An Exploration into the Psychological Effects of Vending on Children Whose Parents are Vendors. A Case of Ruwa

This study focused on the various psychological effects of the behaviours of vending parents which affect the lives of their children. The study also sought to find out how vendors’ children were affected psychologically by the activities of their parents who are vendors. The objectives of the research were to: examine behaviours of vending parents towards their children in Ruwa and explore behaviours of emotional and intellectual development exhibited by children whose parents are vendors in Ruwa. It also considered the impact of the physical environment on the psychological development of children of vending parents. The qualitative paradigm was adopted for this study and an exploratory research design was employed. The study population was six hundred (600) and the sample size was made up of sixty (60) participants recruited for this study, twenty-eight (28) were vendors and forty-two (42) were children of vendors. The research used observations and in–depth, interviews to obtain primary data Twenty-two (22) participants returned the questionnaires. Since street vendors and their children are found in specific areas dotted around Ruwa, the study used a purposive sampling method. The study established that parents who are vendors did not have time with their children, exposing them to street life and vending. This affected the behavior of children as they were influenced by the environment more than the parents. In addition to that the parents’ behaviours towards their children also showed some negative and positive reactions which shaped the development of these children. The study recommended that the government through the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare should put policies that cater to the social welfare of disadvantaged children, the Child Protection Act should make it an offence for a parent or guardian who uses a school going age child to sell commodities in the street. The Ministry of Local Government and Town Planning through the Ruwa Local Board should create a playing space for children while their mothers are vending. Libraries need to be constructed to cater for learners, especially those who are in high school, and to create space for children in their planning of marketplaces. Setting up play centres and toilets at all vending points, stall markets designated vending points to accommodate children of vending parents.