FOR THE CHILDREN
Puppets, including finger puppets, are a universal way of
passing on,
transmitting,
preserving
our stories,
our whakapapa
our accumulated wisdom.
Think of Punch and Judy
Indonesian shadow puppets
'The Goatherd' in 'The Sound of Music'
Shari Lewis and Lambchop
Disability Awareness puppets.
Embedded,
enshrined,
embodied,
in these puppets are truths about
the human condition,
relationship,
our common humanity,
the inherent dignity of each individual.
They are about
communication,
entertainment,
conservation of heritage,
challenge,
giving people a voice.
These finger puppets were made over twenty years ago for my children.
Through them, we explored place and time and people.
We considered our differences and our similarities.
We celebrated our common humanity.
Each puppet is made of woollen felt, in an elongated half-circle shape.
The base is left open but is divided into three sections,
into which a finger(s) can be inserted for
storytelling
play
conversation
dance
song.
Each puppet is dressed in a simplified (and possibly stereotypical) national costume.
They are tied with ribbon around a simplified map of the world.
The quilt and the puppets are survivors of many years of loving use, and display, and of a studio fire.
They are looking a little worse for wear.
Their re-discovery in a spring-clean has invited me into a time of reflection ...
passing on,
transmitting,
preserving
our stories,
our whakapapa
our accumulated wisdom.
Think of Punch and Judy
Indonesian shadow puppets
'The Goatherd' in 'The Sound of Music'
Shari Lewis and Lambchop
Disability Awareness puppets.
Embedded,
enshrined,
embodied,
in these puppets are truths about
the human condition,
relationship,
our common humanity,
the inherent dignity of each individual.
They are about
communication,
entertainment,
conservation of heritage,
challenge,
giving people a voice.
These finger puppets were made over twenty years ago for my children.
Through them, we explored place and time and people.
We considered our differences and our similarities.
We celebrated our common humanity.
Each puppet is made of woollen felt, in an elongated half-circle shape.
The base is left open but is divided into three sections,
into which a finger(s) can be inserted for
storytelling
play
conversation
dance
song.
Each puppet is dressed in a simplified (and possibly stereotypical) national costume.
They are tied with ribbon around a simplified map of the world.
The quilt and the puppets are survivors of many years of loving use, and display, and of a studio fire.
They are looking a little worse for wear.
Their re-discovery in a spring-clean has invited me into a time of reflection ...
... I thought of my children and the lives we have shared:
the newness of infancy,
the delight of childhood,
the seeking of adolescence,
the confidence of young adulthood,
the exploration and commitment of adulthood.
I love them dearly,
with a passion,
with a great sense of joy, and
with gratitude that I am able to be their mother.
I can watch them blossom into adulthood.
I am indeed blessed among women.
I imagine most mothers feel the same way.
They yearn for adequate shelter, food, clothing, health care, education, freedom
and opportunity for their children.
They desire, as I do,
that their children will grow in a world that is at peace with itself,
and with religious, political and cultural differences.
Desmond Tutu says,
"We each can make a difference if we are vigilant to create a new kind of society,
more compassionate,
more caring,
sharing where human rights,
where children's rights are respected and protected
... we want peace and prosperity for everyone."
I offer these finger puppets as a reflection on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Let us start today to bring about peace and justice and life for everyone.
Let us start today to acknowledge,
and delight in,
the inherent dignity of each human being we encounter.
the newness of infancy,
the delight of childhood,
the seeking of adolescence,
the confidence of young adulthood,
the exploration and commitment of adulthood.
I love them dearly,
with a passion,
with a great sense of joy, and
with gratitude that I am able to be their mother.
I can watch them blossom into adulthood.
I am indeed blessed among women.
I imagine most mothers feel the same way.
They yearn for adequate shelter, food, clothing, health care, education, freedom
and opportunity for their children.
They desire, as I do,
that their children will grow in a world that is at peace with itself,
and with religious, political and cultural differences.
Desmond Tutu says,
"We each can make a difference if we are vigilant to create a new kind of society,
more compassionate,
more caring,
sharing where human rights,
where children's rights are respected and protected
... we want peace and prosperity for everyone."
I offer these finger puppets as a reflection on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Let us start today to bring about peace and justice and life for everyone.
Let us start today to acknowledge,
and delight in,
the inherent dignity of each human being we encounter.
ARTICLE 2: NON-DISCRIMINATION
Whoever we are,
wherever we live,
these rights belong to all children under the sun and the moon and the stars,
whether we live in cities or towns or villages,
or in mountains or valleys or deserts or forests or jungles.
Anywhere and everywhere in the big, wide world,
these are the rights of every child.
wherever we live,
these rights belong to all children under the sun and the moon and the stars,
whether we live in cities or towns or villages,
or in mountains or valleys or deserts or forests or jungles.
Anywhere and everywhere in the big, wide world,
these are the rights of every child.
IN GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS
God
you tell me
I am as important as my neighbour
I am precious
in your sight
You know and recognise
my name
My life has meaning
and purpose
I am loved
and liked
and cherished
I belong
in your world.
God
in my good days and bad days
help me
to hear you affirm
your delight in me.
Beckon me into your joy.
Ruth Burgess
God
you tell me
I am as important as my neighbour
I am precious
in your sight
You know and recognise
my name
My life has meaning
and purpose
I am loved
and liked
and cherished
I belong
in your world.
God
in my good days and bad days
help me
to hear you affirm
your delight in me.
Beckon me into your joy.
Ruth Burgess
ARTICLE 3: BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD
Understand that all children are precious.
Pick us up if we fall down
and if we are lost lend us your hand.
Give us the things we need to make us happy and strong,
and always do your best for us when we are in your care.
Pick us up if we fall down
and if we are lost lend us your hand.
Give us the things we need to make us happy and strong,
and always do your best for us when we are in your care.
LOVE OF DIFFERENCE
God of longings,
give us
sensitivity to the needs of others
and a deep love of difference;
the desire to be connected with people;
the deep wish that others may grow
and follow their dreams;
and the wisdom to know
that this is peace.
Joy Mead
give us
sensitivity to the needs of others
and a deep love of difference;
the desire to be connected with people;
the deep wish that others may grow
and follow their dreams;
and the wisdom to know
that this is peace.
Joy Mead
ARTICLE 4: PROTECTION OF RIGHTS
Even grown-ups need support and encouragement.
Everyone in government must help families protect our rights,
and create an environment where we can grow and reach our potential.
Everyone in government must help families protect our rights,
and create an environment where we can grow and reach our potential.
Pray for children
and youth.
May children be protected, nurtured and encouraged.
May they have the chance to learn,
the space to dance,
the room to grow.
May youth be valued and heard,
supported and challenged,
and be given real opportunities
to help in the reshaping of the Church and the world.
Prayer from the Iona community
and youth.
May children be protected, nurtured and encouraged.
May they have the chance to learn,
the space to dance,
the room to grow.
May youth be valued and heard,
supported and challenged,
and be given real opportunities
to help in the reshaping of the Church and the world.
Prayer from the Iona community
ARTICLE 5: PARENTAL GUIDANCE
It is a great responsibility and a privilege to be a parent.
Please help our parents in every way possible in their role as our nurturers.
Please help our parents in every way possible in their role as our nurturers.
Nourisher
Through the ages you nourish hungry souls
And those who do not recognise their need
To be fed from the provisions of your grace.
Each day you supply nurture and sustenance,
Daily bounty to strengthen our endless efforts
At maintaining and improving relationships.
You give us abundant amounts of soul-food,
Continual replenishment of our spiritual stock,
More than enough to inspire us toward self-giving,
Plenty to fortify our faith and boost our hope.
Joyce Rupp in Fragments of Your Ancient Name.
Through the ages you nourish hungry souls
And those who do not recognise their need
To be fed from the provisions of your grace.
Each day you supply nurture and sustenance,
Daily bounty to strengthen our endless efforts
At maintaining and improving relationships.
You give us abundant amounts of soul-food,
Continual replenishment of our spiritual stock,
More than enough to inspire us toward self-giving,
Plenty to fortify our faith and boost our hope.
Joyce Rupp in Fragments of Your Ancient Name.
ARTICLE 6: SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT
All children should be allowed to live and to grow ...
and grow ...
and grow ...
until we are grown up and can decide things for ourselves.
and grow ...
and grow ...
until we are grown up and can decide things for ourselves.
May every creature
abound in well-being and peace.
May every living being,
weak or strong, the long and the small,
the short and the medium-sized,
the mean and the great,
May every living creature,
seen and unseen,
those dwelling far off,
those waiting to be born,
May all attain peace.
Buddhist prayer
abound in well-being and peace.
May every living being,
weak or strong, the long and the small,
the short and the medium-sized,
the mean and the great,
May every living creature,
seen and unseen,
those dwelling far off,
those waiting to be born,
May all attain peace.
Buddhist prayer
ARTICLE 7: NAME AND NATIONALITY
Max, Zahra, Betty, Juan, Suyin, Reza, Paolo, Yair, Yoko, Mohammed ...
Every one of us shall have a name and a land to call our own.
Every one of us shall have a name and a land to call our own.
O God,
make us children of quietness
and heirs of peace.
Amen
St Clement
make us children of quietness
and heirs of peace.
Amen
St Clement
ARTICLE 9: SEPARATION FROM PARENTS
Keep our families together,
and if we have no family,
look after us and love us just the same.
and if we have no family,
look after us and love us just the same.
"I feel the suffering of millions.
And yet, when I look up at the sky,
I somehow feel that everything will change for the better,
that peace and tranquility
will return once more."
Anne Frank
And yet, when I look up at the sky,
I somehow feel that everything will change for the better,
that peace and tranquility
will return once more."
Anne Frank
ARTICLE 12: RESPECT FOR THE VIEWS OF THE CHILD
Ask us what we think when you make decisions that affect us,
and take our views into account.
and take our views into account.
Your ear, beloved Listener, opened wide,
Pressed to each portion of my heart, my life.
Attuned to the slightest vibration of my being,
Attentive to the constant rhythms of my soul.
You hear the cry in the throat of my heart.
My troubles do not cease with your awareness
But they soften loosen some of their grip,
Become bearable, touchable, endurable.
If your attentive solicitude blesses so fully,
Surely I, too, can listen closely to others.
Joyce Rupp in 'Fragments of Your Ancient Name'.
Pressed to each portion of my heart, my life.
Attuned to the slightest vibration of my being,
Attentive to the constant rhythms of my soul.
You hear the cry in the throat of my heart.
My troubles do not cease with your awareness
But they soften loosen some of their grip,
Become bearable, touchable, endurable.
If your attentive solicitude blesses so fully,
Surely I, too, can listen closely to others.
Joyce Rupp in 'Fragments of Your Ancient Name'.
ARTICLE 13: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Allow us to tell you what we are thinking or feeling.
Whether our voices are big or small;
whether we whisper or shout it,
or paint, draw, mime or sign it -
listen to us and hear what we say.
Whether our voices are big or small;
whether we whisper or shout it,
or paint, draw, mime or sign it -
listen to us and hear what we say.
Anne Frank wrote in her first diary entry,
"I hope I shall be able to confide in you completely,
as I have never been able to do to anyone before,
and I hope that you will be a great support and comfort to me."
"I hope I shall be able to confide in you completely,
as I have never been able to do to anyone before,
and I hope that you will be a great support and comfort to me."
ARTICLE 19: PROTECTION FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT
No one on earth has the right to hurt us,
not even our mothers and fathers.
Protect us always from anyone who would be cruel.
not even our mothers and fathers.
Protect us always from anyone who would be cruel.
DON’T WANT TO PLAY THIS GAME (My name is Bobby)
by Rebecca J. Burns at thelaststraw.wordpress.com
Dedicated to little ones living with adult fears
My name is Bobby;
Although you never hear me speak,
I’ve lots to say.
Even though you never see me smile,
Deep inside I’m still your child.
Although you don’t know my name,
I breathe in and out just the same.
This game you play, I don’t know the rules,
I go to school, and I try to be,
The child you dream.
One foot forward and two steps back,
you did it wrong now take that slap.
Get off the floor you silly fool;
Go cry your tears into Winnie the Pooh.
You have no choice, you are my child,
No one cares if you live or die.
Don’t say a word,
Don’t tell a soul.
You must be so good,
They’ll think you’re made of gold.
Did you play this with your dad?
You were his only son.
Why are you so mad?
Why do you make me run?
I lie beneath my bed; the pillow no longer drowns the dread.
What made you so mad? You only hit me once yet I feel so sad.
I’m in my room upon my knees, hoping that you will see, the hurting child inside of me.
I’m praying that lightening will strike; will I die before the morning light?
I don’t want to play this game,
I don’t know the rules,
I don’t want to play your stupid game no more.
Take away the board, smash it on the floor,
Daddy won’t you let me know the way, to play this game you play, I’ll learn the rules someday,
I promise if you let me run away…
(Whispered)
I won’t say a word,
I won’t tell a soul,
I will be so good;
you’ll think I’m made of gold.
by Rebecca J. Burns at thelaststraw.wordpress.com
Dedicated to little ones living with adult fears
My name is Bobby;
Although you never hear me speak,
I’ve lots to say.
Even though you never see me smile,
Deep inside I’m still your child.
Although you don’t know my name,
I breathe in and out just the same.
This game you play, I don’t know the rules,
I go to school, and I try to be,
The child you dream.
One foot forward and two steps back,
you did it wrong now take that slap.
Get off the floor you silly fool;
Go cry your tears into Winnie the Pooh.
You have no choice, you are my child,
No one cares if you live or die.
Don’t say a word,
Don’t tell a soul.
You must be so good,
They’ll think you’re made of gold.
Did you play this with your dad?
You were his only son.
Why are you so mad?
Why do you make me run?
I lie beneath my bed; the pillow no longer drowns the dread.
What made you so mad? You only hit me once yet I feel so sad.
I’m in my room upon my knees, hoping that you will see, the hurting child inside of me.
I’m praying that lightening will strike; will I die before the morning light?
I don’t want to play this game,
I don’t know the rules,
I don’t want to play your stupid game no more.
Take away the board, smash it on the floor,
Daddy won’t you let me know the way, to play this game you play, I’ll learn the rules someday,
I promise if you let me run away…
(Whispered)
I won’t say a word,
I won’t tell a soul,
I will be so good;
you’ll think I’m made of gold.
ARTICLE 23: DISABLED CHILDREN
If we are disabled,
either in mind or body,
treasure us especially
and give us the care we need to live happily in the world.
either in mind or body,
treasure us especially
and give us the care we need to live happily in the world.
God,
help us seek and find again the gifts a child is given.
Help us know and celebrate what treasure store from heaven
is bestowed on any child whom others might deride.
Help us offer hope to those who are always cast aside.
Tom Gordon
help us seek and find again the gifts a child is given.
Help us know and celebrate what treasure store from heaven
is bestowed on any child whom others might deride.
Help us offer hope to those who are always cast aside.
Tom Gordon
ARTICLE 24: HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES
Watch over us.
Wrap us up against the cold and rain,
and give us shade from the hot sun.
Make sure we have enough to eat and drink
and if we are sick, nurse and comfort.
Wrap us up against the cold and rain,
and give us shade from the hot sun.
Make sure we have enough to eat and drink
and if we are sick, nurse and comfort.
See the world as your self.
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
Then you care for all things.
Lao-Tzu
Have faith in the way things are.
Love the world as your self;
Then you care for all things.
Lao-Tzu
ARTICLE 26: SOCIAL SECURITY
We cannot raise ourselves. Pease help us when we are poor or in need.
I need you to bless me,
Take my hand;
I need you to bless me,
I listen to the wind;
I'm wrestling with the angels,
I'm touching the storm,
My body is broken,
My mind is torn,
So I need you to bless me,
I need it now;
I need you to bless me,
Please don't go.
Rosie Miles
Take my hand;
I need you to bless me,
I listen to the wind;
I'm wrestling with the angels,
I'm touching the storm,
My body is broken,
My mind is torn,
So I need you to bless me,
I need it now;
I need you to bless me,
Please don't go.
Rosie Miles
ARTICLE 24: EDUCATION
Teach us all to read and write
and teach us well
so we grow up to be the best we can
at whatever we wish to do.
and teach us well
so we grow up to be the best we can
at whatever we wish to do.
To the person who only has a hammer in their toolkit,
every problem looks like a nail.
every problem looks like a nail.
ARTICLE 29: AIMS OF EDUCATION
Take care of our Earth -
the flowers, the trees, the rivers, the seas -
and teach us how to care for it in our turn.
the flowers, the trees, the rivers, the seas -
and teach us how to care for it in our turn.
An environmental holy day designed to encourage reverence for the earth may appeal to children.
Prepare a prayer about trees, leaves and nature. Include a few words about our duty to protect the earth.
Choose a place where children can wander safely and where you can have picnics.
As everyone arrives at picnic ground, invite them to search for leaves. Encourage them to find as many different kinds and colours as they can.
After a few minutes, ask participants to sit down on the rugs and spread out the collected leaves.
Ask them to consider ...
Where do the leaves come from?
What are the leaves for?
Who made the trees?
Read out prepared prayer.
Share picnic.
Encourage all to pick up any litter themselves ... in small and practical ways we can be custodians of the earth.
Prepare a prayer about trees, leaves and nature. Include a few words about our duty to protect the earth.
Choose a place where children can wander safely and where you can have picnics.
As everyone arrives at picnic ground, invite them to search for leaves. Encourage them to find as many different kinds and colours as they can.
After a few minutes, ask participants to sit down on the rugs and spread out the collected leaves.
Ask them to consider ...
Where do the leaves come from?
What are the leaves for?
Who made the trees?
Read out prepared prayer.
Share picnic.
Encourage all to pick up any litter themselves ... in small and practical ways we can be custodians of the earth.
ARTICLE 30: CHILDREN OF MINORITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Allow us to say our own prayers in our own words,
whether in churches or temples, synagogues or mosques, chapels or shrines,
or any other place a prayer may be said to our own God.
And let us sing and dance and dress in the ways of our own people.
whether in churches or temples, synagogues or mosques, chapels or shrines,
or any other place a prayer may be said to our own God.
And let us sing and dance and dress in the ways of our own people.
Peace to you from my heart to your heart.
ARTICLE 31: LEISURE, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
All children shall have time to play and
time to rest when we are tired.
time to rest when we are tired.
"If you want to be creative,
stay in part a child
with the creativity and invention
that characterises children
before they are deformed by adult society."
Jean Piaget
stay in part a child
with the creativity and invention
that characterises children
before they are deformed by adult society."
Jean Piaget
ARTICLE 38: ARMED CONFLICT
In times of war do not make us part of any battle,
but shelter us and protect us from all harm.
but shelter us and protect us from all harm.
If my luck is bad
And his aim is straight
I will leave my life
On the killing field
You can see me die
On the nightly news
As you settle down
To your evening meal.
Yet you'll turn your back
As you often do
Yet I am your sons
And your daughters too.
from 'Sons and Daughters' by Maya Angelou
And his aim is straight
I will leave my life
On the killing field
You can see me die
On the nightly news
As you settle down
To your evening meal.
Yet you'll turn your back
As you often do
Yet I am your sons
And your daughters too.
from 'Sons and Daughters' by Maya Angelou
ARTICLE 42: TELL EVERYONE
Do your best to let everone know that,
whoever we are,
wherever we live,
these are the rights of every child.
whoever we are,
wherever we live,
these are the rights of every child.
I saw a stranger today.
I put food for him
in the eating-place
And drink
in the drinking-place
And music
in the listening-place.
In the Holy name
of the Trinity
He blessed myself
and my family.
And the lark said in her warble
Often, often, often
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.
I put food for him
in the eating-place
And drink
in the drinking-place
And music
in the listening-place.
In the Holy name
of the Trinity
He blessed myself
and my family.
And the lark said in her warble
Often, often, often
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.
