MISSION POSSIBLE: EMOTIONAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN
by: Maja Zilih

Introducing the column

The natural and legitimate rights of children to grow and develop in a healthy, non-violent environment, often pass unrecognised, or even neglected. I find this strikingly odd, given that it is the children who are the most exposed and vulnerable part of the society, as well as the ones least able to protect themselves and to demand equal treatment.

This column will emphasise the positive actions taken towards the establishment and recognition of the children’s rights. At this point I am trying to get in touch with the NGOs and communities that understand the importance of this issue and act accordingly. I hope that a near future holds opportunities for the co-operation between such organisations and the Humanist Network, in raising the people’s awareness of the problems children face as a result of violent acts of adults.

The topics discussed in this column will show that child-abuse may take many forms - physical, psychological, spiritual, and so on. However, all forms of violence have a detrimental impact, both on the individual level, and on the society as a whole.

It will be argued that the upbringing that falls short of meeting the child’s needs leaves an imprint that does not simply wear-off through the process of growing up. On the contrary, it remains in the unconsciousness of the being, creating a high potential for violent drives, or even for ‘involuntary’ acts of violence in adulthood.

To make matters worse, far too often, children are not only being badly treated, but are also being punished for expressing their feelings around the mistreatment. The freedom of emotional expression is a necessary condition for healthy development. The discouragement from it may cause insensitivity, confusion, phobias, illness, and so on, and it contributes greatly to the creation of a repressed society.

For a world without wars and violence, a truly nurturing, non-violent child-rearing is an essential element, for it is today’s healthy children that are tomorrow’s new generation of healthy adults.

In closing, I invite the readers of my column to share relevant ideas and suggestions, and/or for a simple viewpoint exchange, at: majazilih77@hotmail.com

Continue with part 2