Do not expose children to drug abuse, parents told

Motivational speaker Jimmy Wambugu holds some of his published work during a previous interview in Nairobi. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Jimmy Wambugu, a motivational speaker has advised parents to spare some time and monitor their children during this August holiday.

Mr Wambugu further urged the parents to desist from smoking cigarettes or consumption of alcohol in front of their children, saying the habit contributes to indiscipline among youngsters.

Speaking at Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary in Gachui during the school's annual general meeting (AGM), Mr Wambugu maintained that the practice predisposes children to drugs and alcohol abuse.

"Parents kindly when you have bashes commonly known as get-togethers, please ensure your kids are not near you to see you taking alcohol or smoking. What our kids see us doing is what they emulate. Remember a child smells like his or her parents," said Mr Wambugu.

Doubling up as a team building coach, author and pastor at Third Day Worship Center (TDWC) at Kirigiti in Kiambu County, Mr Wambugu cautioned parents against being too lenient to their children whenever concern is raised by their teachers.

By spending more time with their children, the motivational speaker said teachers have a higher chance of noticing behavioural change in them and urged parents to cooperate with the tutors.

Wambugu said that he joined secondary school in 2016 at aged 33 years old after 15 years out of class due to lack of fees.

"I lost my mother when I was only ten years old, I had a don't care parent. I hawked in different towns in the country and abused alcohol before I got saved, married, and went back to secondary school on my own, so I am well conversant with what I am saying and have experience," shared Wambugu.

He at the same time called on teachers to do thorough inspections of students whenever they come out of the school compound maintaining that some of them especially those who are day scholars have perfected the art of sneaking in drugs and alcohol.

"The danger of use of alcohol and drugs in schools has led to unrest in schools leading to loss of properties and poor performance among students, and parents are the ones who bear the brunt of all these losses," he said.

The school's Principal John Thairu urged parents to ensure their children are not left idling during the holiday season reciting the old adage 'idle mind is a devil's workshop'.