Universal Children's Day, celebrated every year on November 20, is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of listening to the youngest and passing on the highest values to them through our example. Serving children requires adults to learn to observe them and watch them grow, seeking to discern the truest and greatest desires that dwell in their hearts, enabling them to fulfill them and discover themselves as protagonists in the areas where they live.
Passing Values on to Children
From their earliest years, children are extremely receptive and learn not only through observation, but also through the context around them. For this reason, it is essential that they be educated not only to respect social rules, but also in the importance of values such as solidarity, respect for others, honesty, and love of life. Teaching children these principles from an early age means preparing them to become aware, respectful adults who are committed to building a fairer and more supportive society.
The Importance of Making Them Feel Like Protagonists
As we have already mentioned, another fundamental aspect, often forgotten, is making children feel like true protagonists in their own lives. Adults and parents often tend to see children as passive subjects who only need to receive instructions or learn, without taking their ideas, opinions, and dreams into account. In reality, involving children in daily decisions, listening to them, and giving them the opportunity to express their opinions and emotions is essential to fostering their personal growth and self-esteem.
Child Saints: An Example of Life
The lives of child saints, such as Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Maria Goretti, and many others, are extraordinary examples of how even the youngest can live their faith and lofty ideals deeply. Still a child, Dominic Savio decided what his life plan would be: to live as a true Christian, and his meeting with Don Bosco was decisive in this. His life teaches us that children, if we pass on great values to them through our example, can in turn become a light for others, ready to contribute to society from an early age.
Jesus says: “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” In a social and cultural context where children occupied the lowest position, Jesus puts them back at the center. This is what we are called to do as well, not only today, when Universal Children's Day is observed, but every day.
And do you listen to children's deepest needs? Do you have a meaningful episode to share? You can share it in the comments.
