What Is A Child’s Worth?

November 20th is Child Day.  So what does that mean?

I was surprised to learn that it is the 22nd anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

I was even more surprised to learn that this treaty has existed for so long and yet had never heard of it:  And I am a Child and Youth Worker!  So what are the chances that kids under 18 know it exists to promote their success and well-being?  It is time to spread the word, and make this knowledge accessible to children in Canada.

This convention breaks down into four basic principles that include non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, the governments should do their best to protect children from harm and assist them in growing to the best they can be, and their voices should be heard and views taken seriously.

Sum this up? Children deserve to be respected. They have worth, and deserve to be supported in healthy ways to promote their success in life. Children are the future, and as adults we are shaping that future by how we treat kids now. Lets empower them. Share their rights. Give them confidence. Have faith in them. Listen to them. Love them.

What does Child Day mean to you?  To the children in your life?  Do they know it is Child Day?  What can you do to spread the word? And don’t forget to celebrate!  Not just this Sunday, but every day.  Every child is worth celebrating, and every child is worth supporting.  Whether you are a parent, teacher, CYW, family member, friend or even a police officer do your best to build every child’s worth, value and self-esteem.  By doing so we will be naturally be cutting down the results that come from low self-worth (depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse,  suicide, etc).

Ask yourself: what is a child’s worth?