What has Become of Children?

History hasn’t always been kind to children. They have suffered in many ways as victims of war, they’ve been sidelined as a burden, treated less than human, trafficked and abused. It’s of value to note, lest this gets too bleak, they’ve also been loved, cared for, nurtured and celebrated. 

We draw attention to the appalling conditions children suffer through in the less developed world, because of wars, famines, tribal genocides, natural catastrophes, etc. And rightly so - their plight is pitiable indeed. There have always been attempts, that include successes and failures, that care for these children, but today the increase of like-minded charities and individuals is a phenomenon. In part this is simply due to awareness, rather than a global upswing in charitability.  

So many needs, so many reaching out to help, so much required, to even scratch the surface. And it is often younger men and women who spearhead these initiatives. They have the time and energy, and aren’t jaded or cynical. They believe something can be done - of significance; because of this, more is done. It is churlish to ask if enough is being done, when something is being done. There is a sense in which all our endeavours are never enough but this should not deter care being shown to as many as possible. 

And yet it is often the same people who choose not to have children. What are we to make of their charitable notion about other’s children when they don’t wish to face parenthood themselves - except for the in-the-stead of pet?  

Unfortunately not having children (taking into account some sadly can’t) will shrink their/our future, as less children born equals diminishing resources for an aging population. The decline of birth rates in the west is not likely to have a benign outcome. You decide whether this is good or bad?

So, on one hand, many children are tragically abused and trafficked, (a great wickedness) and on the other their presence puts an unwanted burden on the shoulders of a professional couple’s aspirations (a great sadness). Clearly they think professional fulfilment, whether in the NGO sector or otherwise, is of more value than being a parent themselves; a choice many will live to regret.  

Whether it is worse to be mistreated or to be unwanted? What has become of children?