About National Child Day
Canada has declared November 20th as National Child Day to celebrate the rights of children. November 20th was chosen as the day to celebrate National Child Day because the United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989.
By signing onto the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect and have every opportunity to reach their full potential. This commitment includes:
- Providing children opportunities to have a voice (speak out and be heard)
- Protecting children from harm
- Ensuring children's basic needs are met
How to celebrate National Child Day
Celebrating National Child Day is about celebrating children as:
- active participants in their own lives and in their communities
- active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decisions that affect their lives
National Child Day is an excellent opportunity for educators, parents and caregivers to teach children about their rights. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate:
- Organize a learning activity for a group of children or teenagers using the child rights activity guide. Our activity selector tool can help you quickly choose an activity from the guide.
- Print a copy of our National Child Day colouring poster.
- Check out our information posters section to learn more about National Child Day and the UNCRC.
- Explore other resources for educators, parents and caregivers, children and teenagers.
Child rights activity guide
About the Child rights activity guide
The National Child Day Child rights activity guide provides information about National Child Day and step-by-step instructions for various activities that teachers, educators or group leaders can use with a group of children or adolescents. There are also many ideas to inspire children and youth to take action in the sections You have the right to know your rights and Generation Go of the guide.
National Child Day activity selector tool
For help in selecting an activity from the guide that is appropriate for your target age group, use our Activity selector tool.