“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today” – Stacia Tauscher.

As parents, we often focus on the future, thinking about the adults our children will grow up to be. However, we must not forget the importance of who they are right now—unique individuals with thoughts, ideas, and feelings of their own. One of the most powerful gifts we can give our children is the freedom of expression.

This article delves into why giving your child this freedom is critical for their development and how you can foster it effectively.

Understanding Freedom of Expression for Children

Freedom of expression is the right to share ideas, opinions, and feelings without fear of repression, as long as it doesn’t harm others. For children, this freedom extends beyond speech. It encompasses their right to explore thoughts through art, writing, and any form of creative or intellectual expression. Just like adults, children deserve the space to express themselves, whether through words, drawings, or actions.

Children also have fundamental rights that parallel those of adults—freedom of thought, movement, religion, and the right to privacy. These liberties empower them to voice their concerns and participate in decisions that affect their lives, including opinions that might differ from those of their parents. Encouraging this freedom helps children develop confidence, autonomy, and self-worth.

Why Freedom of Expression Is Vital for Children

Allowing children to express themselves plays a pivotal role in their emotional and cognitive development. Philosopher Stuart Mill once emphasized that freedom of expression is essential for society because it allows people to share their ideas, sparking progress and innovation. This idea applies just as much to children—they need the opportunity to contribute their voices to the world around them.

The freedom to express also helps children better understand themselves. Through self-expression, they can explore their emotions, clarify their thoughts, and build problem-solving skills. When children are encouraged to speak up, they learn to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.

1. The Power of Expression in Children’s Rights

Children’s freedom of expression is protected under international laws, including Article 13 of the Child Rights International Network (CRIN). This article emphasizes that every child has the right to express themselves freely through various forms of communication, whether it’s speech, writing, art, or media. The exercise of this right can be subject to restrictions to protect public safety or the rights of others, but its core purpose is to foster the child’s ability to seek and share knowledge.

By allowing children the space to express themselves, we help them understand how their rights are respected or infringed upon. Moreover, it teaches them to advocate for the rights of others. This sense of responsibility and empathy develops only when children are granted the opportunity to voice their concerns.

2. Balancing Rights with Responsibilities

With the freedom to express comes the responsibility to respect the opinions of others. It’s important to teach children that their words have power and that with this power comes the need to listen and be open to differing viewpoints. Disagreement is a natural part of communication, and children should learn to engage in respectful dialogue, even when opinions clash.

Parents must also ensure their children understand when to disengage, especially in the digital age. If faced with hate speech or misinformation, such as a harmful rumor spread through social media, it’s essential to teach them the value of blocking or reporting harmful content rather than perpetuating it.

3. Setting Healthy Boundaries for Expression

While it’s important to give children the freedom to express themselves, parents also need to set healthy boundaries. Freedom of expression doesn’t mean allowing children to say or do anything without consequence. Instead, it’s about providing a safe space where they can express themselves without fear of punishment, while still understanding the importance of respect, fairness, and kindness.

Children should be free to share their thoughts, but they should also understand that their words have an impact. Just as George Washington once said, “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter,” it’s crucial that we don’t silence children. Instead, we should guide them in using their voice responsibly.

4. Encouraging Creativity and Self-Expression

Creativity is a natural extension of freedom of expression. Children are naturally imaginative, and fostering that creativity can have lasting benefits for their development. When children are given the space to create, they not only build confidence but also develop problem-solving skills and resilience.

For example, asking a child to draw or write in a journal is a great way to help them express their feelings and ideas. If your child says, “This is boring,” it’s important not to dismiss their feelings. Instead, gently encourage them to try different activities, whether it’s drawing, building with blocks, or crafting with simple materials. The goal is to provide them with the tools they need to explore their creativity in a way that feels meaningful to them.

5. Building Confidence Through Freedom of Expression

Allowing children the freedom to express their thoughts without fear of judgment builds confidence. When a child feels heard, they are more likely to develop strong communication skills and self-esteem. This confidence becomes crucial as they grow, helping them navigate social situations and handle challenges with resilience.

Encouraging self-expression also helps children develop empathy. When children learn to articulate their thoughts, they become better at understanding the feelings of others. This is a powerful tool for building healthy relationships and learning to navigate the complexities of social interactions.

6. Creating Spaces for Expression

To nurture your child’s creativity and freedom of expression, it’s helpful to designate a space in your home where they can explore their ideas. This doesn’t have to be a fancy setup—just a small area where they have access to tools like paper, crayons, or blocks. By giving them the resources and space to create, you’re giving them the freedom to express themselves in their unique way.

Encourage them to share their creations, but avoid being overly critical. It’s important to praise their effort and creativity, even if the result doesn’t match your expectations. The process of expression is what matters most.

Freedom of expression is a vital component of a child’s development, allowing them to communicate, explore, and understand the world around them. By providing your child with the space and tools to express themselves, you’re giving them the opportunity to grow into confident, empathetic individuals. As parents, it’s our responsibility to guide them, set healthy boundaries, and teach them to use their voice respectfully and responsibly. In doing so, we prepare them for a world where their thoughts and ideas can make a real impact.

One woman took to the AITA subreddit to share her story.

According to her, it all started when she married and her MIL announced she would be living with her and her husband. Although the woman didn’t like the idea, her husband was determined to open the doors to their home to his mother.

The MIL, who felt resentment towards the woman because she believed she had stolen her son from her, lacked boundaries. Among the rest, she manipulated her son at will.

At the time, the couple had two children, a two-year-old son and a six-month-old daughter. The girl was a cheerful one and rarely cried. She would often smile at her grandma, but as the woman noticed, her MIL would never smile back. It was as though she didn’t like the children too.

The woman’s husband worked from home, but he was on his computer all the time, so when the woman wound a part-time job, it was the MIL who took care of the children.

Later on, however, the woman noticed a drastic change in her children’s behavior, but she was aware that speaking to her husband wouldn’t change anything because he would just dismiss her observations. So, she decided to install a camera in the house and be sure that her MIL treats the little ones as she was supposed to.

One day, while checking on the camera she secretly installed, the woman was shocked to hear her MIL spending hours berating her in conversation with her husband.

But was was even more shocking was how the MIL verbally abused her children. She referred to them as pigs and monkeys, among the rest. The MIL repeatedly told the girl that she’s hated and not loved by anyone.

“She [spent] around 6 hours talking to my babies like that and verbally [abusing] them,” the woman said of her MIL.

When she confronted her husband about it, he criticized her for recording their private conversations. “When I talked to my husband about what happened and made him listen to the audio, first he told me that I was out of limit and I was out of character to put a [recorder] in the house,” the wife noted.

Further, the husband said that his mother had a problem with her, not the children. He defended her and tried to rationalize her behavior towards the kids.

But besides what her husband thought, the woman made a firm decision not to let her MIL around her children if there is no another adult with them.

“[My husband] told me that I can be mad at his mother, but the kids are not mad at her, I am the one who has a problem with his mother but the kids don’t have any problem with her and [it’s] petty of me to not allow her to see the kids again,” shared the woman. “He also said that I have to do the right thing, her mom is still the [kids’] grandmother, the kids must have a relationship with her and I have to let go.”

Two weeks after the incident, the MIL returned to her home country, but six months later, she returned again. The husband tried to convince the woman to let her live with them again, but she said no.

The husband then decided to find a separate apartment for his mother. The woman is still not letting her MIL be around her children all by herself but wonders if she’s too harsh and whether she should reconsider her decision or not.

The redditors stood by her side and told her she wasn’t in the wrong.

In an update post, the woman thanked everyone for their time to read her story and share their opinion on the matter, adding that she hadn’t changed her decision, advocating for her children regardless of the consequences.

Little Johnny is constantly late for school and what’s worse is that he always has a big lie explaining why.

The teacher tells the principal that she has had it with his exaggerations.

The principal tells her to send Johnny to him the next time he shows up late. He will tell Johnny a lie so big that he will never tell another one. Ever.

The next day, Johnny shows up two hours late.

Johnny says, “I was two hours early today so I had time to fish in the pond on my way to school. I caught a 17-pound trout and had to take it home. If I didn’t clean it and freeze it, my mom would’ve been angry. That’s why I’m so late”.

The teacher promptly takes him to the principal’s office and explains the story to the principal.

The principal tells Johnny about his own trip to school that day.

He says, “I was walking to school through the park on the trail today when I heard something behind me. I turned around and was shocked to see a giant grizzly bear behind me. He was 24 feet tall and had 6-inch fangs. He was going to eat me, Johnny! Just then a little dog ran out from the bushes, jumped up and attacked the bear. The little dog killed the bear and then ate the whole bear right there in front of me. What do you think of that, Johnny?”

Johnny replies, “Oh yeah, that’s my dog Sparky. That’s his third bear this week.”

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BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

My granddaughter was discussing the expected arrival of a new brother for her 4-year-old son, Matthew. She told Matthew that you can’t predict the exact date of birth. “You were expected on Aug. 19,” she said, “but arrived on Aug. 11.” Matthew thought for a moment and then said, “Oh! I’m so lucky I was born on my birthday!”

MECHANICAL KID

When my grandson, Jimmy, was 4 or 5, we asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. “I want to be a machine,” he said without hesitation. When we asked him why, he explained, “Well, you can replace the parts in a machine when they wear out.”

STAY-AT-HOME KID

One day when my son David was 5 years old, he informed me that he no longer wanted to go to day care because the other kids were all babies. He said he was a big boy and could stay home alone while I worked. So I asked him, “Who will make your lunch? You can’t reach the stove.”

He quickly replied, “I’ll make a salad.”

COMING SOON

Mom and Dad told Julia, our granddaughter, that she was going to have a baby sister or brother. “It’s a secret and we don’t tell secrets,” they said.

In Sunday school class, Julia’s teacher asked if anyone had a prayer request. Julia said, “I don’t tell secrets, but it’s going to be born next summer.”

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How not to get locked in

Use some Scotch tape if you want to prevent small children from accidentally locking themselves in a room or asking for your help whenever they need to open a closed door. Kids love to slam doors, don’t they?

How not to spill bubble solution

Every parent has encountered this issue at some point. On the one hand, your child is enthralled by the prospect of catching bubbles. On the other hand, he wants to grip the soapy liquid bottle and blow the bubbles himself. Do you think it’s a difficult assignment for one little guy? As a result, the spilled bubble solution makes the floor extremely slippery, and your youngster is irritated about the whole situation. Try this simple trick: use tape to secure the container to the chair. This way, your child will be able to play with his new stylish no-spill bubble tumbler.

How to prevent those ice cream stains

Ice cream won’t ruin your child’s clothes if you use a cupcake case as a popsicle drip-catcher.

How to hold a pen correctly

If you want your children to learn how to hold a pen or pencil correctly, try using a napkin: tell them that they have to hide it under their fourth and fifth fingers.

How to use the right amount of toilet paper

Colorful “stop” arrows will tell your kid how much paper they need.

How to get them to brush their teeth for two minutes

It’s difficult for children, and sometimes even for grown-ups, to know if they’ve spent enough time brushing their teeth. An hourglass, set for 2-3 minutes, is a perfect solution for you and your child. Another smart idea is to find a children’s song that lasts for at least 2 minutes and turn it on every time your kid brushes their teeth.

How to tell which shoe goes on which foot

Kids often have trouble telling left from right, and so they mix up their shoes. Just place half a sticker in each shoe. Your little one can match up the sticker and get their shoes on the correct feet.

How not to mix up the keys

If you trust your child with the keys, try this trick. Paint them in different colors, and your kid will easily memorize which key opens which door.

How to turn housework into a fun game

Your child will gladly do the sweeping if you turn the whole process into a game. Use some colorful Scotch tape to make a square on the floor, and tell him that his special mission is to score a goal.

Chores Help Kids Succeed

Chores may appear to be tedious or uninteresting, but consider this: “Children who do chores may have higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better prepared to deal with frustration, hardship, and delayed satisfaction.” According to the American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “these skills can lead to higher success in school, job, and relationships.” We’ve prepared a list of age-appropriate tasks for kids ages 2 to 16 based on this advice and other psychological research. These life skills, when combined with love and open communication, can bring numerous benefits, including a cheerful mood and a spirit of community service.

Best for 2 to 3 Years: Tidy Toys

Once your children are showing the developmental benchmarks of a toddler—standing on tiptoe, climbing up and down furniture—they are probably ready for light chores. One of the easiest ways to instill tidiness and conscientiousness? Encourage your tots to pick up their toys after playtime. Buy a toy chest for cleanup time or install open shelves that are low to the ground to house board books, blocks, and more.

Best for 2 to 3 Years: Hang Up Clothes

You may notice your 2- or 3-year-old beginning to copy your every move. This mirroring behavior can be helpful in many situations. For example, by showing your child how you put away your clothes every night, you can foster the same desire in them. Install a child-level clothing rod in the closet of your kid’s room or low hooks on the back of the door, so little ones can easily hang up their clothes. If that’s too difficult, start easy and fun by having them fold undies and match up socks and roll them into balls.

Best for 2 to 3 Years: Unbag Groceries

Another task that is appropriate for 2- to 3-year-olds is helping to unbag groceries. While they may not yet know where everything goes—or be able to reach higher shelves and cupboards—you can tailor the environment to make it easier for them to participate. Place a low table within reach for easy unloading, or ask your child to hand you items one by one. Monitor carefully, but also give kids the freedom to pitch in.

Best for 3 to 5 Years: Make Beds

Tidying up the bed every morning is a great habit that 3- to 5-year-olds can develop. Show them how to pull up and smooth out the flat sheet, the blanket, and bedspread, then have them place the pillow in position at the head of the bed. Make the process easier for them by situating the bed away from the walls and keeping bed clutter (stuffed animals, pillows, spare blankets) to a minimum. Don’t aim for perfection; let them own the task. Before you know it, with a little instruction, you’ll have them making perfect hospital corners.

Best for 5 to 8 Years: Fold Laundry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adopting positive discipline with children aged 5 to 8. “Any talk of what not to do should be followed by a discussion of what to do instead.” Folding laundry, for example, can naturally and gently inculcate this discipline. Begin by having your children fold their own laundry and showing them how to properly care for various pieces of clothing. Your child may eventually take over the chore of laundry-folder without prodding.

Best for 5 to 8 Years: Wipe Counters

Many commercial cleaning products can be dangerous or toxic if used improperly, and most children don’t yet have the understanding to take necessary precautions. But they can safely use a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar, which can be just as effective for cleaning many household surfaces, including some kitchen counters. As an alternative, select a nontoxic commercial all-purpose cleaning spray and show your child how to use the product safely with a paper towel or clean rag. Chat with your child about product safety too, as 5- to 8-year-olds are ready for these life lessons, although they may not be ready to practice them without supervision.

Best for 5 to 8 Years: Sweep Floors

Forget the vacuum and leaf blower. An old-fashioned broom is still an excellent cleaning tool, for both indoor and outdoor use. A child-size broom is even better, especially one made of all-natural, nontoxic, sustainable wood. Kids love to use their imaginations, and nothing is better than playing pretend while doing chores. So, let your kiddo channel their inner Cinderella and sweep up the kitchen, or turn on some music and let the cleaning games commence!

Best for 5 to 8 Years: Pack Lunches

You may dread waking up at 6 a.m. to pack lunches, but with a little strategic planning and communication, your 7- or 8-year-olds can accomplish this job themselves. Learning how to pack lunches is not only a lesson in self-sufficiency, it’s Good Nutrition 101. There are plenty of online resources to help you out, including Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This visual guide to good eating and exercise can help build in healthy habits from the start.

Best for 5 to 8 Years: Take Out the Trash

It’s the chore we love to hate, but with these trash day hacks, your kids will be less likely to complain. For instance, line the bin with newspaper to sop up icky spills, and keep extra bags nearby (or in the bottom of the can, if it doesn’t get a lot of wet garbage) for easy replacement. A lesson you can teach in tandem is respect for our garbage men and women. Encourage your child at least once a year to write a letter of thanks to your neighborhood waste disposal and recycling teams. A little love goes a long way.

Best for 8 to 12 Years: Clean Bathroom

Kids may complain at first, but cleaning the bathroom can be rewarding. Even an attitudinal tween appreciates gazing into a streak-free mirror and washing up in a sink that isn’t spotted with globs of dried toothpaste. Be mindful of the type of cleaning products they will be using, especially if heavy-duty chemicals like ammonia or bleach are in your supply closet. Show your school-age child how to clean safely (rubber gloves, ventilation), and choose mild, nontoxic cleaners. Kids also love wacky ideas, so show them a few bathroom cleaning hacks to get their elbows greased and curiosity engaged.

Best for 8 to 12 Years: Plant Flowers

Your own backyard is the perfect classroom for learning about nature firsthand. Complement your hands-on experiments with family-friendly resources, such as Kidsgardening.org, which offers free activities and ideas to cultivate your youngster’s green thumb. Explain the difference between annuals and perennials, then work together to figure out which types of flowers and vegetables will grow best in your region and soil.

Best for 8 to 12 Years: Organize Closets

Rather than assigning chores without discussion, talk with your children about the tasks they’d most like to contribute to the household. This becomes more possible as they get older and develop their own sense of self and service to others. Organizing linen closets and the pantry can be great jobs for children who enjoy computer games, repeated tasks, and predictability. Encourage them to take “before” and “after” photos, and praise their home makeover results.

Best for 13 to 16: Meal Prep

Sharing time in the kitchen need not be a chore at all. Cooking together is a great way to develop a good relationship with your children as well as with food. Cuisine can be an adventure, so brainstorm ideas for meals that tickle your kids’ taste buds and get them thinking about food in new ways. For example, if your child has a friend from another country, consider making a dish from their culture and learning the history and traditions that surround it.

Best for 16+: Run Errands

Handing your kid—ahem—young adult the keys to your car can be scary yet freeing. There are several steps you have to take in advance, including enrolling them in drivers’ ed and stressing the fact that cellphones and driving don’t mix. Once your kids have their license, however, local errands are great practice, and they can really help out a time-stressed parent. So, feel free to ask your teen to run to the grocery store or pick up a prescription.

Best for 16+: Help Neighbors

Helping others is a natural outgrowth of helping around the home. If your teen is interested in the outdoors, mowing lawns or other landscaping work may be a route to some extra college money. If your teen enjoys conversations, checking in on neighbors can encourage listening and connection, and could open up broader opportunities. Being neighborly is a good way to nurture both entrepreneurial abilities and a spirit of service.

Squash Marking

Do you have a pet that likes to mark her territory indoors? Try this. First, you’ll want to blot the soiled area and treat it with an enzyme-based cleaner to get to the root of the smell. Then, lightly mist with an all-natural spritz to deter repeat performances. We love this homemade eucalyptus mix. Simply combine one cup of warm water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and shake before using

Wash Those Toys

Let’s face it — dog breath is gross. Now imagine all the germs those slobbery chew toys are carrying. OK, now that you’re properly skeeved out — relax. Just toss soft toys into the washer with one tablespoon of baking soda, and toss the plastic or rubber toys into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Just be sure to check for loose parts before returning them to the toy box. (If you have a sanitize setting on your washer and dishwasher, use it!)

Squeegee for Shedding

A fluffy coat is adorable on your pet, but when it starts showing up all over your rugs and carpets? Well, not so much. Simply pull a rubber squeegee across hairy carpets and rugs for a fast fix.

Holy Hairballs!

Cleaning a few too many hairballs these days? Keep some cat grass or catmint on hand. The fiber will do kitty’s digestive system good and, of course, she’ll love the extra burst of energy catnip gives.

Natural Supplements

Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to kitty’s food can also reduce shedding and hairballs by helping her maintain a digestive tract, skin and coat. But it’s always smart to check with your vet before supplementing your pet’s diet.

DIY All-Natural Room Deodorizer

Create your own natural deodorizing spritz for use on rugs and soft furnishings. Use it where pets love to laze around (hello, sofa!) or have accidents frequently. To make a 16-ounce bottle, mix 1/2 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into a bowl (it will get fizzy). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then add 12 drops of peppermint essential oil. Once the vinegar dissipates, you will only smell the fresh peppermint. Lightly spray the offending areas, then let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Paws Off!

If you have a pet that lives to shred toilet paper, this tip is for you. For cats, add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil inside the cardboard tube. For dogs, cinnamon or citrus-based essential oils (lemon, orange or lemongrass) will help ward off playful paws.

Nooks + Crannies

Whether it’s in the car or in the house, stubborn pet hair in tight spaces doesn’t have a chance against a damp, textured rubber glove. Create a small pile, then vacuum up the hair in a snap.

Clutter Control

Not unlike kids’ toys, if left unchecked your pet’s toys can quickly take over the entire house. Avoid the chaos with lidded storage. It’s easier to wrangle all those plush hedgehogs and squeaky bones when YOU are in control. Leave two toys out at a time, and rotate through the stash to keep your furry friend from getting bored with too many choices.

Get Outdoors

Another easy way to keep pet hair off your furniture and rugs is to brush your pets weekly and do it outdoors. They’ll love the bonding time and you’ll love less shedding indoors. Go with a grooming mitt or a fine-toothed comb for heavy shedders.

Easy-to-Wash Pet Beds

When you’re picking out that perfect bed for your fur baby, keep in mind that you really want one that can be tossed in the washing machine. For larger beds, make sure you can remove the cover for a quick and easy refresh. Your house will smell better, and the bed will likely last longer, too.

No Loose Litter

An easy way to keep kitty from trailing litter throughout the house is to create a landing pad outside the box. Make it cute by spray-painting a baking pan and cooling grid a fun color, then lining the pan with a pretty contact paper that’s easy to wipe clean.