Assessment of the effects of family and peer relationships on child wellbeing

A Deep Dive into the Nkoroi Community and the Role of Family, Friends, and Faith

What does it truly mean for a child to be well? It’s a question that goes far beyond just physical health. A child’s well-being is a complex tapestry woven from emotional, mental, and social threads. This comprehensive view, championed by organizations like UNICEF, includes a child’s health and safety, education, and most importantly, their family and peer relationships. A recent in-depth study conducted within the community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish in Nkoroi, Kenya, assessed these relationships and discovered their profound impact on a child’s development.

Anchored in theories that explore how acceptance and rejection shape us (Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory) and how great leaders can inspire change (Transformational Leadership Theory), this research sought to understand a few key things:

• How has the Kenyan government’s policies, or lack thereof, impacted family and peer relationships?
• What specific factors influence these crucial relationships?
• What measures is the local church community taking to foster healthy connections?

The findings offer powerful insights into what works—and what needs to change—to ensure every child can thrive.

Government Policies: A Tale of Promises and Gaps

Kenya has made significant strides in legally protecting children. The 2010 Constitution and the updated Children Act 2022 are robust legal frameworks that aim to secure children’s rights. Yet, despite these legal commitments, thousands of children across the country still face profound challenges.

Our research highlights a critical policy gap: the delayed enactment of the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection (NPFPP) 2019. Participants in the study, from parents to community leaders, expressed concerns about the sluggish pace of government action. They noted that without this key policy, there’s a lack of clear implementation plans and awareness campaigns, leaving many families unaware of their rights and available support systems.

This policy vacuum has real consequences. With 11% of children in Kenya not living with their parents, and a worrying number of teenagers experiencing symptoms of depression, the need for comprehensive, community-focused policies is more urgent than ever. The study found that the government has largely failed in its mandate to actively implement and enforce these policies, a shortcoming that a more “transformational” style of leadership could address by inspiring a collaborative approach to child welfare.

Unpacking the Factors That Shape Relationships

The study identified a range of factors that influence the quality of family and peer relationships, which in turn affect a child’s well-being.

The Power of Family Dynamics

The presence of both a mother and father in the home was consistently cited as a major factor. Parents who are present and engaged provide a strong foundation for emotional stability and security. This environment teaches children how to balance emotions and respect, leading to healthier relationships later in life.

However, the research also recognized the unique challenges faced by single-parent families, particularly those headed by women. It underscored the importance of emotional, financial, and relational support from the extended family and community to help these families and their children thrive.

The study also found that:

• Emotional Support is Vital: When asked about emotional support, a significant portion of parents (47.83%) said they “always” provide it, while 36.96% said they do so “sometimes.” This shows a strong parental commitment, but it also reveals a need for consistent, intentional emotional engagement.
• Family Meals Create Connection: Family mealtimes, averaging about 7.67 meals per week, emerged as a powerful tool for bonding. These moments of shared time and conversation allow parents to connect with their children on a deeper level, building trust and strengthening emotional ties.
• Economic Stability Provides Security: Families with a steady income are better equipped to provide a secure and emotionally stable environment. Less financial stress on parents means more time and emotional presence for their children, which is critical for their development.

The Impact of Peer Connections

Peer relationships are equally important in shaping a child’s well-being, influencing their emotional, social, and mental health. The study revealed that:

• Small, Close Circles are a Lifeline: Children who have a “small, close circle of friends” (31.03% of respondents) feel more emotionally secure. These intimate friendships foster deeper connections and teach children empathy and conflict resolution.
• Open Communication is Key: The ability for a child to communicate openly with their parents and peers builds confidence and a sense of belonging. This supportive environment acts as a protective shield against negative peer pressures and social exclusion.

The Church’s Model: A Blueprint for Community Support

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Nkoroi, has taken significant, proactive steps to promote healthy family and peer relationships. These measures can serve as a powerful model for other communities in Kenya.

• The Power of Teaching: The church’s teachings and doctrine provide a moral compass for families. The emphasis on the Sacrament of Marriage as a sacred and lifelong commitment helps to build stable family units. Moreover, teachings on social responsibility encourage families to support those in need, fostering a community-wide culture of compassion.
• Small Christian Communities (SCCs): These local groups of families are the backbone of the church’s support system. They create a profound sense of belonging and provide a robust social support network, stepping in during times of crisis to offer spiritual, material, and financial aid. Through these communities, a shared value system based on the Catholic faith is nurtured, shaping children’s behavior and attitudes from a young age.
• Strong, Engaged Leadership: The parish leaders are commended for their hands-on approach. They are not just spiritual guides; they are community mentors who actively engage with families. Their commitment to offering mentorship and coaching programs for the youth and involving children in church activities empowers the next generation of leaders. The research found that over 67% of parents believe the church influences their children’s friendships in a positive way, highlighting the power of a supportive community.

Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration

The findings of this study are clear: family and peer relationships are foundational to a child’s well-being. While the Kenyan government has a strong legal framework in place, its lack of follow-through on policy implementation creates a significant gap in support.

However, the success of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel community shows us that we don’t have to wait for government action. By embracing a multi-sectoral approach that involves churches, community leaders, and local initiatives, we can create environments where every child feels loved, supported, and accepted.

This research calls for a collaborative effort. The government should accelerate the enactment of key family policies and learn from the community-driven approaches that are already working. In doing so, we can move towards a future where all children in Kenya have the support they need to reach their full potential.