Influence of slum working mothers on social emotional and behavioural skills of preschoolers: A survey of Riruta zone, Dagoreti district Nairobi County
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of slum working mothers on
preschoolers' social emotional skills development in Riruta zone, Dagoretti District,
Nairobi County, Kenya. It was found necessary to undertake the study as its finding
would provide useful insight as to why preschoolers should acquire social and
emotional skills early in life. The study was guided by three objectives: To assess
the influence of mothers' social economic status, mothers' working conditions and
mothers 'emotional well being on the development of preschoolers' social emotional
and behavioural skills. The findings would be used in strengthening mother- child
relationship as well as sensitizing other stakeholders for healthy social emotional
development of preschoolers. Literature review exposed what other scholars and
researchers had found out about the role mothers play in fostering social emotional
skills in their preschool children. Theoretical framework was largely drawn from the
work of Erik Erikson (1982) on social development. The study adopted the survey
design of research. The target population was drawn from Dagoretti District in
Nairobi County. The sample comprised of 10 teachers, 60 mothers and their
preschool children from five public preschools. Questionnaire was used to capture
information from teachers. Interview guide was used to capture information from the
mothers. Separate interview guide was used to gather information from the
preschoolers. A pilot study was conducted to clarify instrument validity. For
reliability Chronbach's Alpha was conducted. Data collected was analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and descriptively around the research
objectives. The findings revealed that the unsupervised preschoolers of the slum
working mothers did not develop appropriate social emotional and behavioural
skills. They had low self-esteem and solved problems through aggression and were
rejected by others most of the time. The study recommended that mothers should be
sensitized on the importance of helping the preschoolers develop appropriate social
emotional skills through interacting effectively with them by devoting time. They
should partner with teachers and other stakeholders to bring up a whole child. The
study recommended further study on effects of social emotional skills on transition
to standard one, school characteristic on social emotional skills development and that
the current study be carried in none slum area.
Key words: Social Emotional skills, Self-esteem, Pro-social behaviour ,Selfregulation
preschoolers and Slum Working Mothers.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
MED
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5962]