TIMMINS — The Brighter Futures program celebrated National Child Day with families at the EarlyON Centre at North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) in Timmins on Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

To mark this day, the Early Years Team proudly hosted a morning full of fun activities for children to promote self-expression, including sensory play, crafts, singing and dancing, and free-play, followed by a nutritional lunch.

Although National Child Day is celebrated in a fun manner, it has an important message. The primary intention is to promote and provide a space for all children to have the best start in life. The years before six are the most influential to a child's development. How we care for our children during the first six years sets the stage for their lifelong learning, behaviour and health.

“We invite all families with children 0 to 6 years old to visit our centre to explore ways that we can provide support with parenting and a child’s development,” said Rachèle Pelletier, Brighter Futures Program Coordinator at NEOFACS. “Come play and take part in free workshops. You will create new relationships and connections with other families through community events and services.”

The goal of National Child Day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children. Here are the four basic principles:

Principle 1: Non-discrimination

  • All children have rights and they must be respected without discrimination.

Principle 2: Best interests of the child

  • When decisions are made that affect the lives of children, it is very important to think about what is best for the child.
  • It is important for adults to think about what is best for you when they make decisions.

Principle 3: Right to survival, protection and development

  • Governments should protect children from harm, and help children live and grow to be the best they can be.

Principle 4: Participation

  • Children have the right to give their opinions in all matters that affect them and to have their voices heard. Their views should always be taken seriously and they should have more say as they grow older.
  • You have the right to give your opinion and for others to listen to what you have to say.

National Child Day is celebrated annually on November 20 in recognition of Canada’s signing of the United Nations (UN) Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Most importantly, it is a day to remember children need support, encouragement and respect to help them reach their full potential. We each have an important role to play in the well-being and safety of children and youth whether you are a parent, a teacher, a social worker, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or community helper.

Throughout the year, we encourage families to learn about children’s rights and to advocate for their children. Many children face poverty, bullying, discrimination, poor mental health outcomes and abuse. The early learning and youth programs within NEOFACS promote healthy living skills, budgeting skills, positive parenting, parent involvement, healthy childhood development, and mental health services. Through these services, we work together for the well-being and safety of children, youth and families.

More information on National Child Day, activity kits and resources for children, youth, parents and caregivers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Website.

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For more information, please contact:

Rachèle Pelletier
Brighter Futures Program Coordinator
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
705-360-7100 ext. 5029
rachele.pelletier@neofacs.org

Mélanie Watson
Communications Coordinator
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
705-360-2121
melanie.watson@neofacs.org