International Children’s Day has been celebrated on the 1st
June since 1923. This is not a day for parties and presents – it should be a
day when organizations, who can make a difference, do something about improving
the lives of millions of children around the world struggling to survive. I’m
thinking of those in war-torn and poverty-stricken countries as well as those
living in affluent countries where child neglect and abuse is different.
In my opinion, in
the not-too-distant future, children and babies could become a rarity. This is
because more and more couples are becoming childless – either by choice or
circumstance. The number of infertility clinics is on the rise. While I’m not
denying the benefits of child-spacing and child-affordability, my concern is
that for decades now, families have become smaller, and by interfering with a
woman’s natural fertile and infertile cycle, contraceptives are impacting negatively
on a woman’s reproductive health.
Making babies and children more affordable:
- Budget – Make an accurate analysis of monthly income and expenses. Stick to a budget.
- Buy second-hand – Thrift shops have amazing bargains.
- Where and when possible, do it or make it yourself
- Avoid impulse shopping. Ask yourself – do I really need this?
- Make a shopping list and stick to it
- Don’t take the children shopping with you!
- Teach your children not to waste
- Entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive – make do with what you’ve got and teach your children to enjoy the little things in life
- Don’t be too proud to accept hand-me-downs. I loved it when I was given clothes and books from older cousins when I was growing up
- Start saving for their education.
Children’s rights:
Children need to be
loved, to feel secure and protected from dangers, the elements and disease.
Children shouldn’t have to go hungry or be denied an education. Ideally
children should grow-up in a balanced family where there is a mother and
father. I understand that this is not always possible, but this is when the
extended family and the community or village can step in and help.
How can you help disadvantaged children in your
community?
Find out the names
of children’s organizations, orphanages and homes in your area from your local
newspaper or library. Contact these to find out what you can do to help. Join
knitting or sewing circles where clothes are made for babies and children.
Visit the children’s ward at your local provincial hospital with toys
(these can be second-hand donations) and/or blankets. Volunteer to read in a
nursery-school. Find out if your church has an organization to help children or
volunteer to teach at Sunday school. Every little bit counts – especially when
it comes to children!
Look on my Facebook page for the pattern of the knitted
teddy-bear.
