Children Need Love

November is National Children’s Month, this year’s theme is “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan”. It aims to address the mental health and well-being of children all over the country. Republic Act 10661 or the National Children’s Month Act commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989. It is hoped that the children and youth who were affected by the pandemic be given importance and their voices be heard. Attention should be directed to them not only by their families but by the government as well.

It is sad to note that during the pandemic, many children suffered from anxiety and were even abused physically and mentally. With that I was reminded of the Principle 6 of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 1386 (XIV) of 20 November 1959 that states, “The child, for the full and harmonious development of his personality, needs love and understanding. He shall, wherever possible, grow up in the care and under the responsibility of his parents, and, in any case, in an atmosphere of affection and of moral and material security; a child of tender years shall not, in exceptional circumstances, be separated from his mother. Society and the public authorities shall have the duty to extend particular care to children without a family and to those without adequate means of support. Payment of state and other assistance towards the maintenance of children of large families is desirable.

With that, parents and the government have sole responsibility towards providing love and support to every child. But what is happening nowadays is that there are parents who neglect their children and even abused them. This resulted to some children suffering from depression and some stray from the right path like neglecting their studies, drug abuse, and sexual experimentation leading to early pregnancy. The government, the church and some organizations on the other hand are trying its best to extend help as much as possible.

Children need our love and prayers for they are God’s gift to us, Psalm 127:3 says “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” As God’s stewards, we should protect them and lead them on the right path.

Below is a poem by Wanda Oleson about parenting that was shared by Gauri Ratnam at FirstCry Parenting.

‘Ticket For Life’
Bandage scraped knees. Kiss away fears.
Watch their heartbreak and dry their tears.
Teach them to know what’s right and what’s wrong.
Show them how to be gentle and when to be strong.
Tell them you love them, and then let it show.
That’s the easiest part of helping them grow.
There needs to be discipline, but don’t overdo it.
Praise and encouragement strengthens their spirit.
Show them respect for their feelings and thoughts.
They should know they’re important, self worth can’t be bought.
Show them some patience and always be kind.
Developing minds make mistakes time to time.
Teach them to be the best they can be.
When they’re happy within,
WHAT A RIDE LIFE CAN BE!

Published: February 2006 Wanda Oleson at Family Friend Poems

“The hope of the future lies not in better human inventions, but in better human relations.” – Victor Kitchen