By: Kasia Sulewski, Early Childhood Educator

Recognized across Canada, National Child Day commemorates Canada’s ongoing commitment to acknowledge and uphold the rights of children. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Children have the right to be raised by their parent(s); children have the right to find out things and share what they think with others by talking, drawing, writing or any other way.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was created from the foundational principle that adults should: 

  • Consider and act in the best interest of children.
  • Consider children’s views in matters that impact them.
  • Ensure children are considered in economic, social and political decisions, programs and matters that affect them.

Children deserve to be recognized as important members of our communities. On National Child Day—and every day—it is important for us to reflect upon and acknowledge children’s rights to protection, provision and participation.  

  • All children have the right to an adequate standard of living, healthcare and to play.
  • All children have the right to express their views about things that affect them and to participate in communities, programs and services.
  • All children have the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

Children have the right to an identity.

The UNCRC outlines 54 rights that all children have, including: 

  • Article 8: Children have the right to an identity, no one can take this right away from them.  
  • Article 13: Children have the right to find out things and share what they think with others by talking, drawing, writing or any other way. 
  • Article 18: Children have the right to be raised by their parent(s).  
  • Article 31: Children have the right to play and to rest.  

Children have the right to play and to rest.

How do we celebrate National Child day at Terra?
  • As a community, we choose to wear blue to signify our commitment to upholding and advocating for the rights of children and we hand out blue ribbons to wear.
  • To commemorate the day, educators will be baking blueberry muffins alongside children to be shared within the Braemar School community.
  • We post signage around National Child day outlining the rights of children and our shared responsibilities to uphold them.
  •  We organize activities for parents and children to participate in and incorporate conversation about importance of children’s rights.
  • We spread the word in the community by posting on social media and tagging @Natlchildday with the hashtags #NationalchildDay and #childrenhaverights.
How are you celebrating National Child Day this year? 

Perhaps bake some blueberry muffins with a child in your life (follow the link for a healthy, go-to recipe that our Child and Family Support Centre cook recommends!), visit the local library to engage in family play events or read a good book with your child. Or ask the child in your life how they want to celebrate! 

Visit nationalchildday.ca for more information.