Strong values begin at home, experts tell parents
National
By
Obare Osinde
| Jun 14, 2026
A university don has asked parents to instil strong values in their children to help them resist social influence when they join senior school.
Robert Wafula of Kibabii University noted that school culture is greatly influenced by parents, arguing that the values children carry to school are first learned at home.
Dr Wafula said parents have the responsibility to ensure children have good values to counter peer pressure at schools.
"Parents must instil discipline, integrity, respect, responsibility, and good morals in their children because the culture at home is emulated at school by students," said Wafula during the Annual General Meeting AGM at St Joseph's Girls Kitale.
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The don encouraged parents to support their children without placing unrealistic expectations on them, and to inspire them to become the best versions of themselves.
"Success is not about being better than others; it is about becoming the best one can be. Let us embrace the basics of working together, pray together, communicate openly, and support one another since the future of every child is determined by the decisions made today," he added.
By investing in their children and actively supporting their growth and development, they present a foundation for shaping their future.
Wafula argued that it was the duty of parents to facilitate the learning of their children by supporting schools.
He reminded parents that there is nothing more powerful than psychology in shaping a child's future.
He urged parents to be proud of schools and appreciate the role they play in nurturing their children.
"It calls for sacrifices by parents to invest in the education of their children. Parents, you have to actively take part in the growth and development of these children," said Wafula.
He noted that a teacher can teach in any school and still excel, but it is the environment that shapes learners and determines the quality of outcomes.
"While schools carry the responsibility of education, parents remain the strongest pillar upon which schools stand," he said.
He emphasised that a parent's true value is not measured by their job, wealth, or level of education, but by the values and character reflected in their children.
"The greatest investment any parent can make is investing in their child through education, guidance, and support. I encourage you not to equate money with intelligence as it is better to be a wise person than a rich fool," said Wafula.
He challenged fathers to intentionally invest in their daughters and actively participate in their growth and development saying education creates equity and opens doors of opportunity for all.
"When children succeed, it becomes a source of pride not only for parents but also fo the entire community.," he said.
To encourage performance, he asked parents to celebrate and reward their children when they perform as well as appreciate teachers and schools for their efforts.
He argued that shaping the generation would not only bring fortune to the families but also bring happiness to the community.
"Whatever you do today, let your future clap for you and not slap you."
May we all rise to the responsibility of shaping a generation in order to be proud of their success," he stated.