Utopia for Children: Characteristics of a Child-Friendly Community For parents, nothing is more important than to provide a safe place for their children. This goes beyond the home, as the entire community plays a big role in a child's development. The schools, the lifestyle, the people in the community, and even the planning and land development of the area can make a big difference in how children adapt as they grow. To help parents find the ideal community for their children, Modeina outlines the three important characteristics of a child-friendly community:
Easy Access to Basic Services The National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCA) emphasises the importance of having easy and convenient access to basic services for children. These services include healthcare facilities, adequate sanitation, community houses, libraries, and early learning centres. Access to these services can provide parents with peace of mind, knowing all necessities are just a stone's throw away from their homes.
A Place for Good Education The ideal community places great value in child education. Most communities have their own schools for enriching young minds when it comes to academic, social, and cultural performance. The great thing about this is that learning centres and schools often collaborate with community activities to ensure learning goes beyond the classroom.
Safe Environment for Social and Cultural Development A child-friendly community is one that allows children to express cultural interests and provides them opportunities to initiate social interaction. A community should include a safe place for outdoor recreation where children can participate in art, sports, music, and other activities. For example, some communities have parks, playgrounds, and sporting clubs that serve as a good venue for children's events. Choosing an ideal community for children takes a great deal of thought. It's not something that parents can decide overnight, especially if they want to give their children a safe, happy, and comfortable lifestyle. If anything, they should lay down all available options and find out if their chosen community is a good place for their children.
References: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201307/beyond-attachment-parents-childrenneed-community http://modeina.com.au/ https://www.unicef.org.au/Discover/Australia-s-children/Child-Friendly-Cities.aspx