Day of the child

Filed Under Tips & Tricks | November 20, 2007

National Child Day

Today is National Child Day, which marks the day Canada adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year’s theme – The Right to Be Active – is all about encouraging kids to be active, and to remind parents, caregivers and educators that physical activity is essential for a child’s health and well-being.

What rights does every child have? Among others, all children have:

  • The right to have a voice in matters that affect children;
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  • The right to special education and care;
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  • The right to play and rest;
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  • The right to health; and
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  • The right to special protection.
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    The Public Health Agency of Canada has a great National Child Day section on their website with pages and storybooks to colour for younger kids, and online games and quizzes for older kids. They also have lots of tips for getting active, including links, animated ideas and more.

    If you’re wondering what activities are right for your child, the Mayo Clinic has a good overview on why fitness is important for kids and age-appropriate activities.

    Feeling trapped indoors by inclement weather? Our selection of books for and about energetic kids gives you some ideas for active inside play.

    And if all this exercise talk has got you galvanized to sign your tots up for something active at the community centres for the New Year, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer. Most program guides aren’t out yet, but we’ll give you a little nudge closer to the time.

    And speaking of keeping kids healthy, check out the latest recall info and be wary when buying toys online from Craigslist or eBay, apparently there are lots of recently recalled items going cheap.

     

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