Recognize children’s rights

As a mother often times I catch myself stressed out and busied by the hustle and bustle of the day. Too pre occupied that my five year old has to repeat his question twice, maybe thrice. I cringe at the thought of it but it does happen. I do find that juggling everything at once on my plate isn’t an easy endeavour.

Put aside the excuses, I recognize that it is important to listen. Most importantly to the questions that our children have to ask, whether it may be about how many body parts a moth has to the birds and the bees, all their questions need to be answered.

November 20th marks International Children’s Day, a day that for us as women and mothers signifies importance. This year, UNICEF’s campaign runs around how crucial it is to listen to their little voices. Meek as they may be, their needs are resounding in today’s time.

Actress Mahtab Karamati, the Iranian UNICEF goodwill ambassador, sent a message on the occasion of World Childrens Day emphasizing the necessity for listening to what children have to say.

In her message, she said that although parents and adults are responsible for teaching children, they should not forget that children have feelings and sometimes they need to express their opinions.

She pointed out that this year’s motto of Iran’s UNICEF “Listen to Children” emphasizes the necessity of the participation of children in decision making. She mentioned that children’s opinions should be acknowledged in everyday life.

Here’s the thing:
Whenever a child is grumbling or is dissatisfied, actually she or he is expressing a desire to talk with the parents. Children want to convey their wishes, hopes and feelings to adults. They have the right to be sensitive about their own lives, she mentioned at the end of the message.

I’m going to listen. Are you?

Your Editor