WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN AFFECTS US ALL
If our children do not thrive, our societies will not thrive. Decision-makers, both public and private, must take children’s well-being into account as they engage in social and economic development.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE INCLUDED IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS
All children must be prepared for the future. Many children and families are not doing as well as others in the new knowledge-based, global economy. Disparities that thwart the healthy development of children in the present and limit the life chances of children in the future must be addressed.

CHILDREN EXPERIENCE CHANGE IN AND THROUGH MULTIPLE CONTEXTS
Children are affected by all the environments in which they live. The family is the first circle around the child. Beyond the family, the community has a role to play in a child’s development. The circles widen to regional, national, and international contexts.

CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS
Children’s rights are economic, social, and cultural, as well as civil and political. Children have a right to participate, and to express their perceptions and aspirations. Children are entitled to the protection of society from exploitation and abuse. They also must be able to count on society to ensure their healthy development, beyond mere survival.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CHILD WELL-BEING MUST LEAD TO ACTION
Monitoring and reporting on measures of child well-being across North America can help us to better understand the diverse experiences of childhood in different contexts. But monitoring is not an end in itself. Its purpose is to highlight our successes and challenges and use both to drive change.