Parents in Kiambu Sub-County have been urged to take proper care of their school-going children to ensure they achieve effective child development and growth.
Speaking in his office on Tuesday, Kiambu Sub-County Education Officer, Mr Harrison Muriuki said pupils especially those in kindergartens face a lot of challenges including physical, spiritual and psychological challenges which parents should solve to enable them develop academically as well as physically.
“Pupils especially those in nursery schools encounter many kinds of obstacles in their daily lives. Parents should ensure they solve these problems so that these minors attain appropriate development and growth,” said Muriuki.
He said parents should provide their children with basic needs, psychological support and acknowledge their rights.
The education officer pointed out that parents need to educate all their children and monitor their academic performance, adding that they should also ensure they develop a culture of reading in their children, especially during the holidays.
He warned parents against transferring children from one school to another, saying the habit will render the young ones confused.
“You cannot plant a seedling and before it even takes roots, you uproot it and plant it elsewhere. You will be damaging the plant,” said Muriuki.
He said that all teachers, both in private or public institutions have undergone similar training hence can offer related academic knowledge.
The officer urged adults to monitor their children’s mental growth, saying that a child who has not spoken by age three has a problem which needs urgent intervention.
He advised parents to observe their children's activities and friends to ensure they do the right things with the right associates.
Muruiki also advised parents to instil biblical knowledge in their children at a tender age, saying it facilitates disciplined upbringing.