I recently engaged in a phone conversation with an elderly relative, during which he inquired about the names designated to the age-sets within my indigenous community.
I responded by mentioning my limited focus on traditional customs, noting the prevalent trend of seeking information through platforms like ‘Google’. Subsequently, I conducted a search on age-set details and found the relevant information.
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant transformation in culture alongside a shift in parental roles. As caregivers, it is imperative to adapt and cater to the evolving needs of children in alignment with changing cultural norms across generations.
Historically, children were nurtured by a ‘responsible community’ that offered comprehensive emotional and social backing. Presently, children are immersed in a vast online community where they encounter a myriad of information, some of which may adversely impact their psychosocial growth. Consequently, the emphasis on supporting a child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and social welfare has become more pronounced.
The erstwhile role of the ‘responsible community’ in child-rearing now predominantly falls upon schools and parents. They bear the weighty task of ensuring a child matures into a well-rounded individual amidst a global community that may not consistently prioritize the child’s best interests.
In the past, parents served as the primary source of educational content for children. Nowadays, anyone with access to internet-enabled devices can potentially influence a child’s learning experience.
Individuals exhibiting behaviors cautioned against by our parents can now engage with our children remotely. Undoubtedly, the necessity for parents to actively participate in their child’s digital interactions cannot be overstated.
Fostering the necessary spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and social development of a child demands significant parental effort. Establishing and nurturing a bond with the child through regular intentional interactions and open dialogues is pivotal to their cognitive and social progress.
In Kenya, the significance of cognitive development is enshrined in Section 53 of the Constitution, guaranteeing every child the right to free primary education. Parents are mandated to facilitate their child’s education either through formal schooling or homeschooling.
Recent years have seen an escalation in parental involvement in their children’s education, extending beyond mere enrollment to assisting with homework, engaging with teachers on progress, and attending academic sessions to motivate the child. Research underscores the positive impact of such support on academic performance and overall well-being.
Furthermore, creating an environment conducive to a child’s social development is crucial. Children learn societal norms, kindness, sharing, empathy, and relationship-building skills through interactions with peers.
Encouraging social interactions aids in developing problem-solving abilities, self-regulation, empathy, and reduces negative behaviors like bullying. Excessive engagement with video games and distractions can impede psychosocial growth and potentially lead to psychological issues over time.
Parents and educators play pivotal roles in nurturing social-emotional development, providing reliable relationships for children. Home-schooling parents must ensure opportunities for their children to interact with peers to foster healthy relationships and emotional exploration.
Positive social and emotional engagements contribute significantly to a child’s self-esteem, ability to form meaningful connections, and sense of value within their community.
Despite the demands on modern-day parents, prioritizing quality interactions with their children is essential. Acknowledging and supporting children’s accomplishments and skills boosts their confidence. Research confirms that parental presence and involvement are fundamental in cultivating a well-rounded child.