Shhh… Leo Ni Siku ya Mum Kupumzika!

Around 6 am, disturbingly audible lamentations of her subconscious could be heard outside the bedroom… “Daddy! Mum is snoring again.”, Boi whispered. They were both standing outside the bedroom trying hard not to laugh. “Mum is tired. She made us thirty chapos last night, you know. And your sister, Keni, was up till late watching…

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Akili Kids! In The Eyes Of A Teen

As a 15-year-old teenager who’s watched Akili Kids! since it began, I am proud to say I have developed a personalized opinion on the television network’s show options, education level, and engagement. I am ecstatic that such a channel is accessible to parents looking for healthy past-times for their children. Building these kinds of educational…

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Ni Yangu! Ni Yangu! Teaching Your Children To Share – Keeping Up With Boi

“Hii ni yangu! Wachana nayo! Wachana nayo! Aki wewe Sydo! Nitakusema kwa mummy!” Keni cried out as she held on tightly to her kiddie tablet.  “Ata mimi nataka kucheza nayo,” Sydo insisted. “Nyinyi wawili, kwani hamwezi share toys pamoja? We have to share!”Mama Boi said with a stern face. While this was happening, Baba Boi…

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Keeping Up with Boi: How Can Parents Discipline Their Children? Mama Majembe’s Story.

Animated African mom and kids

“Mama Boi! Kupotea nayo? Ata kutuma text pale WhatsApp surely!”, Mama Majembe jokingly asked as she sipped a hot cup of chamomile tea.  “Aki sikupenda kwangu. Lately, I have been so busy taking care of my family and managing my kiosk. Imekuwa kidogo hectic! Nonetheless, I am grateful for both,” Mama Boi replied with a sigh.  Mama Boi and her two friends, Mama Biko and Mama Majembe have been buddies since high school. They all got…

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5 Ways To Help Build Toto’s Confidence

African mother and daughter in a swimming pool

‘Parents need to fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can’t poke enough holes to drain it dry.’ Alvin Prince. I remember growing up, my mom always used to let me have conversations with her colleagues whenever we met, especially if it was based on something I strongly…

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How Can We Keep Our Children Safe As Schools Re-Open?

Three African girls walking in school uniforms

It’s a little over a year since the first covid-19 case was reported in our country. Within 13 months, a lot has changed. These unprecedented times have not only made life uncertain and challenging for adults, children have also been adversely affected.  While asking kiddos to frequently wash their hands, wear masks and social distance…

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What Does Consent Look Like For Children?

Mom and daughter

Have you ever tried taking a child from their parent’s arms or hugging your niece who’s grown so much since you last saw her and they blatantly refused? I wonder what you did next, did you go ahead and forcefully take them from their parent’s arms as they cried in protest or did you respect…

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Keeping Up with Boi: Mum Amechoka!

Individual cutting groceries

(Boi walks towards the kitchen to catch up with his mum after binging on his favourite shows from the Teke Teke Haiya Block. Do you remember Boi mentioning them?)  Mum, umeshindaje? Boi asked.  Nimeshinda poa, Boi. Why do you look concerned? I replied.  “You seem tired, especially because Keni was up all-night crying, and I could hear you ‘bembeleza’ her and now you’re washing the dishes. What time do you rest mama?”  Boi asked while holding my hands.  …

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Nywele Ngumu, Nywele Steelwool….

young African girl

‘Na hii nywele yako sasa tutaifanyia nini?’ my mum asked as she helped me pack in preparation for the new school year. It would be my first time to join a boarding school and her biggest concern was my hair! According to her it was too kinky and would be a challenge to maintain.  She…

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The Math Of Savings: Surviving ‘Njaanuary’

My last week of December was spent doing some last-minute Back to School shopping for my nephew ahead of schools re-opening in January. After a long day of running errands, my sister and I sat down to relax and chat. This in turn ended up being a long rant about how the month of January…

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