Roots of rage and the relief of schools reopening next week, after a long break

Peter Kimani
By Peter Kimani | Jan 05, 2024
A mother assists her daughter in carrying a school box during a past reopening. [Titus Munala, Standard]

Schools reopen next week, after nearly two and a half months of holidays.

And homes will plunge into quiet lulls after being accustomed to above-average decibels - the sort that the national authority on environment, Nema, would say require soundproofing.

In my household, I was getting used to sudden, sharp blasts of yells that I hear are called "raging," and are often associated with online games. Those who rage are usually on the receiving end, or it could be that they are celebrating an unexpected win. Put simply, one rages when things are going well or badly.

While I'm happy to be rid of such menace, I'm still at a loss over how to raise children away from such online games that elicit episodic raging. When I nudge the lads out of the house, they seem to express rage of a different kind, like plunging into pools and swimming from dawn to high noon, so that the skin peels from exposure to the elements.

That means the rest of the week is spent treating the damaged skin with lotions and layers of sunscreen. And now, of course, is January, when the sun returns from its momentary hibernation to shine and scorch everything, including the raging youngsters.

But not for long. They are growing up and older and one will soon be joining college. And the tiniest task assigned, like locking up the dogs, is still contingent upon the phone being in good working order and the alarm going off - not the sun shining. I feel like raging, but I don't know how!

Share this story
Preparations are in top gear for the UFAK Region East Championship
Preparations are in top gear as the Kenya Karate Federation prepares to host the prestigious UFAK Region East Karate Championship 2026 from May 28 to 31 at Nyayo Gymnasium.
It's a strong field in the Nairobi City Marathon's history
Kenyan trio of Jonathan Korir, John Langat, and Simon Kipkosgei are among the top athletes who will storm the capital city’s streets for the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon.
Thousands line streets to celebrate Villa's Europa triumph
Aston Villa fans turned out in their thousands on Thursday to celebrate the English side's Europa League final triumph -- their first silverware in 30 years.
Veteran goalkeeper Neuer recalled to aid Germany World Cup bid
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was handed a surprise recall to Germany's 26-man World Cup squad, coming out of international retirement to play in the tournament for a fifth time.
Emery urges Villa to use Europa triumph to fuel bold new era
Unai Emery urged Aston Villa to use their historic Europa League final triumph against Freiburg as the foundation for an "ambitious" new era.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS