Children are the future of society, so it is important to give them every chance to grow up healthy and happy. Millions of children around the world, however, are not getting this chance. They are denied the right to a childhood free of poverty, disease, discrimination, violence and exploitation. These disparities are not just a moral failure; they threaten the stability of entire societies and undermine global peace.

The idea of children varies greatly across cultures and perspectives, from viewing them as small adults or treasures to understanding them as vulnerable beings in need of protection. In Christianity, for example, children are physical, moral, spiritual, cognitive, and emotional beings who belong to God (Psalm 139:13-16) and have His purpose in life.

In contrast, the Greek philosopher Aristotle viewed children as pathologically weak and physically disproportionate, incapable of happiness without painful self-mastery. Moreover, he believed that only through a process of “painful discipline” would they learn to conduct themselves according to the highest good.

Biologically, the concept of child is defined as any human being between birth and puberty. In cultural terms, the term can refer to a boy or a girl, and it may also include a fetus. Legally, the definition of child includes anyone who is unable to make serious decisions on their own and therefore needs the supervision of an adult.

A child’s mental, physical, social and emotional development must be supported by the love of parents, a good education, the community and society. This will enable them to live in a way that respects the dignity of every person and contribute to the well-being of everyone.

When a child receives lots of praise and attention, they are more likely to do well in school and behave nicely at home. This is why it’s important to encourage your children when they do something well, such as brushing teeth, cleaning up after themselves or going to the toilet on time.

Helping them solve problems is another effective way of encouraging good behaviour. Children want to please their parents, so if they see that you are satisfied with the way they’ve handled a problem, they will try their best to do it again in the future.

If your child has a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to set aside some quiet space for them to read or play quietly. You could also ask them to work on a puzzle or craft project while you cook, clean or do some other chore. This will help to engage them and prevent them from feeling bored and distracted, which can lead to misbehaviour. You can also try to involve your children in family decisions, and praise them when they do something that helps the household run smoothly. For example, if your child has to choose between snack and homework, you could encourage them to discuss their options with you. This will help them think about the implications of their choice and consider how to solve the problem.