Children Belong in Public Places

Which of the following spaces would you consider a space for children: pharmacy, grocery store, flower shop or playground?

The truth is that they are all spaces that children should be in and feel welcome. In Western culture however, we tend to think of these places as spaces that are for adults, and by default means that children will be there too. We don’t foster a sense of welcomeness and inclusion for children in these spaces. Instead we hold views that they aren’t capable of managing their behaviours, or having the social skills it takes to be in these places. The truth is they do and they can if given the space to be taught and learn.

(Vergeront, 2013)

In places like Reggio Emilia children are not just welcome in public spaces, they are valued. One way this is demonstrated is by making their artwork a part of the landscape, like having it displayed on the large tiles in the subway. In this culture it is understood that children must be in public spaces if we want them to grow up as capable and confident members of society. Visual reminders, like the subway tile artwork, keep the adult members of the public reflective on the importance and value of children taking part in everyday tasks in these spaces just as they do.

Consider the following points the next time you are preparing to be public with children, or the next time you see children in a public space.

How to prepare your child for being in public:

• Practice grace and courtesy at home (meaning practice whatever social norms/expectations are in your culture before heading out to these experiences)

• Prep the child for the experience (“When we go to the pharmacy we are going to go to the prescription counter.”)

• Offer opportunities for them to be involved when possible (We will have to give them our name, you can help with that part if you would like!”)

Reminders for adults when you see children in public:

• This human being has overcome huge adversity to be standing before you today, just a mere few years ago they could not even hold up their own head, give them grace.

• Smile, and carry on about your day

• Be a good role model (are you doing something you wouldn’t want to see a child doing in public, be aware of that)

• Have patience (none of us perfectly adhered to societal expectations the first few times we were in public, some are still learning as adults)

Perhaps some day we can collectively come to the understanding that children deserve just as much respect in these places as adults do, and it is through our teachings that this is possible.