There are dates that raise smiles just by being mentioned, and Children’s Day is undoubtedly one of them. It is an opportunity to celebrate innocence, laughter without filters, curiosity that wants to know everything and the magic of looking at the world with wonder. But this day not only belongs to the little ones at home; it is also an invitation to reconnect with our inner child, to remember what made us happy without complications.
Why does Children’s Day exist?
Children’s Day has its roots in a very noble cause. It arose after World War I, when British writer Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, promoted a declaration to protect the rights of minors. Her initiative led to the adoption by the League of Nations in 1924 of the “Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child”. Later, in 1954, the UN officially established Universal Children’s Day, inviting each country to choose a date to promote the welfare and rights of children.
Since then, this celebration has taken different forms depending on the culture, but with the same message: to value, protect and make children happy.
When is Children’s Day celebrated?
Although Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 (the date on which the UN adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959), each country has chosen its own day to honor children:
- Mexico: On April 30, schools are filled with activities, games, sweets and even shows.
- Argentina: It is celebrated on the third Sunday of August with gifts and family activities.
- Colombia: The last Saturday in April, with fairs, rides and educational campaigns.
- Peru: On the third Sunday of August.
- Japan: It is called Kodomo no Hi and is celebrated on May 5. Paper fish called koinobori are placed on top of homes, wishing success and good fortune to children.
- India: November 14, in honor of the birth of the country’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who adored children.
- Brazil: October 12, coinciding with the Day of the Virgin of Aparecida. Toys are given away and school parties are held.
- China: June 1, with parades, shows and school breaks.
In many places, this day is also used as a platform to remember the rights of children, their access to education, their safety and well-being. It is a joyful date, yes, but also full of social awareness.
How to celebrate it with the little ones
Celebrating children is not just about gifts, but about attention and quality time. Here are some ideas to make it special:
- Family game day: Put together an afternoon of board games, hide-and-seek, or a scavenger hunt at home or at the park.
- Crafts: Paint, make figures with play dough, create masks or collages. Art gives them freedom to express themselves.
- Home theater: Choose a children’s movie, prepare popcorn and turn the living room into a mini movie theater.
- Write a story together: Let them invent the characters and you write the story, imagination has no limits!
- Ask them how they want to celebrate: Sometimes all they want is to spend time with mom, dad, grandparents or their siblings.
And… what about our inner child?
Children’s Day is also a perfect excuse to embrace that child who still lives inside you. The one who laughed fearlessly, dreamed without limits, jumped in puddles and got excited about simple things like a popsicle.
As we grow up, we often leave that playful and spontaneous part aside, but it is still an essential part of our identity. Reconnecting with it gives us joy, lightness and a healthier outlook on life.
Here are some ways to celebrate your inner child:
- Do something you loved as a child: Maybe you loved riding a bike, drawing, watching cartoons or collecting stamps. Do it again, without feeling ridiculous – it’s therapeutic!
- Let yourself play: Whether it’s video games, puzzles, card games or sports, playing is a powerful way to let go of stress.
- Talk to your inner child: You can write a letter to your inner child or remember what you were like when you were 5 or 8 years old. Ask yourself: What did you dream about? What did you need? What made you happy?
- Surround yourself with children: Sometimes the best way to reconnect with your childhood is to share with real children. They teach you to be present, to laugh at silly things and to enjoy the simple things.
A day to be thankful, dream and play
Children’s Day is a purposeful celebration. It reminds us that children are the present and the future, and to protect them is to protect the best of our humanity. It is also a reminder that we adults need not forget the tenderness, imagination and capacity for wonder that once defined us.
So this April 30 (or whatever date you happen to be on), take a moment to look the little ones in your life in the eye and tell them how important they are. And then, look inside yourself… and hug that child who still wants to run, sing, dream and, why not, eat a cotton candy.
Because we all deserve, at least for one day, to feel that the world is a place full of magic.