Influence of parental characteristics on pre-school children's moral development in Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the influence of parental characteristics on Pre-school children’s moral development in Nairobi County, Kenya. How does parents’ age influence pre-school children’s moral development? What is the influence of parents’ socio-economic status on pre-school children’s moral development? How do parents’ educational level influences pre-school children’s moral development? And what is the influence of parents’ family structure on preschool children’s moral development. The study employed a correlation research design consisting of all (15) pre-schools in the area under study, their administrators, teachers and parents. A sample of sixty (60) parents was obtained. Data was collected through Semi-structured questionnaires for the parents. Observation guides were used to complement questionnaires. Data was collected to answer questions in the four thematic areas; Parents’ age and pre-school children’s moral development, parents’ socio-economic status and pre-school children’s moral development, parents’ educational level and pre-school children’s moral development and parents’ family structure on pre-school children’s moral development. Data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and narrative techniques. From the analysis, the study revealed that parents’ socio-economic status influenced pre-school children’s moral development to a very great extent. This was followed by parents’ level of education, age and family structure which also influenced children’s moral development to some extent. The study recommended that bearing in mind the importance of parents’ role in ensuring their children’s morals, parents and the entire schools’ stakeholders also have a role to play in the promotion of children’s moral uprightness. It was also recommended that parents should keep track of their children’s movement as well as behaviour and correct immediately where necessary despite of the differences in their age bracket.