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Showing posts with the label Childcare

Childhood Puzzles: Review of Ngũgĩ's Dreams in a Time of War

In a world dominated by capitalist narratives, authentic voices that challenge prevailing systems often face marginalization. This has been the fate of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's works, which courageously expose the evils of colonialism and neo-colonial corruption. While his books may gather dust in forgotten library corners, they remain vital resources for truth-seekers. Dreams in a Time of War, Ngũgĩ's 2010 memoir, offers a unique perspective on Kenya's turbulent history through the confused but perceptive eyes of a child. A Child's Bewildered Perspective The memoir's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of childhood confusion amid historical upheaval. Young Ngũgĩ witnesses traumatic events that only gain meaning in adulthood: 1. The Land Theft Paradox When Ngũgĩ's father loses his land to a Christian convert neighbor, the community's helplessness reveals colonialism's perverse logic. Though everyone knows the land rightfully belongs to Ngũgĩ's fam...

Being a Mom

I vividly remember having problems with my mom during my teenage years. I was outgoing and loved all the fun that came with it. Unfortunately, my mom, very bold in character and a staunch believer, was always creating impediments to my crazy lifestyle back then.   She ensured that I attended our old Baptist church every Sunday and sat in its front row beside my siblings. I was not too fond of her domineering character over me. Moreover, she ensured that I was acquainted with many members of our congregation, who often helped her check on me and my character. That is why she always knew where and what I was doing. She only slept once I was back from the late-night parties. We quarreled a lot. Today, I consider all these cherished memories, which I greatly thank her for creating with me. Ability to worry An African proverb says, “the one who loves you is the one that fights you.” I came across it while reading African literature some years ago. I never understood it back then, b...

Marketing to Children

 Marketing to children is the act of preparing and displaying adverts that directly target children. These adverts aim to increase children's demand for the advertised goods and services. Recently, business organizations have increased their expenditure on the advertisement to children. Businesses are now estimated to spend about $17 billion on marketing to children (Marketing to Children Overview, n.d.). This trend has become so worrying that many people have begun to question this practice by businesses (Clay, 2000). It is unethical for businesses to target children when advertising their products. This practice should stop.    Unnecessary Pressure on Parents Advertising to children puts unnecessary pressure on parents (Clay, 2000). When adverts that target children reach the children, children usually demand the advertised good or service from the parent. They will keep nagging the parents for the advertised good or service. The innocent nature of children makes them u...

Best Play yards

 Play yards are small structures, usually rectangular-shaped, with high sides, making an enclosure where babies and toddlers can play. They are easy to carry because they are easy to assemble and disassemble. Parents take them with their babies wherever they go.   Play yards are built mainly to keep babies or toddlers safe when their caregivers need a little time to rest or do important work such as cooking, bathing, or washing dishes.  Below is a discussion of the five best play yards in the market today. These play yards are considered the best because, generally, they are light in weight; simple to store; easy to assemble; and durable. Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard This play yard has several exciting features that one will find irresistible. First, it is effortless to assemble. It takes only 15 seconds to build it. Moreover, its storage is easy too. It easily folds up, which makes it fit appropriately inside its backpack. It frees you to do other thi...