CIVIL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF THE CHILD WITHIN THE FAMILY SETTING

CIVIL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF THE CHILD WITHIN THE FAMILY SETTING

The basic institution in the society for the survival, protection and development of the child is the family. The civil rights of the child begin within the family. However, different family structures arising from different cultural patterns and different styles of life affect child rights either positively or negatively. Arising from the community life, extended family, nuclear family, separated parents, single parent family, common-law family and adoptive family has different impacts on the child as well as attitude of the child. Actually happenings at the tender age reflect the framework of the rights of the child within the family and the society. No matter the situation, the child rights must be seen to be promoted by the family to ensure appropriate assistance in the up-brining and development of the child.

 

The family has important role to play in different ways like; register the name of your child as a national; make your child know his/her village or town and local government to preserve his/her identity; Allow your child to socialize and acquire values; Allow your child to express himself or herself and associate with peers and adult but with caution; Do not subject your child to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Do not neglect or abandon your child; Sexual and verbal abuse of a child is dehumanising. Let your child know his/her cultural identity and heritage. Use your parental authority appropriately. Discipline your child in the framework of the child rights. A family must not subject his/her members to any form of mental or physical violence. A family must accept a child whether male or female or disabled. Parents should always pray for the child. Human dignity of the child must be respected.

 

The civil rights and freedom of the child within the family must be framed and shaped for well-being of the child. No matter the diversity of issues relating to the responsibilities and rights of parents, the fundamental rights of the child must be prioritized first. No discrimination for whatever reason. A family must be ideal framework for the democratic experience of the child. Thereby, parents must dialogue and negotiate with a child on issues. A child must be allowed to participate in affairs that affect him/her.

 

These days, the facts remains that the influence of economic and social factors, prevailing political situation, cultural and religion traditions shaped family in diverse ways. The different challenges and living conditions of different families affect child’s opportunity to enjoy life and rights. No matter the internal and external circumstances surrounding the family and the tensions therein, be they economic, social or cultural situations, parents must make informed judgement in favour of the child.

 

THE REALITY OF A CHILD IN THE ABSENCE OF A FAMILY

If you are not there as parents for your child; rights of the child will not be promoted and protected; The best interest of the child will not be available; The child will not be able to participate in issues that affect his/her life; There may be no one to listen to the child; It will not be possible to prevent discrimination; There would be nobody to address the situation of the child seriously within the framework of his/her fundamental human rights and freedoms. Thereby, a family should give a natural encouragement to a child. The family should be a reference and inspiring points to the child.

 

HOW TO ENSURE YOU ARE THERE FOR THE CHILD

Parents should keep their eyes open and not allow problems with a child to fester and grow. Parents should know when a child seems sad, withdrawn, distant, more moody than usual, or angry, if friends stop calling or coming over, or if the child can’t seem to find his place in school. This is important because a small problem can become a ‘situation’ that requires major time and investment causing terrible aggravation.

 

Develop a working relationship with teachers. Reach out to your child’s teachers before your child reaches ‘zero hour.’ Work in harmony with teachers. Many parents feel as if teachers are their opponents and don’t realize that they are partners to help children grow in the best way possible. Too many parents call teachers to demand and accuse instead of seeking for necessary information that will enable the child grow properly. Issues at home may affect children in the school. When a grandparent falls ill, if there is a health issue, financial stress, marital upheaval, problems with siblings, or any other factor that may affect your child’s academic or social success, it would be wise to enlist your child’s teacher as your confidential ally and gain his/her understanding. You can believe that most teachers would go the extra mile and extend to your child an open heart.

 

Parents must work on the social skills of the child to make him/her successful in life. Your children should be sociable. Excursion is good for your children. If the school organizes any, please endeavour to pay to enable your children see the other part of life. If anyone believes that school is all about academics and no social life, unfortunately such a person made a big mistake. That apart, a family can teach the children social skills by setting rules and following through with consequences when needed. Setting routines for meals and bedtimes that establishes stability. Develop your child’s ability to put himself or herself in the shoes of others and grow more sensitive. Help your child learn how to express frustration, disappointment and anger without hurting others or retreating into sullenness. Establish basic rules of conduct: no hitting, kicking, biting, spitting, (no hands allowed), and no hurting others through our words.

 

Help your child to become independent. Children are happy, become self-sufficient and more confident to learn more if they realize people appreciate them. Create opportunity for your children to point with pride to a new found skill or added responsibility that comes with age. Teach Your children to pick out their clothing, dress themselves as they grow older, tie their own shoes, pack school snacks, make lunch the night before, set their own alarm clocks instead of waking them up, and having children put away their books and organizing themselves. Allow your children to complete puzzles and feed themselves on their own. Allow them to do their homework and projects by themselves. It is much healthier to tell a child that you will check his work when he is done instead of sitting beside him and correcting the answers as he goes along. Let your child help around the house and gain responsibilities instead of waiting to be served. Some skills children can help with are putting away laundry, setting and clearing the table, helping to serve guests, baking, cooking and keeping their room in order.

 

Communicate with each child. Your children should never be afraid to speak with you. No matter how tough the topic, even if they messed up badly, they are entitled to talk. The parents must be there to correct them in case they make mistakes. After all, we are their parents and if they cannot believe in our love for them, whose love can they believe in? Work on communicating with your child this year. Interact daily to share a smile, a good word, a laugh, a story, or a meal together. The main thing is that you put in time and energy so that he knows that he matters in your life. Talk to your children every day-even if it’s just for a few minutes. Put down your iPhone; turn off your laptop when your children (or you) return home, at meal times and story times, and when you pick your child up from school. Look at him and make eye contact while having a conversation. Speak to your child in the tone and with the words that you wish he would use with others. Express your love every day, no matter how tough the day may have been.

 

My goal is to let you realise that you need to do your best to help our children navigate the road of life successfully. We all need to raise children with soul. The children are the treasure of tomorrow. It is the responsibilities of all stakeholders to ensure that children are well nourished and supported to be the best they can be. Children contribute in no small measure to the sustenance, cohesion, stability and growth of the society. This is because they grow up to become fathers, mothers and eventually family people and leaders. With an enabling environment, many children grow up to become strong, hardworking, resilient and even leaders in their communities.

 

THANKS AND GOD BLESS. BE THERE ALWAYS FOR OUR CHILDREN

 

 

Mr Dominic Taiwo, JDPM, Oyo State,

__________________________ Join us on WhatsApp ______________________________

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *