JJ Staphost, a mother from Kiambu, always told parents to respect their children’s privacy. But recently, she broke her own rule and decided to check her 12-year-old son’s WhatsApp messages. What she found surprised her.
Her son, Sanchez, had started a conversation with a female classmate named Amaka. He introduced himself politely and explained how he got her number. Then, he told her he liked her and wanted to be friends.
What impressed JJ was Sanchez’s honesty. He quickly told Amaka he was still a student and depended on his mother. He even joked, “I hope you are not materialistic.”
Amaka replied with laughter and said she was not. JJ shared screenshots of their chat on TikTok, and the video quickly went viral.
Many Kenyans praised Sanchez’s confidence and honesty. Some said they wished they had the same courage at his age. Others shared stories of their own children’s early steps into friendship and love.
This story highlights the challenges parents face between protecting their children and respecting their privacy. It also shows how open communication can start even at a young age.
By Nairobi