Children are human beings who are at the stage of life between birth and puberty or, more generally, a developmental period of infancy and adolescence. They generally have fewer rights and responsibilities than adults, and are classed as unable to make serious decisions. They may also be under the care of a guardian or custodial parent and are deemed to need special protection from violence and neglect.

As children grow, they develop the skills and behaviours needed to learn about their environment and build healthy relationships with other people. They are motivated to learn by their curiosity and interest in the world around them. Children are most likely to thrive when they have the essential character traits of confidence, competence or mastery, generosity, decency and tenacity. Children are the most vulnerable in society and face a variety of challenges, including poverty, malnutrition, discrimination and conflict. Children deserve the best that we can give them, and their rights are universally recognized by countries across the globe.

Many of the most pressing global challenges for children include reducing child deaths and getting more kids into school, tackling extreme poverty and ensuring all children have access to safe water and food. Over the past 15 years, the world has made tremendous progress in achieving some of these goals. However, much remains to be done if we are to fulfill this noble vision.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 will require all countries to work together in partnership to protect and support children, especially those who are most disadvantaged. The SDGs set a clear and ambitious course of action to end extreme poverty, achieve universal primary education, provide safe water and affordable energy and ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Children need firm and consistent guidelines, especially in their early years. They are often more confident and resilient if they feel that their parents, carers and teachers are in the same “mindset” about the rules that they need to follow. It is important that you and any other adults who look after your child share a similar approach to things like bedtime routines, meal times, discipline and screen time. Otherwise your child will find it very hard to get used to the different expectations and will struggle to know where the boundaries are.

It is important to encourage your child’s natural desire to please you by rewarding them for a job well done. This works better than punishing them for a mistake. Correcting them harshly only makes them defensive and resentful.

Children love to imitate what they see you doing, so ask them to help you with a task and watch how enthusiastically they respond. This will help them develop a sense of responsibility and will teach them to be self-sufficient. For example, asking a young child to help you wash the dishes can be a great way to introduce them to the concept of chores. As they get older, you can gradually phase out your guidance and let them do more on their own.