A child is a young person, either a boy or a girl. They are usually older than babies but not as old as teenagers. The word is derived from the Old English cild or kelid, which means “person who has not reached adulthood.” In other words, a person who is younger than an adult. During childhood, people learn many important life skills that they will need throughout their lives. These include how to use the toilet, dress, and do other daily activities. They also learn how to behave and respect others. This is known as socialisation.
Children’s rights are very important and governments must protect them. For example, they must ensure that children survive and are able to develop in the best possible way. They should be registered at birth and given an official name and nationality (belong to a country). They have the right to know their parents and to be looked after by them. Governments must help them if their parents die or cannot care for them.
When talking with children, it is helpful to speak at their level and avoid background noises. It is also important to make sure they are paying attention and listening to you. If they need a reminder of what you are saying, say it again in another way, for example using hand gestures or drawing pictures. It is also important to give them time to process what you have said. Some children can get very emotional about something they have done so it is important to be patient with them and to not rush into discussing it.
Some children might need a lot of help from adults to learn a new skill. This could be because of physical or developmental reasons. For instance, if they are learning how to dress or wash themselves, it can help to sit beside them and gently guide them through the steps. Then gradually phase out the help as they start to get it right and can do it on their own.
Children have the right to express their opinions about things that affect them, as long as it doesn’t harm other people. They also have the right to receive information from different sources, including newspapers, TV and radio, in languages they understand. They have the right to privacy so their home, family, communications and reputation should be protected from attack.
Children have the right to be safe from violence, sex abuse, and being forced into work or into military service. They have the right not to be killed or tortured and to have a good education. If they break the law, they should not be punished with death or cruel treatment and should be kept in prison for the shortest possible time. They should be able to contact their families and have legal help while they are in prison. Children have the right to a safe and healthy environment, as well as access to healthcare, education, and jobs.