“Don’t give up. I believe in you all. A person is a person no matter how small” Dr. Suess
Today marks the annual celebration of International Youth Day. This event was created in 1999 as a way to celebrate young people from around the world. It is an opportunity to drive hope, change and strength for our young generation and aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. It’s also an opportunity for us to remember that sometimes the smallest voice can make the biggest difference.
How can you celebrate International Youth Day and connect with children?
Connect Through Education
You don’t have to be a teacher in order to teach your children. Connecting with children through education is extremely important. We believe that many parents desire the same things for their children: to value education, earn good grades, be prepared for college or their future plans, and to push themselves to succeed.
Education will look different depending on the age of your child. This isn’t necessarily about lesson plans and tests, although it could be! This is about creating events that encourage learning such as:
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Creating stimulating environments with colors and lights for infants. This helps in brain development for your new infant.
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Going to the park and learning about trees, animals or plants that you discover along the way.
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Attending a museum or gallery.
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Using your imagination to create stories or in play.
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Household chores that teach discipline, deadlines and reaching goals.
Connect Through Art
Art, along with other creative activities, are the building blocks of child development. Regardless of the child’s age, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your children. There is a strong correlation between art and academic success.
There are several ways that parents can connect with their child with art.
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Discuss the child’s creation. This is an opportunity to see what the child sees. Ask open ended questions about the art they created. This tells the child that you are interested in what they are doing.
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Discuss art in different cultures. Show examples of art that you may find in a Native American community versus in Japanese culture. Share thoughts about the artwork you discover.
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Create art together. Take a pottery class together or even paint a picture at home using watercolor paints.
Connect through Volunteering
We know that schedules are busy and extra time can be challenging to find, but there are many benefits to volunteering. Volunteering doesn’t just have to be at your child’s school. If your child is old enough, a great way to connect is to find opportunities to volunteer together. Some of the benefits include:
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Helps foster empathy.
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Helps develops new skills.
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Opens up opportunities to new experiences.
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It can make a difference in someone else’s life.
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Helps foster a sense of civic responsibility and giving back.
Today, on International Youth Day, let us take a moment to remind our children that although they may be small, they can make a difference in the world. Let us continue to educate them and inspire them to make this world a better place.
