<![CDATA[Toddlers are in the golden age of development and require intensive attention from both parents, particularly their mothers, to ensure optimal psychological growth. However, some mothers choose to become Indonesian Migrant Workers (IMWs) to improve their family’s economic condition, resulting in caregiving responsibilities being transferred to other family members or caregivers. This study aims to explore the role of caregivers in fulfilling the psychological needs of toddlers whose mothers work as Indonesian Migrant Workers. A qualitative case study approach was employed using in-depth interviews and observations. The participants consisted of three caregivers of toddlers whose mothers were Indonesian Migrant Workers, residing in Kesamben Sub-district, Blitar City. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns related to the fulfillment of toddlers’ psychological needs. The findings indicate that caregivers play a crucial role in providing emotional support, affection, attention, security, and daily care that contribute to toddlers’ psychological well-being. The quality of caregiver-child interactions significantly influences the fulfillment of these psychological needs despite the absence of the biological mother. The study concludes that caregivers have an essential role in supporting toddlers’ psychological development when mothers work abroad and highlights the importance of ensuring adequate caregiving to maintain children’s emotional and developmental well-being.]]>
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