Dr Jeanette Pinto –
Children are the most beautiful gift and blessing from God. They are special to every married couple and to the family they are born into. Their tiny human bodies, their sparkling eyes, baby gurgles, and later chatter are a joy to see and hear. Even as they outgrow their babyhood, they are the charming gems of every household. There is something so wonderful about children that we are glad to celebrate a special day in their honour and we call it “Children’s Day.”
The founder of Children’s Day is Reverend Dr Charles Leonard in Chelsea, US, way back in 1857. Even though Children’s Day is celebrated globally by most of the countries in the world on June 1, the Universal Children’s Day takes place annually on November 20, and the theme this year 2022 is “A Better Future for Every Child.” The blue colour is the symbol for children’s rights on Children’s Day. Presently, Germany and 89 other countries celebrate World Children’s Day or Universal Children’s Day on as many as 50 other different dates throughout the year.
In India the birthday of Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister is celebrated on 14 November. It was in 1954 that this day was first celebrated as Children’s Day, to pay tribute to him. Jawaharlal Nehru was affectionately called Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru) by children, and their faith in him was a constant source of happiness for him. As Prime Minister he wanted to create an atmosphere in the country where the attention is constantly focused on children and their welfare. He also established the Children’s Film Society India in 1955, so that Indian children could see themselves represented.
His concern for children and their welfare is recorded by M.O Mathai in his book: My Days with Nehru (1979), “Nehru saw in their innocent faces and sparkling eyes the future of India. He was convinced that no amount of money spent on children and their mothers was too much, and that it was a sound investment for the future.” Earlier, in an interview in 1958, he told Ram Narayan Chaudhary that he was fond of children because the future of the country was dependent on the children, “I have always felt that the children of today will make the India of tomorrow, and the way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.” So great was his love for children of the land.
Children are like flowers they bloom where they are planted, and so they need tending and caring. This requires Prevention, Paramountcy, Partnership, Protection and Parental Responsibility. It is important to make your child aware of these 5 P’s if by chance they find themselves in a situation they don’t understand or are struggling with. A great majority of people may say that love, even unconditional love is the greatest gift since this is at the heart of being wanted, belonging and bonding with another human being. We really can never give too much of love to our children. Love is simple, it is non material and is the feeling we give to our children of complete acceptance. We love them because love is what they deserve.
On World Children’s Day 2022, UNICEF is calling on partners and supporters to share a positive message of equality and inclusion for every child. After all every child has the right to be born well, and the right to a wholesome family life. Also, every child has the right to be raised well and become contributing members of society. Needless to say, that every child has the right to basic needs, and to access what they need to have a good life.
Children of the 21st century seem to be a lot better equipped to face life and its various challenges than those of earlier times. The Covid pandemic along with its many restrictions has no doubt in a way disrupted the child’s regular school going pattern and a routine life. The introduction of technology however into the school system seems to have made up more than expected.
Everyone wants to be the best parents for their children, but there is conflicting advice on how to raise a child who is confident, kind and successful. Today parents are managing complex new assignments and new decisions through the circus act of parenting. It is important for them to balance priorities, juggle responsibilities, and keep flipping between needs of your children, other family members and yourself.
What do children want from their parents? Children want time with their parents. During that time, they want their parents’ undivided attention. They want their parents to listen to them in a respectful way, advising and correcting them. Parents play an important role in their children’s lives. Surely, they want affection, sharing of stories, conversations, time to play outside, and basic needs provided. Children look especially to their fathers to lay down rules and enforce them. They also expect fathers to provide a sense of security, both physical and emotional. Children want to make their parents proud and an involved parents promote inner growth and strength.
On Children’s Day 2022, let us make the effort to help our children to be happy and to live as children of light, obedient and sensitive of their consciences. Teach them to distinguish ‘right from wrong’! Children want to see a happy mother and a happy father, never mind a dirty floor! Let us then do all we can to raise happy healthy children by creating positive memories for them, for truly they are our joy for the many morrows to come.
Dr Jeanette Pinto is former Principal of Sophia’s College, member of Human Life COmmitte and a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Chember – Mumbai