Children at their wits end

There's been many issues involving children in the headlines and it is about time we take these matters very seriously as it is now plaguing the society and the nation. Recently, we have come across news such as funds misused for undernourished children, mum gets custody of Islam converted children from their Islam converted father and even a shocking news of a 9- months-old baby charged for attempted murder in Pakistan! 

Ironically, the 21st century has experienced great paradigm shifts where we have fought for causes championing the eradication of child labor, child marriages and children's rights, but yet, we still continue to witness numerous disturbing practices related to children. A child as young as 2 is subjected to rape and 6 year olds abusing drugs still continue to happen! Sometimes, some parents even use their children as tools to avenge themselves in pursuit of an ugly divorce resulting in the children being torn apart. Eventually they become very angry and confused; and end up living in fear of their unknown circumstances. 

Children who suffer emotionally often develop severe anxieties and this contributes to social ills and juvenile crime such as rape, sex and drug abuse. Imagine the trauma that the children go through and imagine how this will influence them as adults? Children who are psychologically affected will subsequently grow into incompetent adults who will in turn affect the general development of a nation in whole. It will be disastrous if this is not seriously considered.It's about time we re-examine our perspectives with regards to childhood development. We as adults play a very crucial role in being responsible in developing the awareness to protect the rights and the welfare of children. 

However, it's refreshing to see that even the blue-blooded take their babies on official visits as they too have started to propagate the importance of parent-child relationship and they too insist on raising a child to be a part of a happy and prosperous nation. It is extremely crucial for children to be nurtured and cared for as they are the human capital of a nation. Thus, it is not just a matter of acknowledging them as this cute little beings running around, but we must know that they are the future of a great nation. As a measure, good childcare policies and laws must be implemented and the existing ones realigned and made sure that it is really workable and 'child-friendly" to ensure that it can be steered towards a successful, developing nation. Moral ills stem from children who are denied from getting the basic need for love and care. As such, they must be celebrated and nurtured, but not tortured.