A child is a human being who has not reached the age of legal adulthood. Children are protected by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that every child has the right to a happy childhood, an education and a secure future. But around the world, millions of children are denied these rights because of where they live, who they are or what disability they have.
The definition of child varies according to culture and context, but most societies believe that children must be taught and guided by their parents. In many countries, children are given a moral and religious upbringing in order to become good citizens. Children should be taught to respect and value others, especially the elderly, women and children. They should be able to express their feelings and thoughts in a healthy way. They should also be allowed to be themselves and have fun.
When writing for a magazine about children, it’s important to put aside any preconceived notions about their world and what it means to be a child. Kids today are more sophisticated, and they want articles about their own lives, interests and concerns. They may have a lot more in common with their urban and suburban peers than they do with their rural or small-town counterparts. They also might enjoy different pastimes and hobbies, such as playing youth soccer instead of visiting the local swimming hole.
Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, a writer should pay attention to how the main character evolves and changes during the story. The author should also make sure to give readers an idea of what the character looks like, as well as his or her family life and background.
Marilyn says that the best way to get an idea of what it’s like to write for a magazine about children is to read them. She recommends reading books written for the specific age group in which you wish to write, as well as magazines, newspapers and websites that cover the topic area.
As a writer, it’s important to know that children are very visual and compelled by colors and pictures. This is why it’s a good idea to integrate high-quality graphics when possible. It’s also a good idea to limit the use of difficult words, but not so much as to “dumb down” an article.
The challenge of writing for a magazine about children is the same as the challenge faced by all writers: finding an interesting and authentic voice; creating characters that come alive on the page; and expressing themes and issues that will touch and engage readers. With a little research and the help of some writing resources, you can be on your way to producing a children’s magazine that will have readers coming back for more.