Integrated Parenting Management for Character Education in Islamic Boarding Schools: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Character education has become a global educational priority in response to increasing moral challenges among young people. In Indonesia, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) play a strategic role in fostering students' moral and spiritual development; however, empirical studies on systematic parenting management that integrates educational leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and Islamic values remain limited. This study aimed to examine the planning, organization, implementation, and supervision of integrated parenting management in supporting character education at Anharul Ulum Islamic Boarding School and to develop a value-based parenting management model applicable to similar institutions. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving kyai, teachers, students, parents, and community members selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, supported by triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing, and reflexive journaling to ensure trustworthiness. The findings identified three interrelated themes: (1) the creation of a conducive educational environment through systematic planning, (2) structured collaboration among pesantren leaders, families, and local communities in implementing parenting management, and (3) educator role modelling combined with educative discipline as the primary mechanism for internalizing character values. These themes were synthesized into an Integrated Parenting Management Model that combines the POAC management framework with the Islamic concept of tarbiyah to support sustainable character formation. The study demonstrates that integrated parenting management provides a comprehensive and culturally grounded framework for institutionalizing character education in Islamic boarding schools and offers practical guidance for strengthening value-based educational leadership in similar religious educational settings.