Parenting Practices as Predictors of Problem Behaviours among Form Two Students in Embu County, Kenya

Purpose: Problematic behavior in high school is a problem that needs to be addressed. The few studies done have not yet concluded what is the major predictor of problem behaviours in secondary schools. This study focused on parenting practices as predictors of problem behaviour among form two students in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County. The research was anchored on social learning theory. Methodology: A correlational research design was employed in this study. The study population consisted of 18-day schools and 14 boarding schools in Mbeere South Sub County. The target respondents were 8822 form two students. A sample size of 383 students was selected using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: The results showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between parenting practices and problem behaviour. Conclusion: The study concluded that parenting practices such as parental behavioural control, parental psychological control, parental warmth, and parental acceptance are negative predictors of problem behaviour of students. It was suggested that parents should strive to express parental warmth to their children. Parents should also express acceptance to their children by way of helping them manage stress and problem-solving, helping them with things they are unable to do, and complimenting them. Further, parents are advised not to express too much control over their children.