The National Child Month Committee (NCMC) is encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and the general public to ensure that children are treated extra special on National Children’s Day, Friday, May 20.

While most countries recognize Children’s Day, chair of the NCMC, Dr. Pauline Mullings pointed out that Jamaica is the only country that has a month dedicated to children. The committee is taking an active role in Child Month, making it a priority to not only encourage children but get them involved in the activities during the month of May and going forward.

A free Children’s Health and Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, May 28 in the Douglas Orane Auditorium, Wolmer’s Boys’ School on Marescaux Road in Kingston. According to Dr. Mullings, the health fair is in line with this year’s Child Month theme: ‘Healthy Children Build a Stronger Nation’.

The theme is ideal as the summer months approach and parents will be looking for activities and programmes to keep their children occupied. Children’s health is a combination of factors which include their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. With this in mind Child month is sets the pace for young ones to become more involved in their communities and their school programmes. It also affords important bonding time for parent and child to grow closer and better understand each other.

This Child Month comes with a lot of moving parts and each day can be used to focus on a different aspect of our children’s lives. Let’s make the best of the time while they are young and prepare them for great things ahead.