Are we radical enough to be inclusive to children?

An article written for Oasis India

Children make up about half the world's population. Research says they are the most oppressed and excluded social group. Exclusion of children is not only subjected to children who suffer from various physical, mental and social disadvantages, but it’s an issue which is common among most children. The problem is to do with our understanding of who children are, and the way we see and treat them.

There is a famous incident in the scripture which captures the inclusiveness of Jesus. The message translation of Matthew 19:13-15 reads, “One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these. After laying hands on them, he left.”

Although this text finishes on a positive note, it leaves us with some important questions on why the disciples tried to exclude children. What was the underlying issues (cause) as opposed to the behavior (symptoms)? Understandably, there were some conspicuous cultural barriers that must have contributed to this exclusive behavior of the disciples.

Below are three barriers listed, and the same serve as barriers in today’s society we live in.

1. The most powerless members of ancient society were little children.

This is obvious in our culture too. The best example is the corporal punishment we all believe in. When we physically punish a child, we send out a message that children are less powerful than us. We also believe in the lie that corporal punishment is key to bring change in the lives of children. The reality is, the child grows in fear and misplaced trust.

Application: Recognise the potential in children.

2. Children had no status; age increased one's social status and authority.

The patronising attitude we have towards children is a huge barrier we face in today’s society. This attitude stops us from including children in the decision making processes in our families, religious settings and schools. They must feel valued. They are capable of making good observations and offering valuable advice. Let’s give it a try.

Application: Trust and involve children in decision making processes.

3. People around Jesus could have thought that it is beneath the dignity of Jesus.

Quite often our maturity and dignity is questioned in our culture when we mingle with children. It gets even worse when a child has disadvantages of various kinds, more so if it’s a girl child. The gap in the knowledge and experience we see in children must be seen as opportunity for growth and development, and not as weakness. Let’s not deprive them of meaningful and quality relationships that can harness good moral principles in them.

Application: Develop stronger, meaningful and healthier relationships with children.

In spite of the cultural and social barriers Jesus faced, he was willing to break the status quo and radically communicate back his understanding of who children were and what potential they hold for the future. Are we willing to follow the footsteps of Jesus in acknowledging that Children are valuable, they deserve to be included, and it is crucial that we invest into their future?