Bill of Rights for Children
(By Theresa Wangler)
Every child, regardless of his/her socioeconomic status; his/her race religion, nationality; or the circumstances of his/her birth, is endowed with the following rights given by God to be followed by all parents, guardians, and other adults:
1. THE RIGHT TO BE LOVED
(Primary Importance)
2. THE RIGHT TO BE UNDERSTOOD
(Not Merely Tolerated)
3. THE RIGHT TO BE DISCIPLINED
(With Love and Reason)
4. THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION
(At Home and at School)
5. THE RIGHT TO INDEPENDENCE
(As Much As He/ She Can Handle)
6. THE RIGHT TO BE ACCEPTED FOR WHAT HE/SHE IS
(Unconditionally)
7. THE RIGHT TO BE RECOGNIZED
(As a Human Being Who Will Someday Master His World)
Child Rearing
Give children responsibility.
Avoid excessive criticism.
Teach your child to respect property rights.
Be a good listener.
Give children a part in family planning.
Share the family calendar.
Spend time with your child.
Assure your child that he is loved regardless of his behavior.
Look for the causes of misbehavior.
Work toward self-discipline.
Consider your punishment.
Seek professional help.
A Memorandum From Your Child
1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE FIRM WITH ME.
(I prefer it. It lets me know where I stand.)
2. DON’T BE INCONSISTENT BECAUSE I HAVE PROBLEMS.
(That confuses me and make me try harder to get away with everything I can.)
3. DON’T LET MY “BAD HABITS” GET A LOT OF YOUR ATTENTION.
(It only encourages me to continue them.)
4. DON’T CORRECT ME IN FRONT OF PEOPLE.
(I’ll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.)
5. DON’T PROTECT ME FROM CONSEQUENCES.
(I need to learn from experiences.)
6. DON’T EVER THINK IT IS BENEATH YOUR DIGNITY TO APOLOGIZE TO ME.
(An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.)
7. DON’T LET MY FEARS AROUSE YOUR ANXIETY.
(Then I will become more afraid.
Show me courage.)
8. DON’T FORGET THAT I CAN’T THRIVE WITHOUT LOTS OF UNDERSTANDING AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
(But I don’t need to tell you that, do I?)
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
–Source unknown–