Child Discipleship, Parent, Sunday School, Uncategorized

 Kenyan School Holidays Are Here; What’s Your Plan for the Children?

by Jebichii Kimulwo

Schools across Kenya have closed, and children are home for the holidays. If you’re a parent, teacher, or guardian, this isn’t just a shift in schedule; it’s an amazing opportunity.

As a parent myself, I now understand what many parents used to say: “The holidays are hard.” Why? Because the structure we relied on, school routines, quiet work hours, and predictable rhythms, is suddenly gone. The children are home full-time.

But here’s a question that’s been stirring in my heart:

What if this holiday isn’t a disruption but an invitation to be intentional?

God has been teaching me to approach every part of my life with purpose, including parenting and ministry. I believe this school holiday can be a time of planting seeds in our children that will shape their hearts, minds, and futures.

Why Intentionality Matters

Children don’t thrive in chaos; they flourish in environments that are predictable, engaging, and nurturing. Without a plan, the weeks ahead may slide into endless screen time, unhealthy habits, and spiritual stagnation.

This is not just a parenting issue, it’s a discipleship issue.

“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
— Proverbs 20:7

Parents, This Is Your Call to Action

Here’s how to make the most of this holiday break:

1. Have a Content Plan

Don’t leave it to chance. Be deliberate about what your children are watching, reading, and listening to.

  • Select wholesome books and faith-based videos.
  • Use parental controls if needed.
  • If your children are older, involve them in choosing content and discuss why some things are allowed and others aren’t.

📚 Tip: Create a “Holiday Watch & Read List” and stick it on the fridge. Include selected YouTube channels, devotionals, movies, and books.

2. Schedule Connection Time

Set aside time daily or weekly just to hang out. No lecturing. No correcting. Just laughter, games, walks, and storytelling. Research in psychology shows that secure parent-child relationships are built in these unstructured, relaxed moments.

As Peter Tan-Chi wisely says, “These are golden moments. When children feel safe and loved, they open up.”

  • Play games
  • Bake together
  • Ask open-ended questions about their dreams or thoughts

3. Train Them in Responsibility

Teach your children to work. Assign chores and follow through.

A famous TED Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims (former Stanford Dean) emphasized that doing chores is one of the best predictors of success in life. It builds responsibility, teamwork, and resilience.

  • Teach them to cook simple meals
  • Rotate cleaning tasks
  • Make it fun and age-appropriate

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”
— Ecclesiastes 9:10

Sunday School Teachers, Rise to the Occasion

The school holiday doesn’t mean spiritual growth should pause. In fact, children are now available for extended discipleship.

Could you organize a Bible Club or a Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) in your church or community?

These programs are not only fun—they are life-changing. Through songs, memory verses, crafts, and Bible lessons, children encounter God in a personal way.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
— Matthew 19:14

At Paidion, we can help you plan, organize, and run a Bible Club or DVBS. We provide:

  • Lesson plans
  • Teaching materials
  • Songs and memory verses
  • Craft ideas

📩 Get in touch with us if you’d like help. You don’t need to do it alone.

The Future Belongs to the Intentional

We are not just babysitting children; we are raising the next generation of leaders, pastors, thinkers, and godly men and women. The spiritual, emotional, and practical investments we make during these holiday weeks could shape their futures forever.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6

✅ Parents:

This is the time to step up. Make a plan. Spend the time. Train with love.

✅ Teachers:

Don’t wait until Sunday. Use this holiday to disciple the children in your care deeply and creatively.

📝 Take Action Today:

  • Draft a weekly holiday schedule for your children
  • Pick 3–5 books or videos for their holiday learning
  • Plan at least one family hangout every week
  • Organize or join a Bible Club or DVBS

📩 Need help? Contact us at Paidion. We’re here to walk with you.

Let’s make this holiday count—for eternity.