Children’s Rights ~ Does your child know his rights and choices?
“I finished my school work. Can I play now?”
“Are you done with the extra work books that I bought for you?”
“I did two pages already. Can I play?”
“Do four more pages and make sure you do it correctly. You must pay more attention to your studies otherwise you will be left behind. ”
“But I’m tired. Can I do it later please?”
“No. Do it now.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
A child begged for play time. Does it sound familiar? But what does it have to do with children’s rights?
Every human being has their own rights. So do children.
Nevertheless children do not know their rights. Some children are not allowed to go to school. Some are not allowed to have choices in daily life. Some get excessive physical punishment for making minor mistakes. Some are exploited with drugs and sexual abuse. Some are left unattended and neglected.
According to UNICEF, “Human rights apply to all age groups; children have the same general human rights as adults. But children are particularly vulnerable and so they also have particular rights that recognize their special need for protection.
In 1989, The Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the rights that must be realised for children to develop their full potential, free from hunger and want, neglect and abuse. It reflects a new vision of the child. Children are neither the property of their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and are the subject of their own rights. The Convention offers a vision of the child as an individual and as a member of a family and community, with rights and responsibilities appropriate to his or her age and stage of development. By recognising children’s rights in this way, the Convention firmly sets the focus on the whole child.”
If we wish to protect our children, we need to educate them about their rights from young. We need to let them make decisions according to their maturity and capabilities. We need to give them freedom of expression. We need to guide them to think and act sensibly.
Ask yourself:
1. Do I spend time with my child to do things he likes?
2. Does my child have the opportunities to spend time with other family members?
3. Have I ever threatened my child I will give him away if he is ‘naughty’?
4. Do I listen attentively to my child when he talks?
5. Does my child set his own timetable for studies, play and rest?
6. Do I keep my promises to my child?
7. Do I always use the phrase “because I said so”?
8. Do I discipline my child my own way even though he thinks it is ‘not fair’?
9. Do I trust my child?
10. Do I place judgment on everything my child does?
11. Do I compare my child’s abilities and achievement with his peers all the time?
12. Do I allow my child express his opinions on issues that affect him?
13. Do I force my child to do things that he is uncomfortable with?
14. Do I let my child help me with errands?
15. Am I sure my child is safe when I am not around?
16. Do I encourage my child to respect everyone without discrimination?
17. Do I encourage my child to learn different cultures?
18. Do I apologise to my child if I did something wrong?