Parental Alcoholism and Psychosocial Development among Children Aged 5–13 Years in Nambale Sub-County, Busia County, Kenya

years in Nambale Sub-County, Busia County, Kenya. Parental alcoholism remains a significant social challenge that undermines effective parenting and exposes children to emotional, social, and psychological difficulties. Using descriptiveresearch design, data were collected from children and teachers through structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed substantial psychosocial challenges among children from alcoholic households. Emotionally, 42.86% of the children reported experiencing nervousness or anxiety, 28.57% frequently felt angry or irritable, and 21.43% often felt sad or withdrawn, while none described themselves as generally happy or positive. Socially, 42.86% exhibited poor communication skills and 35.71% experienced difficulties forming and maintaining friendships. Psychologically, 42.86% reported difficultiescoping with stress, 35.71% had low self-esteem, and 21.43% displayed behavioural problems, including aggression and irritability. The study concludes that parental alcoholism negatively affects multiple dimensions of children’s psychosocial development, compromising their emotional well-being, social relationships, and psychological resilience. The findings underscore the need for targeted community-based interventions, including counselling services, parental support programmes, and public awareness initiatives to reduce the adverse effects of alcoholism on families. These insights provide valuable evidence for educators, social workers, policymakers, and child welfare practitioners seeking to promote positive developmental outcomes among vulnerable children.