According to Unicef we are.
The UK came 21st with the US closely following in 20th position, in a report which studied the well-being of children across twenty one industrialised nations. Factors considered included family relationships, behaviour, and sense of well-being. Predictably the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries topped the table.
The main differences between the UK and the top scoring countries as I see it;
* Parents are encouraged to stay at home and take care of their children, they are given financial aid to do so by means of extended maternity leave and pay.
* Family is extremely important and a lot of emphasis is put on family time.
* Children do not start full time education until much later, sometimes as late as seven years old.
In an article by Newsround, British children have commented on what would make their lives better.
The main issues seem to be;
Global warming & pollution
War & world Poverty
Bullying
Lack of affordable activities
Parents not spending enough time with kids
Parents splitting up/getting divorced.
That’s a general picture of what is worrying OUR children. Now, what can we do about it.
In my opinion, each and every parent must take responsibility for their own children. We need to provide motivation, morals, and a safe secure home environment. We have to protect them, yet not stifle. We must keep them safe, but not so safe they fear risk.
Parents should be encouraged by Government to play a larger role in a newborns’ life, as opposed to being shunted back into full time work. The first few years are the basis for a lifetime of citizenship, where we as parents must teach morals, manners, and what it is to be a good citizen, how can we do this if we are not present?
Anti-social behaviour must be met with harsh punishment. Without exception.
School premises should be utilised for more extra curricular activities, both during the evening and weekend. Parents need to take an active role in assisting with these activities. Working hours need to be reduced and brought into line with the rest of Europe.
The education system requires drastic reform. Starting age needs to be reconsidered. Examinations need to be looked at properly, with many, in my mind, being axed. Curriculum needs to be reviewed. We have a system at the moment which is not serving our children nor our country well. I would like to see a later starting age, an end to exams for exams sake, a more flexible curriculum where a teacher can practise child/class led learning. We need to enthuse and motivate our kids. A lifelong love of learning needs to be instilled from the outset. Teaching should not be asking a class to open a textbook at pg 27 and copy the third and fourth paragraph! Teachers must utilise (and be allowed to utilise) all of the resources available, ie libraries, museums, galleries, parks… in short, learning should not take place solely in the classroom.
War, poverty, climate change and pollution need to be dealt with globally. We ALL have our part to play.
I’ll try again on Monday. I did go to the book shop to have a look at a textbook for the course. Let’s just say it will be challenging!
I have been fortunate enough to be present at all of Erin’s milestones and have played a truly active role in every moment of her life so far. It’s been a year of experiences that nobody can take away, and I thank my husband for making it possible (someone has to pay the bills!).
