We Were Once Children Too..." - Creating a Child-Friendly Community

As Children’s Day approaches, I reflect on a thought many of us might share: “We were once children too...” However, the times we grew up in were different. Back then, it wasn’t just our immediate family who nurtured us—our entire village was our extended family. Every adult was an uncle or an aunt, and every elder was a grandparent. Childhood was a shared responsibility, where a child's well-being wasn’t limited to the immediate family but was the collective concern of the community.

The environment was open and safe. We roamed freely, without restrictions, and felt protected no matter where we went. But times have changed. The communal approach to raising children has gradually shifted, and societal responsibility has shrunk into a private one.

Today, the concept of family has become more confined. The circle of people a child interacts with has grown smaller, and with that, the shared accountability for their upbringing has diminished. A child’s welfare now lies solely with their parents, creating isolated islands of responsibility in what used to be a connected ecosystem.

In this fast-paced and increasingly individualistic world, it’s time to rethink how we, as a society, can create a child-friendly community. We can work together to ensure our children grow up in an environment that mirrors the safety and openness many of us experienced in our childhood:

1. Foster Shared Responsibility

○????? Communities can reintroduce the collective care approach by creating support networks for parents and children. Schools, neighbours, and local organizations can collaborate to build a sense of togetherness.

1. Create Safe Spaces

○????? Establish public parks, libraries, and community centers where children can explore, learn, and play without fear. Safety should be a community-driven effort, ensuring children feel secure wherever they go.

1. Encourage Mentorship and Guidance

○????? Adults beyond a child’s immediate family—teachers, neighbours, and community leaders—can take an active role in mentoring and guiding children, just as our elders once did for us.

1. Promote Inclusive Activities

○????? Organize community events that bring children and families together. Celebrations, workshops, and sports events can rekindle the shared sense of responsibility that binds a community.

1. Educate on Social Values

○????? Teach children the importance of empathy, kindness, and collaboration. These lessons come best when learned within a connected and nurturing community.

A child-friendly community is not just about ensuring safety; it’s about creating an ecosystem where children can thrive. As we celebrate Children’s Day this year, let us not only cherish the innocence and joy of childhood but also commit to creating communities that prioritize the holistic development of every child. Let’s work towards an environment where a child’s upbringing once again becomes a shared responsibility—a return to the values that made our own childhoods so memorable.

Together, we can build a future where every child feels protected and truly nurtured by society's collective strength.

This reflection invites us all—parents, educators, leaders, and community members—to join hands in making a difference. After all, creating a better world for our children starts with us.