The Rights of Children

children

Children are human beings who have not yet reached the age of majority, i.e. legal adulthood. A child may also refer to a person who is below the age of physical maturity, usually defined as puberty. The word “child” may also be used to describe a member of a family or tribe, especially as a descendant: children of Israel. The fetus of a woman is also considered to be a child, though not always in the same sense as an individual of legal adulthood.

The rights of children are set out in international conventions, treaties and national laws. They include the right to live with their parents or legal guardians, and the right to education. They also have a right to privacy and the protection of their homes, families, communications and reputations (or good name) from attack. In addition, every child has a right to rest and play and to take part in cultural and recreational activities appropriate to their age. They have a right to access information, including the internet, from a variety of sources and in their own language, and governments should encourage the media to provide this information in many languages and formats.

When you are teaching a child a new skill or task, it is often useful to break it down into smaller steps. You can then help them learn each step, giving lots of opportunities to practice, until they can do the whole thing without your assistance. This way, they can gradually build confidence and develop at their own pace.

For example, when helping a child to learn their ABCs, try starting with the easiest sound first. Then, when they are confident with that, you can teach them the next one. Eventually, they will be able to do the entire alphabet without your help!

Children need positive, reassuring input from adults to feel secure and safe. It is important to give them plenty of positive feedback and encouragement, as well as pointing out things they need to work on. It is best to deliver this in a calm, supportive way and to avoid criticising a child’s behaviour or performance.

Children are often fascinated by stories about themselves. They like to hear about their birth, how they met their siblings and where they live now. They also love hearing the story of how their parents met, what they were doing at that time and what it was like to fall in love with their partner. In addition, they enjoy learning about other countries, cultures and traditions. All of these stories contribute to a child’s holistic development. They help them understand their place in the world and their connection with other people. Moreover, they inspire children to become the best version of themselves. They also encourage a child to develop a positive outlook and to take responsibility for their actions. Therefore, telling them a story about themselves can be the start of a lifelong journey of self-love.