Nothing is more important than our children. How we treat them, both individually and collectively is the real measure of who we are. In this time of division and dissent, I am looking for places that provide common ground. I think the love of our children may be such a place. Can we all agree that all policies should be evaluated on their effect on children? No law, rule, order, or other government action should be passed that hurts kids!
Children don’t pay bills. They don’t vote. Most of their decisions are made by adults. If they have any power at all, it is only through influencing the adults around them. They are one of our most vulnerable and important populations. Can we all agree that their well-being must be at the top of all agendas?
As a teacher, I sometimes think of my students as little adults. I forget that they don’t control most of their world. If they are late, it is as likely to be the fault of their means of transportation. They don’t drive. They may be pulled out of school due to the choices of their parents or guardians. Getting homework done is sometimes impossible due to things happening at home. I need to remind myself that they are just children!
I wonder if lawmakers and elected officials have the same challenge. Do they forget how adults’ choices affect children? Do they attribute more control and agency to minors than they really have?
Children are the collateral damage of many of our public policies. If parents don’t make enough money, children are affected. When healthcare is too expensive or difficult to obtain, children get sick. When policies that protect adults from discrimination, deportation, and degradation are undermined or eliminated, their children pay the price.
Every policy should be evaluated through the lens of its effect on children: Will this help the kids? Will this make children’s lives better? If this is going to create a challenge for families with children, and how do we help them address that?
Children aren’t to blame for any of their parents’ struggles, but they share them. While there are many voices screaming to protect unborn children, voices are desperately needed to keep protecting them as they grow up.
While protecting them from certain ideas, philosophies, or encounters with different people may be on some lists, can we please elevate protecting them from hunger, crime, sickness, and illiteracy?
How about a Children’s Bill of Rights! Here is a start:
Regardless of political, religious, or ideological labels, every child deserves to be:
Loved and wanted
Fed and well nourished
Healthy and have prompt and affordable access to doctors and medicine
Well educated
Safe in their neighborhoods, homes, and communities
Free from bullying, abuse, and mistreatment
Given freedom to grow, develop, explore, and play
Housed comfortably and appropriately
Free of worry for the safety of their family
Of course, there is more; this list is just a beginning. Yet, can we agree to this? Can everyone say that these items are the beginning on which we can build greater agreements? If we can agree on this, perhaps we can move our country forward and help everyone, no matter what their affiliations or alliances or age, to pursue life, liberty, and happiness!
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