Challenges Confronting Adequate Parenting in the Contemporary Times: A Case of the Agĩkũyũ of Karũrĩ Catholic Parish

Abstract

Parenting has been a topical issue in contemporary society and has been linked to falling moral standards among the youth. Recent surveys reveal that parenting is producing youth who are involved in vices such as theft and violence. This present study examines challenges confronting adequate parenting in Karũrĩ Catholic Parish, Kĩambu County with the aim of overcoming them towards liberating the morally impoverished youth. The research is qualitative; the population comprises members of Karũrĩ Catholic Parish. A representative sample is obtained using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data, collected through questionnaires distributed to parents and youth, and semi-structured interviews 
conducted with elders, Church leaders and social workers, is thematically analysed. The study is enriched by a literature review on the effects of COVID-19 on adequate parenting. Adequate parenting is confronted by several challenges mainly associated with the breakdown of parenting structures in families, compounded by effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges call for interventions focusing on making the best use of contemporary family structures to avoid the incidence of dysfunctional families.