Happy Children’s Day! Creating Space to Love and Grow

Children’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy and wonder of childhood. It’s also a reminder for us as parents, teachers, and caregivers to reflect on how we nurture and support the growth of our children. In our fast-paced society, where academic achievements often take centre stage, we sometimes forget that children need space - space to breathe, to explore, and to simply be themselves.

I heard children say this, "I need time to chill. Don’t fill my day with work after work. Life isn’t just about study, study, and more study." And they’re right! Children have a natural curiosity and love for learning, but they also need the freedom to choose how and when they learn. When we force them to learn or spoon-feed them with constant information, we risk turning their curiosity into fatigue.

However, many parents are caught in a busy lifestyle that leaves little room for "chill time" with their kids. “Quality time” together often becomes a checklist of tasks—homework, enrichment classes, and chores. The intention to spend meaningful time with children can get buried under the weight of daily responsibilities. It makes me wonder: when Jesus said, "Let the children come to me" (Mark 10:14), besides prayer, what would He be doing with them? Would He be filling their time with work and more work, or would He simply chill with them, enjoying their company?

I like to think that Jesus, who understands the hearts of children, would listen to their stories, laugh with them, and perhaps share lessons in a way that feels more like play than work. Jesus would value their presence, embracing them with warmth and openness, meeting them where they are. He would not rush them or overwhelm them, but rather give them the space to discover themselves.

As we celebrate Children’s Day, let us learn from how Jesus would approach this. Whether it’s a time for work or a time to chill, I pray that whenever parents call their children to come to them, both will open their arms and embrace each other, enjoying the moment together. It’s in these shared moments—whether in work, play, or rest—that true growth happens, and love is expressed most profoundly.

So, let’s celebrate our children not just by giving them gifts or planning special activities, but by giving them the gift of time, space, and our full presence. Let’s listen to their hearts and create a family environment where work and rest coexist, where learning is a joy, and where love is felt in every interaction.

Happy Children’s Day!

In Missional Spirit,

Pastor Forest