When I hear “the child must do this” or “the children must do this”, sometimes everything inside me shrinks. How many expectations do adults have of children?
They must be educated. obedient. Inquisitive, but not too active. Good to eat, but not sweet. It is good to study, but first of all, what is taught at school, and hobbies – after the main lessons. Read books, but voluntarily, not “under duress.” Make friends, but such that we approve. Fold clothes neatly and put away toys. Do not make noise, do not interfere, and do not get involved in dubious stories. Have your own opinion, but do not argue. Be purposeful and persistent, but not aggressive.
And there are so many other “shoulds” that sometimes contradict each other!
The Future of Children: Investing in Their Education and Well-being
Our children have the right to a happy childhood. The right to learn and develop. Get to know the world and yourself in it. Our children, like us, have the right to make mistakes, the right to “fail”, and the right to experience. Our children, like us, have the right to different emotions and their expressions: joy, sadness, peace, anger, delight, and resentment. Our children, like us, have the right to mope, refuse to eat an unloved product, cry when it hurts or is scared, resist before going to the doctor, do not immediately clean things up, and sometimes even eat ice cream instead of soup for lunch.
Who love and accept them no matter what. Who are aware that children separate people from them with their own desires, fears, and character traits. Who calmly accept their strongest and not always positive emotions (get angry, cry, be sad, take offense – it’s normal, it’s not normal to suppress all this in yourself). Who knows how to console and dry the most bitter tears? Who believe in their children, give them the opportunity to go their own way, and encourage them along the way. Who read fairy tales so that they lose any cartoons. Who knows a thousand and one ways to entertain children on a long road without a tablet? Who are serious about the experiences of children, not saying “Yes, is this a problem!”. Who knows how to apologize if they are wrong?
Which do not broadcast their tastes, complexes, and beliefs to children. “You won’t eat it, it doesn’t taste good,” “You won’t go camping, it’s terrible there,” or “I’m a vegan / Christian / write yours, so you will be like me too.”
Who are confident in themselves as in mom and dad, and will not change something for the sake of the comments of random people (passers-by, second cousins, mothers at playgrounds) because of “if only they don’t think”, “what they will say about me”. Which respects the personal space of children and does not read their diaries and letters.
Who do not blush at the word “sex” and are able to explain in normal language what, how, and when happens in the relationship of adult men and women. Which of your parents could talk to – and did – “about it”? Something tells me there are only a few of us.
Our children have a right to parents who can be told what worries, worries, and hurts. To whom you can tell something that scares and causes feelings of shame or guilt. Who can talk about love and ask for advice? Who can be trusted with a dream? And to know that this dream will not clip its wings.
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On Children’s Day, I think that many children’s problems might not arise if we adults treated children the same way we treat people. Small, but people. Not only hanging on them the burden of their expectations and ideas about what they should be but recognizing their rights. And doing everything in our power to ensure that these rights are realized.
FAQs
1. What is Universal Children’s Day?
Universal Children’s Day is a global initiative celebrated on November 20th to promote the welfare and rights of children worldwide.
2. What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that outlines the rights of every child and defines them as human rights.
3. Why are children’s rights important?
Children’s rights are essential because they ensure that every child has access to a basic standard of living, education, and healthcare.
4. What are the major challenges that affect children’s rights?
Poverty, lack of access to education, child labor, and child abuse and exploitation are major challenges that affect children’s rights.
5. How can we celebrate Children’s Day?
We can celebrate Children’s Day by organizing events and activities, raising funds and awareness, and advocating for children’s rights.
