Children are precious, and they have unique God-given value. They are physical, moral, spiritual, cognitive and emotional beings who are a vital connection between human generations. They have a God-given purpose and identity (Jeremiah 1:5). In Christian belief, children are God’s gifts, and they are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27).

Throughout history, different cultures have had different attitudes towards children. Aristotle, for example, regarded children as pathologically weak and physically disproportionate, incapable of happiness, and irrational. He believed that it was only through a painful process that they would be able to become mature enough to conduct themselves according to the highest good. The modern attitude towards children emerged by the late nineteenth century. Victorian middle and upper classes emphasized the importance of family and the sanctity of childhood. At the same time, industrialisation led to a widening gap between high-minded romantic ideals of childhood and the reality of child exploitation in factories and mines, as chimney sweeps, and other jobs where children were employed long hours for low pay.

The modern child’s rights movement started with a focus on education, and UNICEF was established to promote the well-being of children. It is now a major international organization that works in more than 190 countries and territories to ensure that every child has the right to life, liberty, and security of person, including the right to freedom from violence and discrimination.

There is much debate about how to best educate children. Many educational specialists believe that the goal should be to provide children with a well-rounded curriculum that includes academic skills, such as reading and writing, along with social and emotional development. Others argue that a child should be allowed to follow his or her own interests, as long as it is not harmful.

Parents have a huge responsibility in raising their children. They must make sure that their children are safe and happy, and they should provide a nurturing environment where they can thrive. They should also encourage their children to express themselves and be creative, as this can help them develop emotionally and intellectually.

In addition, children should be taught to respect others and to understand other cultures. Parents should also teach their children to respect the rights of others, even if they disagree with them.

Books are a great way to share stories with children. They can inspire imagination, spark discussions and help children learn new words and concepts. Parents should read to their children regularly and spend quality time with them. They should try to use a variety of books, such as fairy tales, poetry and non-fiction, to appeal to children’s different interests. When reading to a child, they should take the opportunity to use facial expressions, sound effects and silly voices. They should also ask their children questions about the story to encourage their engagement and participation. This will help them learn to love and appreciate books.