Teachers And Parents’ Strategies For Development Of A Caring Disposition Among Young Children: A Case Of Dodoma Municipality

ABSTRACT

One of the basic social functions is to maintain amicable social groups. In order for social groups to attain this goal, adults use different strategies to raise children. This study, therefore, examined teachers and parents‟ strategies for development of a caring disposition among young children in Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania. The research design adopted was a cross-sectional descriptive survey and samples of 20 purposively selected respondents were involved to obtain data. The study followed qualitative research approach where by data were collected through use of documentary review, semi structured interview, observations and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The study revealed that parents and teachers considered themselves as role models through display of behaviours deemed appropriate for the children to imitate. Other strategies used to develop a caring disposition in young children include conflict resolution, punishments, reprimands and provision of guidance. In the process of developing a caring spirit among children, it was established that parents and teachers worked together to create a supportive cultural context. Based on these findings, it was concluded that Caring behaviour was essential to the well being of the children; therefore they should learn to act in an appropriate manner. It was finally recommended that community should be well informed that moral children are for their own benefit and they should be well planned for proper execution of the caring spirit among young children. People must be educated on the importance of education in creating human capital. All local leaders should take position to educate the community on the benefits of moral education in their society