Children are a precious investment for families, societies and countries. They are a vital resource for the future, and need to be treated with the care, attention and respect that they deserve. Whether they are small creatures with big feelings or adolescent humans with their own growing and evolving emotions, children are an important part of the human family and deserve our protection.
The word “child” is used to describe a young person ranging in age from birth to the age of majority (the age at which a person can legally make decisions about their own life). The word is also a term of endearment and love, and is often referred to by parents as “my little monster.”
In this seminar, we will explore definitions of children – as people and as human rights – and interrogate what it means to be a child in different contexts and eras. We will consider the differences between high-minded romantic notions of childhood and the reality of child exploitation, for example, when children are forced to work in factories or mines or are recruited into armed groups and militias.
We will also look at how the Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child – as an individual below the age of 18, unless a country’s laws recognize an earlier age of majority – and its implications for research, policy and practice. This is the most rapidly ratified international human rights treaty in history, and its adoption shows a strong global commitment to advancing children’s rights.
Providing opportunities for children to identify their interests is key to developing strong attributes such as creativity, confidence, resilience and leadership. This can be done through allowing them to take risks, make mistakes and try new things. It is important to provide them with a safe and supportive environment to express their emotions, such as encouraging them to cry when their favourite toy gets lost or to shout outrage when a bigger kid smacks their sister. This teaches them that it is okay to be happy and sad, and helps build their emotional intelligence.
When a child feels loved and accepted by their parents, it will help them develop strong attachments. This can be achieved by giving them lots of hugs and kisses, listening to their problems and offering support when they need it. Children need to know that their parents will always be there for them, and they can trust that their needs will be met.
It is also important to encourage them to seek out friendships and spend time with their friends. This can be done through organising playdates or going on outings with them, such as to the movies. Friendships are viewed as a major source of happiness by the children we spoke to, who said that having good friends to share time with, talk to and “be yourself around” makes them very happy. They often cite that “it’s easier to ask your friends for help than to ask your parents”. This is because they have similar experiences and can offer support from a place of empathy.