Do we really believe the children are our future?

Really?!!

How much do we really value the lives of our children? So here's a few stats on just childhood deaths that I find heart-breaking:

Around the world, 27–30,000 children die every day.

That is equivalent to:

* 1 child dying every 3 seconds
* 20 children dying every minute
* A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring almost every week
* An Iraq-scale death toll every 15–35 days
* 10–11 million children dying every year
* Over 50 million children dying between 2000 and 2005

Isn't is it so easy to shrug our shoulders and assume everything's OK because

"Hey, I'm a good dad or mum".

Maybe, you don't have any children yourself. It's even more easier to turn a blind eye to the facts. So if all is well in Wonderland, how come so many children die, suffer, being orphaned or are getting abused?

On the other hand, the economic wealth and the level of literacy has never been at these astronomical heights previously in history. Global communication happens practically instantly. Most markets are enjoying unprecented growth.

Is it just me or is something missing in this picture?

If you think your child or the child of a close friend/family is free from suffering, then look again. The UK, one of the world's mighty economic powers, still suffers from the highest rate of teenage pregnancy, for example. Is it because of lack of education? Maybe. Is it because of the lack of money? Perhaps. Is it because of the lack of self worth that our children feel? Most certainly the likely case.

Instead of reeling off reams of statistics (which I'm sure you can dig up for yourself) to prove that today's children are being neglected, I'd like for you to reflect for a few moments on the words of the following song (written by George Benson) - 'The Greatest Love of All'.

If you have a child, then look for just one new step to make their future brighter. Ask yourself,

"How can I do just one thing to make them feel loved and significant?"

Just one....for now. It's a start.

If you don't have a child, but no someone who does, pass the link to this page onto them.

Here's Whitney Houston rendition of 'The Greatest Love of All' during a live performance to one of my childhood heroes, Muhammad Ali.

Keep shining!

Harun

PS If you have 60 seconds to spare, why not help in my research to find out about how dads can have an inspirational relationship with their children. Please note - you do NOT have to be a dad to answer it. As long as you can breathe, your comments are valid.

The Amazing Dads Book Preview

Due to numerous requests on how to be an amazing dad, I am now putting together an anthology of stories along with my co-author, Mike Kinnaird, in our brand new book. It is called

Being Amazing for Dads

- How to have an Inspirational Relationship with your Child.

However, I cannot create such a powerful book without your help. Therefore, I urge you to get involved in putting together this book by answering a very simple question on my unique website for the book - www.askharun.com.

In order to give you the best stories, I need you to take 60 seconds of your time to help make a difference to thousands of lives. Would you do that for me?

In fact, as a 'thank you', I will send you the first three chapters of the book as my gift to you as soon as it is published. Furthermore, if you tell your friends all about it, I will send you another gift - Being Amazing for Dads audio book so that you can listen to the book in the comfort of your car, MP3 player or hi-fi.

I'm grateful for your support. Many thanks!

Harun Rabbani