. The researcher acted as a participant-as-observer, observing manjujai before, during, and after sessions. Results. Findings show that manjujai functions not only to strengthen mother-child bonding but also to transmit knowledge, cultural identity, and historical awareness. Mothers prepare for manjujai by revisiting ancestral narratives and engaging with elders, integrating tambo into the caregiving process. Children aged 4–6 are introduced to their identity as urang Minang through playful storytelling and singing (badendang), enhancing both emotional connection and cognitive development. Conclusion. Manjujai serves as an effective and culturally rich form of early childhood parenting within Minangkabau society. It not only strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child but also acts as a medium for transmitting local knowledge, oral traditions, and cultural identity. The findings suggest that manjujai contributes significantly to the cognitive and emotional development of children through familiar and meaningful storytelling practices, making it a valuable tradition to preserve and integrate into modern parenting approaches.