Schools across the country have officially closed for the third term, ushering in a long 11-week holiday that will see learners remain at home as candidates sit for their national examinations.
National examinations for Grade 6, Grade 9 and the form-four learners will be conducted from October 27 through to end of November, 2025 before ushering in the festive season.
The holiday also coincides with the traditional initiation season, which has already gained momentum in central Kenya with posters appearing all over inviting parents to enrol their boys in initiation camps.
For many families, the extended break comes with mixed feelings: excitement and also anxiety over how to keep children engaged and at the same time disciplined throughout the holiday.
Lucy Wambui, a parent from Kenol town, said the long holiday is welcome but added that it requires a lot of planning.
“I have two teenagers and a younger one in primary school. It’s a long time to have them at home, so I’ve planned activities for them which include helping at the shop and reading,” she said, adding, “I also hope that our church will organise some youth programmes which they will attend and stay more engaged and grounded; it is not easy bringing up teenagers in this digital era.”
Another parent, Samuel Gathogo, a fruit vendor, said the economic challenges this year make it harder to meet children’s needs during the break.
“When schools close, food consumption goes up, and children also want entertainment and new clothes as the festive season approaches,” he said.
“We already feel strained and hard pressed and now we have to stay home with them for more than two months so we must plan carefully and engage in more activities to generate income.”
Albert Nduati, a father of three from Kangari, said keeping children engaged is the best way to maintain discipline and family harmony.
“Parents can find productive activities for the kids to do to keep them busy.”
“We also need to spend time with our children to understand them better so that we will know their strengths and weaknesses and support their development,” he said.
Parenting experts are urging parents to use the holiday as a period to reconnect and mentor their children rather than leaving them idle or unsupervised.
Kenol-based Counselling Psychologist, Purity Gachukia noted that while the long break is an opportunity for bonding, it can also expose children to social vices if not managed well.
She noted that any sudden change in behaviour in a child ought to alarm a parent, as that is the only way to detect any mental health issues that ultimately impact the social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being of a child and those around him or her.
“We have heard cases of suicides in colleges and universities, meaning the young people are going through challenges that can only be brought to light and tackled by first identifying the root cause,” she noted, adding that, “Despite the busy daily schedules, try to spend quality time with your children during this schools’ break.”
“This is the time for families to rebuild relationships,” she said. “Talk to your children, involve them in chores, and teach them practical life skills. A child who feels understood and valued is less likely to seek validation from peers or engage in risky behaviour.”
Gachukia observes that a parent should get concerned if a child who was previously active and upbeat suddenly becomes withdrawn and lacks energy and enthusiasm for the activities that would previously interest them.
“Create a rapport with them by ensuring your presence and home environment is a safe haven where they can open up without judgement, as some may have gone through an unpleasant incident in school that will damage their self-esteem if not dealt with early,” she noted.
For the younger school-going children, the psychologist warns parents against overburdening them by giving them adult responsibilities.
“Let the children be children; let them play with their peers but ensure their safety, just give them enough room to explore their childhood,” she warns.
By Florence Kinyua
