Role of parents in the acquisition of social skills by preschoolers in Langata district, Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

The study set out to establish the role of parents in the acquisition of social skills by preschoolers in Langata district, Nairobi County. The study examined quality time and the acquisition of social skills by their preschoolers, the role of parents in providing materials suitable for acquisition of social skills by preschoolers, the role of space to facilitate acquisition of social skills, the effect of parenting styles on preschooler’s social development on preschool children in Langata District. The study established that parents encourage the acquisition of the social skills by preschoolers providing relevant materials for play with other peers around their home. They spared time to interact and play with their children. However, they were unable to allocate quality space for social learning they also played minimal role to ensure that children was modeled for desired socials skills. This has led to the parents failing to effectively provide their role to unfavorable parenting styles influencing negative acquisition of knowledge and social skills. In order to make preschoolers develop the right skills and knowledge for social skills, it was recommended that the government should review policy guiding pre- school education on provision of curriculum that cater for all the pre-school interests, developmental aspects and attitudes in all areas. Support parents by providing adequate materials to effect practical manipulation, avail resources at preschool to make learning enjoyable and relevant to instructions. It is also important that parents be made aware on the need for adequate relevant care that respect preschoolers child rights for effective provision of materials, time and allocation of adequate space to enable the child acquire desired social concepts and skills is also important that parents explore other factors which may affect the preschooler’s acquisition of social skills. This will largely reduce the demand for parents to keep their preschoolers indoor denying the chance to develop adequate social skills.