Celebrating International Children's Day
International Children's Day began in the early 20th century to promote children’s rights and welfare. To honor this day meaningfully, parents and caregivers can engage in thoughtful actions, such as promoting healthy routines, encouraging physical activity and nurturing emotional well-being, to significantly contribute to a child’s development and demonstrate respect and care for their overall welfare.
Foster a Safe and Supportive Environment
Creating a safe environment for children goes beyond addressing physical hazards. The most critical component is the caregivers, who provide a positive social and emotional environment through caring and responsive relationships. Children need to feel secure and trust their caregivers to explore and learn. Consistency, understanding each child’s cues and managing stress effectively are key to helping children feel safe and supported. For more detailed guidance, visit the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/blog/building-positive-learning-environments-young-children-starts-you
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Health.gov provides a range of materials to help parents encourage physical activity and healthy eating. The “Move Your Way” campaign offers practical tips and interactive tools to help families integrate more physical activity into their daily routines and resources on how to shop, cook and plan healthy meals together. https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/move-your-way-community-resources/campaign-materials/materials-parents
Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Teaching children about their heritage and other cultures will equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in a multicultural world, fostering a more understanding, inclusive and interconnected global community. The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center offers guidance on how to talk to children about differences and similarities. This resource helps adults support children in noticing and reflecting on differences in people and places, fostering an understanding of diversity, and reducing biases. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/talking-children-about-differences-similarities
Support Creative and Artistic Expression
Creative expression is crucial for children’s development. The National Gallery of Art provides free online resources, including lesson plans, videos and interactive activities designed to inspire creativity in children of all ages. The NGAkids Art Zone app offers interactive activities for artistic self-expression through digital drawing and creating personal exhibitions. https://www.nga.gov/stories/free-online-art-learning-resources-students-teachers.html/
Engage in Community Service and Volunteering
Involving children in community service teaches them valuable life skills and the importance of giving back. Youth.gov highlights that children who volunteer feel more connected to their communities, perform better in school and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Their website provides resources and toolkits for engaging young people in community service and fostering meaningful participation. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/civic-engagement-and-volunteering
