Nurturing Rights of a Child: Music, Arts and Sports Access
Children in our society have rights.
It's a simple statement, but one with profound implications. We often think of rights in terms of adults, but the truth is, children are just as deserving of protection, opportunity, and the chance to thrive. As parents, educators, and community members, we have a responsibility to understand and uphold these rights.
Look around us. We see children with boundless energy, creative minds, and a natural curiosity about the world. They're the future: the artists, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow. But they also face unique challenges. Some struggle with access to quality education, others with safe and nurturing environments. Some might feel their voices aren't heard or that their dreams are out of reach.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) lays out so many important rights for our kids. But today, I want to focus on three that hit home for us here in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, and Delta. These three, in particular, show us how music education and other after-school programs make a real difference in a child's life.
We could easily talk about the right to love, a safe environment, healthcare, or protection – all absolutely crucial.
But what I want to highlight is how music brings to life three specific rights: the right to education that helps kids reach their full potential, the right to enjoy leisure and play, and the right to express themselves.
1. Right to Education (Articles 28 & 29 of UNCRC):
Article 28 focuses on the right to education, and Article 29 outlines the goals of education, including the development of the child's personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.
Now, when we talk about the right to education, as outlined in Article 28 of the UNCRC, and the goals of that education in Article 29 – developing our kids' personalities, talents, and abilities to their fullest – as a parent, I immediately think, 'How do we make that happen?' We all want our children to thrive, right? Not just academically but as well-rounded, happy individuals.
And that's where enrichment activities come in, like music lessons, but also things like swimming classes, art workshops, or even coding clubs. You might think, 'Oh, it's just learning an instrument, or a stroke, or a technique,' but it's so much more. Numerous studies have shown how these kinds of activities contribute to cognitive development. Whether it's the memory required to learn a musical piece, the problem-solving in a painting, or the focus needed for swimming drills – it's all brain exercise, and it can be fun!
Then there's the emotional side. Music, art, sports – they are all fantastic outlets for self-expression. I've seen firsthand how these activities can help my child process their feelings, build their confidence, and even learn to work as part of a team. Whether it’s expressing emotions through a melody, creating a visual story through painting, or learning teamwork in a swimming relay, they’re all valuable. Plus, they unleash creativity. They give them a space to explore their imagination and find their unique voice.
As a busy parent, we appreciate the practical side, too. Enrolling our child in an after-school program, be it music, swimming, art, or another passion, isn't just filling time; it's investing in their future. It's providing them with skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. It's giving them a chance to discover a passion, to learn discipline, and to experience the joy of creating or achieving something.
So, when we think about my child's right to an education that truly develops their potential, we see how these after-school options, including music lessons, tick all the boxes. It's not just about learning notes, strokes, or brushstrokes; it's about nurturing the whole child – their mind, their heart, and their creative spirit, whatever path they choose.
2. Right to Rest, Leisure, and Play (Article 31 of UNCRC):
Article 31 recognizes the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child, and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
The right to rest, leisure, and play - it sounds so simple, doesn't it? But in today's busy world, it's easy to overlook. As parents, we're juggling schedules, homework, and a million other things, and sometimes 'play' can feel like it gets pushed to the bottom of the list. But honestly, it's just as important as anything else.
I think, as parents, we need to be intentional about creating space for rest, leisure, and play. It's not just about letting them watch TV or play video games (though those can have their place!). It's about encouraging activities that are truly restorative and engaging, that allow them to disconnect and recharge.
For instance, I've learned that setting boundaries around screen time is crucial. Giving them dedicated 'unplugged' time allows them to rediscover the joy of imaginative play, whether it’s building forts, creating art like painting, or simply running around outside. We need to encourage those activities that activate their creativity and physical movement.
And then there's leisure. Introducing them to cultural activities is amazing. Taking them to local concerts, museums or even just exploring the library opens up a whole new world of experiences. And you know what? Music lessons, swimming classes, and art workshops fit perfectly into this. They’re both learning activities and forms of leisure. They're developing skills, but they're also having fun, expressing themselves, and connecting with others. They are all ways to engage in cultural life and the arts as the article mentions.
We also have to remember that rest is crucial. Kids need downtime, too. It's not just about physical rest; it's about mental rest. Allowing them to have quiet time, to relax without pressure, is essential for their well-being. This can be time to read, meditate, or just simply be.
Ultimately, I think it comes down to balance. We need to create a rhythm in our family life that includes not just structured activities, but also unstructured time for play and relaxation. We need to prioritize these moments, not just as 'extra' but as essential for our children's development. It's about giving them the space to be kids, to explore, to create, and to simply enjoy being themselves, whether that means playing music, swimming laps, painting a masterpiece, or just being. And it's our job as parents to make that happen.
3. Right to Express Themselves (Article 13 of UNCRC):
Article 13 protects the child's right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, whether orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice.
Article 13 of the UNCRC, the right to freedom of expression, is something I've been thinking about a lot lately. In a world where kids are often told what to do and how to act, it's so important to remember that they have a right to their own thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
As parents, I think our biggest role is to create a safe space for them to express themselves. It's not just about letting them talk; it's about truly listening. Even when they're expressing something we might disagree with or don't fully understand, we need to validate their feelings and show them that their voice matters.
One thing I've found helpful is encouraging them to explore different ways of expressing themselves. It's not just about words. It's about art, music, drama, and any other creative outlet. Music lessons, for example, have been amazing for my child. They've found a way to communicate their emotions and ideas through playing an instrument, and it's built their confidence in a way I never expected.
We can also encourage them to share their opinions and ideas in family discussions. Even if it's just about what movie to watch or what to have for dinner, it's a way of showing them that their input is valued. We can ask them open-ended questions and really listen to their responses.
It's also important to be mindful of the messages we're sending. Are we creating an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, even if they're different from ours? Are we respecting their right to privacy and not sharing their personal information without their consent?
Ultimately, I think it comes down to empowering them. We need to give them the tools and the confidence to express themselves authentically. It's about helping them find their voice and letting them know that their thoughts and feelings are valid. And it's our responsibility to make sure they know that they are heard
Watching a child's potential unfold is an incredible privilege. We’ve seen firsthand how music, arts, and sports can be powerful catalysts for growth, helping children develop not just skills, but also resilience, creativity, and a sense of self. We're passionate about providing an environment where these transformations can happen. If you envision your child growing into a confident, expressive, and well-rounded individual, we invite you to learn more about how we can support their journey.
We're here to help them discover the best version of themselves.