5 Children Rights - An Incomplete List

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:41:16 EST

This is the Year of Human Rights. In recognition of that fact, here are some Children's Rights (No, the list doesn't include the right to your own plasma screen TV.)

1. The right to be treated as a person. This means don't treat a child like a pet, a possession, a fashion accessory ora nonentity. A child is a young adult with all the rights to which an adult isentitled. Being little or young doesn't equal any of the above. Grant the rightsand the child will grow into them; deny the rights and the child will fail as aperson - and grow up despising you.

2. The right to be heard. ‘Children shouldbe seen but not heard' is a false statement. It was composed by someone whoregarded children as inconveniences not the creators of the next civilization. Ifa child cannot talk to you, he or shewill find someone else to talk to and you might not approve of his or herchoice. Shut up, listen occasionally, and be surprised at what you learn fromyour son or daughter.

3. The right to his or her own possessions. Yes, you bought it but you gave it to your daughter, so now it's hers to dowith as she chooses. If she wants to throw that new dress on the floor, let herdo that. It belongs to her. How would you like it if the electrical retailstore sent police to your house to oversee what you're watching on your new TV?You can advise and demonstrate how to preserve and protect articles andclothing, but beyond that, you're denying the child's right to own something.Some children have many things but never own anything because mother or fatherrefused to turn over custody of anything they ever gave. Yes, this includes thebedroom.

4. The right to be set a good example. Thisis a right not an accidental benefit of having a parent. A child needsexamples, good ones, so he can groom his personal and social behavior intosuccessful patterns. Children are like mirrors because they reflect whatappears before them. And this shouldn't be a passive duty where you merely don'tdo things when the child is around; show by example what is correct behavior orconduct. Your own life will be better when you accept this responsibility andaccord this right - and it stops you looking like a hypocrite later on

The right to be loved. Hugs, kisses, embraces, words, and acts that show thechild that he or she is really loved make for healthy and happy children, butmore to the point these are rights. You brought the child into your life, intoyour home, to share your existence - now don't make her feel as if she's onebig mistake you made. Maybe you can't afford toys, big house, a pool, or a cellphone but those things don't actually help anyone to grow. Love, well andfrequently, demonstrated does. And enjoy it when the affection is reciprocated- it will be, because children have lots of it to give in return.

TRCB.com RSS Feed

5 Children Rights - An Incomplete List