I just finished reading Free the Children by Craig Kielburger. This is one person who shows what an empowered child with determination can accomplish.
One thing he mentions often in the book is that in all the organizations he contacted that were working towards the welfare of children, none of the advocates or advisers themselves were youth or children. As with most other facets of life, adults were calling all the shots when it came to the children, and there was no real desire to change this.
Thankfully, Craig helped pave the way for youth to become involved in issues that affect them. But we need to do more. As a society, we need to recognize the important contributions that children can and should be making towards their future. It is no longer acceptable or desirable for adults to marginalize children. Children's voices need to be heard. Being young is not a disease to be overcome, nor is it a handicap. Youth have energy and a vested interest to make a positive difference in the world. They have a right to invest their energy into their futures.
Contrast this with some kids we know locally. These kids are screen and electronic gadget addicts, who have little interest in the real world. How did that come to be? Could it be that dinnertime conversations about world events no longer take place in their household? Do the parents believe that the children should be sheltered from the "harsh realities of the world"? Or is it just a little easier, a little more convenient to let them follow the status quo?
Not long from now those children will be adults. They will have the ability to vote. They will need to find ways of earning a living. They will need to work through personal and business relationships. They will need basic living skills such as cooking. cleaning, and planning a budget. They will be faced with an onslaught of decisions to make. How well prepared will they be?
I've heard so many adults condone over-scheduling kids' free time by rationalizing that "I'll know where they are and what they're doing" (control) or "it will keep them out of trouble" (assuming that anything the child might plan would be problematic--and showing a sad lack of trust in the child).
I have posted on Twitter and on this board about the necessity of free, regular, unstructured outdoor play in children's lives. We also need to allow them to become involved in the "civilized" world around them (and yes, the word "allow" is intentional here). We need to teach them coping skills then trust them to use them. It is not unreasonable for a 12 year old to use public transit. It is unreasonable to cloister our children and do everything for them, then expect them to miraculously grow into mature, capable adults.
We need to answer our children's questions honestly and completely, and admit when we do not know the answers. We need to encourage them to find out more. We need to ensure they know how to go about learning more--whether it be learning how to use an online library catalogue, interview experts, or simply make a phone call. We need to encourage them to develop their communication skills effectively. Part of that means including them in adult conversations. We need to listen and show we value their input, and we need to ask them questions to help them clarify their thoughts as well as their speech.
When we shelter children to the truth and to the negative aspects of the world around them, we do them a disservice. Children know that the world isn't perfect. Trying to hide it can make them nervous or anxious. Eventually, they will learn about it for themselves, and if they are unprepared, it can become devastating. Better they learn about the issues and become empowered to act.
Click here for my original article about child empowerment.
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