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Adulting 101

Jennifer Kaberi: Pioneering Digital Parenting and Child Empowerment

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Jennifer Kaberi, a mother, is also the founder and CEO of Mtoto News, a children’s digital company whose mission is to make children visible. In this article, Jennifer talks to ODHIAMBO NEEMA about how she parents in the digital age, leveraging rather than shying away from digital media.

“How can we leverage technology for good?”

This one question would change Jennifer Kaberi’s view of digital media, and consequently, alter her life’s trajectory. Contrary to most parents today, Jennifer, a mum of two, embraces digital media and teaches them how to leverage it for good. However, she didn’t always see it this way.

Back when Facebook started, Jennifer was a mom blogger. At some point, however, she felt that technology was too toxic for her and left the platform; save for LinkedIn, which she used to look for work, exposing her to articles about how to maximize the digital space, igniting her interest in understanding how technology could be leveraged for good.

At around the same time, an incident at home spurred Jennifer on the path to understanding technology more:

“I started noticing my daughter, then she was about 3, 4, 5… she was just trying to go from being a toddler to getting to know herself, and then she discovered she has kinky hair. And then, it’s not just kinky hair… She had really nice locs. My child, after watching cartoons for a few years, decided her hair is not good anymore. And she cried to cut her hair. So, I had to cut her hair. You know how much you invest in locs? Her locs were really long and beautiful,” she explains.

This incident made Jennifer realize the extent to which technology shapes our psyche and mental framework, particularly as Africans. As such, Jennifer was concerned that by the time her daughter was in her teens, she would be someone she wasn’t because she was trying to be so many people. Fortunately, over time her daughter has been able to gain self-confidence and accept herself.

In response to that, Jennifer set out to break the stereotypes technology shapes in children. She wanted to create a space where children could be themselves without being shaped by other people’s thoughts. And thus, Mtoto News was born. Mtoto News has set out to change how technology and what content look like for African children. They do this by empowering children to create their own content so that they can see children who look like them. In order to empower children to take up space in the digital world, Jennifer had to learn the ropes first. She was very intentional about becoming an expert in matters of digital media to harness its full potential. To achieve her goal, she undertook online courses and attended multiple conferences and seminars on digital media. Additionally, reading numerous articles and research papers on the same. Thanks to her dedication to learning, Jennifer’s company, Mtoto News, now creates, curates, and circulates content with, for, and by children. They also provide a platform for children to participate in the digital space, training them to express themselves and use the digital space to effect change and create solutions. Finally, they conduct research on child online participation and children in the digital age. As part of their child participation framework, Mtoto News has a training called Sauti Zetu, which is a digital literacy program where they train children on content creation, communication, collaboration, online safety, how to engage leaders, and how to come up with solutions using the digital space.

Additionally, her learning has enabled her to engage with social media from a more informed lens. Being a parent, her deeper understanding of social and digital media has proven even more insurmountable, as she now makes informed choices when it comes to parenting and social media. For example, understanding basic app features like streaks, which are a private representation of how many consecutive days one has sent a Snap back and forth with a friend on Snapchat, determines how much time she allows her kids to spend on the app. As such, Jennifer tailors her guidelines to each social media platform.

With respect to parenting children on online safety, Jennifer finds that the children she trains want their parents to join them and be more involved in the digital space.

“We asked them what they wanted to tell their parents, and they told us to tell them to come because telling us not to be on social media won’t work… you have to understand their world,” she shares.

Her advice to parents is to immerse themselves in their children’s world, to understand it:

“By restricting them, you are lying to yourself. When you understand that this is their world, and how it operates, what it means to them, you are able to protect them better, ask very informed questions… Don’t go to social media to know how to use it, understand it.”

Banking on nearly a decade of experience, Jennifer notes that there is a marked difference between children who’ve been trained and equipped for the digital space and those who haven’t. More often than not, the former grow up to be more confident and self-assured than the latter.

Adulting 101

Quarter-life crisis or Plot twist?

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Do you feel like life’s throwing you one too many curveballs lately? Welcome to your quarter-life crisis—well, I wouldn’t call it that, more like a plot twist!

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, chances are you’ve felt that unsettling mix of confusion, anxiety, and “What am I even doing with my life?” vibe. But hey, it’s not as grim as it seems. This phase, though overwhelming, is more of a growth spurt for your mind and soul.

Here’s How to Navigate this Rollercoaster with Style

1. Embrace the Chaos, Don’t Fight It

First off, let’s normalize the chaos. Life’s not a straight path, and the sooner you accept the zig-zags, the smoother your ride will be. Remember, everyone’s story is different, so don’t compare your journey to someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.

This period of uncertainty? It’s just the universe’s way of nudging you towards something bigger and better.

2. Reflect and Redirect

Feeling lost? That’s your cue to pause and reflect. Ask yourself the deep questions: What do I really want? What makes me happy? It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away.

Start small—maybe it’s time to pivot in your career, explore a new hobby, or even take a solo trip to clear your mind.

The goal is to redirect your energy towards what genuinely matters to you.

3. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Your vibe attracts your tribe, so keep it positive. Hang out with people who uplift you, not those who drain your energy. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins—whether it’s finally nailing that work project or just getting out of bed when you didn’t feel like it. Positivity breeds more positivity, and that’s what you need right now.

4. Trust the Process

Trust me, everything you’re going through is preparing you for something amazing. You might not see it now, but hindsight’s 20/20, right? So, trust the process and keep moving forward, even if it’s just one baby step at a time. Your plot twist? It’s leading to a grand finale that’ll be worth the wait.

A quarter-life crisis isn’t the end of the world; it’s just a chapter in your story. Embrace the uncertainties, learn from them, and use this time to craft a life that’s true to who you are. After all, you’re the author of your own story and this plot twist? It’s just the beginning of something epic.

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Adulting 101

Career Hopping: The Emotional Cost of Constant Reinvention

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Remember the days when people would stick to one job for life? Yeah, that’s a distant memory for most of us. These days, switching careers every few years seems to be the norm, especially among millennials and Gen Z. It’s exciting, keeps things fresh, and opens up new opportunities. But beneath the surface, career hopping can take an emotional toll that’s often overlooked.

So, what’s the real cost of constantly reinventing ourselves in the professional world. Let’s face it—career hopping is both thrilling and terrifying. On one hand, it’s all about exploring new opportunities, challenging yourself, and refusing to settle for anything less than what you deserve. On the other hand, it’s a rollercoaster of uncertainty, where each leap into the unknown comes with its own set of risks and emotional challenges.

One of the biggest pressures driving career hopping is the fear of missing out (FOMO). We’re bombarded with success stories on social media—people landing dream jobs, starting businesses, and seemingly living their best lives. It’s hard not to compare yourself and wonder if you’re falling behind. This can push us to jump from one job to another, always in search of the next big thing, but never truly settling into a role.

But here’s the thing: constantly changing jobs can be exhausting. Each new position comes with a learning curve—new skills to master, new colleagues to understand, and a new work culture to adapt to. It’s a lot to take on, and the stress can quickly add up. The excitement of a fresh start can be overshadowed by the anxiety of having to prove yourself all over again.Moreover, there’s the emotional impact of leaving behind teams and projects that you’ve invested in. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the relationships you build along the way. Saying goodbye to colleagues who’ve become friends can be tough, and starting over in a new environment can feel lonely at times.So, how can we navigate the ups and downs of career hopping without losing ourselves in the process? Here are some tips:

– Reflect on Your Goals: Before making a move, take some time to reflect on your long-term career goals. What do you really want to achieve? Will this new role bring you closer to that goal, or are you just chasing the next shiny thing?

– Embrace Lifelong Learning: Instead of hopping from one job to another, consider ways to grow within your current role. Lifelong learning—whether through courses, certifications, or new projects—can help you stay challenged and fulfilled without the need to constantly change jobs.

– Build a Support System: Career hopping can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to have a support system in place. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having people to talk to about your experiences can make a huge difference.

– Prioritize Mental Health: Don’t forget to take care of your mental health. The stress of career changes can take a toll, so make sure you’re practicing self-care, whether that’s through meditation, exercise, or simply taking time to relax.In the end, career hopping isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s about how you approach it.

By being mindful of the emotional impact and making decisions that align with your long-term goals, you can enjoy the benefits of career hopping without burning out. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

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Adulting 101

Rediscovering Yourself Through Solo Travel: The Mental Health Benefits of Venturing Alone

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Ever considered packing your bags and hitting the road alone? It might sound a bit daunting—traveling alone, without the comfort of familiar faces—but there’s something incredibly liberating about it.

Solo travel is more than just an opportunity to explore new places; it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself in ways that everyday life rarely allows. Let’s dive into the mental health benefits of venturing out on your own, and why solo travel might just be the best therapy you didn’t know you needed.

There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes with solo travel. You’re not tied to anyone else’s schedule or preferences, and that means you get to do exactly what you want, when you want. This kind of independence can be incredibly empowering, especially in a world where we’re often expected to conform to the needs and expectations of others.

One of the most profound benefits of solo travel is the opportunity it provides for self-reflection. When you’re alone in a new environment, away from the usual distractions of daily life, you have the space to think deeply about where you’re at in life—your goals, your values, your dreams. It’s a time to reconnect with yourself and rediscover what truly matters to you.

For many, solo travel also offers a chance to confront and overcome fears. Whether it’s the fear of being alone, the fear of the unknown, or the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone, traveling solo forces you to face these anxieties head-on. And when you do, you often find that you’re much stronger and more capable than you realized. This boost in confidence can have lasting effects, helping you to tackle challenges in other areas of your life with a renewed sense of self-assurance.Moreover, solo travel encourages you to be present. Without the distractions of companions or the pressure to stick to a group itinerary, you can truly immerse yourself in the moment.

Whether it’s watching a sunrise on a deserted beach, wandering through a bustling market, or simply sitting in a café and people-watching, these moments of mindfulness can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall mental well-being.But let’s not forget about the social aspect.

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. In fact, solo travelers often find it easier to meet new people. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler, connecting with locals, or joining a group tour, solo travel opens up opportunities for meaningful interactions that you might not experience if you were traveling with others. These connections can be incredibly enriching, offering new perspectives and friendships that last long after the trip is over.

To make the most of your solo travel experience, here are a few tips:

– Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible: It’s good to have a general idea of what you want to do, but don’t over-schedule. Allow yourself the freedom to change plans and explore new opportunities as they arise.

-Stay Safe: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar places. Keep your valuables secure, and stay connected with someone back home who knows your itinerary.

– Embrace the Solitude: Take advantage of the quiet moments to reflect and recharge. Use this time to journal, meditate, or simply enjoy your own company.

– Be Open to New Experiences: Solo travel is a great opportunity to try things you wouldn’t normally do. Whether it’s tasting new foods, learning a new skill, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, be open to stepping outside your comfort zone.Solo travel is more than just a way to see the world; it’s a journey into yourself. It’s about discovering who you are when no one’s watching, and finding strength in your own company.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, traveling alone offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and mental rejuvenation. So next time you feel the urge to escape, consider going solo—you might just find that the person you meet along the way is yourself.

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