School holidays bring fresh challenges for parents

As schools close for the April holiday, many parents across the country are grappling with the challenge of keeping their children engaged, safe, and productive at home amid the rising cost of living.

While school breaks are meant to provide time for rest and family bonding, the reality for many households is that holidays often bring additional financial pressure and parenting challenges.

News of popular gaming apps being banned in other countries is worrying; the rise in social media addiction cases is troubling. Equally stressful for modern-day parents is the internet and the myriad challenges and opportunities it offers.

Whereas the cost of living has been touted as a parent's number one stressor, technology is becoming a huge source of pressure in many households.

From increased food budgets to concerns about children staying idle or getting into trouble, parents say the festive break can be both joyful and stressful.

According to Peter Kamau, education experts say the holiday period, if well utilised, can help children recharge while also growing academically and personally.

He noted that the holiday period offers an ideal opportunity to identify and nurture children’s talents through activities.

“We have held the Nairobi Mini Games, bringing together several students and seen a big difference. The quality of performance has gone high, especially among the competitors,” said Kamau.

Kamau said a diverse range of disciplines, including soccer, swimming, taekwondo, basketball, robotics, coding, aviation, and modern dance, inspire discipline, innovation, and teamwork among children.

“We have improved in accommodating more events, bringing on board sciences, coding, robotics, arts and aviation. The children are innovative and creative. The purpose is to give everybody a chance by working with the present to shape the future,” he said.

The competition has also embraced inclusivity by allowing children with special needs to compete alongside their peers.

“When a child does well in sports, they also improve in academics, social growth and wellbeing. Sports teach respect, excellence and friendship,” Kamau said.

“Productive holiday activities include learning new skills, reading, volunteering, engaging in sports, and spending quality time with family.”

However, with the current economic hardships, many parents say providing such opportunities has become increasingly difficult.

According to Silas Obuhatsa, parents should make deliberate efforts to keep their children engaged during the long break to support their personal growth and safety.

“Parents must ensure that their children are productively engaged during the holidays. This helps them develop new skills and keeps them away from risky behaviours,” he said.

Obuhatsa, however, noted that many parents in informal settlements and marginalised communities struggle to afford extra activities that could keep children meaningfully occupied during the holidays.

“The reality is that many families are already struggling with basic needs, so additional holiday activities become a luxury,” he added.

For some parents, the easiest option is to send their children to rural homes to stay with grandparents, where the cost of living is lower and there is more space for outdoor activities.

Margaret Waweru, a mother of two, said the high cost of living in the city has forced her to send her children to the village during the holidays.

“I will have to send my two children to stay with my parents because things there are cheaper. Although I won’t be able to stay with them, I will visit them every weekend,” she said.

Other parents say the holidays provide a rare opportunity to reconnect with their children, especially those in boarding schools.

Peter Kieni and his wife, Margaret Wanjiru, who have three children, say they are looking forward to spending time together as a family.

“As parents, we have been busy with work most of the year and our three children are in boarding school. We are glad to spend these few weeks with them and will take this opportunity to go on holiday together,” Kieni said.

Harisson Mulei, a father of two from Makueni, said managing children at home for long periods can prove challenging.

“It is barely a day and I have already solved three petty cases involving my children. It is tricky since children get into trouble when left idle,” he lamented.

Education expert David Weru says holidays should be viewed as an opportunity for students to explore interests beyond the classroom.

“Students can use this time to learn new skills such as cooking, photography, coding, or playing a musical instrument. They can also read widely, volunteer in community activities, or participate in mentorship camps,” Weru said.

He said the initiative, now in its sixth year in Nairobi, is part of a broader regional programme spanning Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

He added that physical activities such as swimming, cycling, and sports are also important for children’s mental and physical well-being.

“Children should also rest and recharge. Holidays are meant to balance learning, relaxation, and personal development,” he explained.

Parents and education stakeholders are also encouraging participation in sports and talent programmes as a way of nurturing discipline and creativity among learners.

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Willie Kuria urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives during the holidays.

“I know many working parents are busy, but I challenge all of us to create time for our children. The holiday is long and parents should use that time to nurture talents and other skills instead of letting the children stay idle,” he said.

He added that parents should closely monitor their children’s social interactions to protect them from exposure to drugs and other harmful behaviours.

“With proper planning and parental guidance, the holiday period can become a valuable time for learning, creativity, and family bonding, ensuring children return to school refreshed, motivated, and ready for the next academic term,” he said.