7/1/2011
Children naturally depend on those close to them for support and guidance. Your child’s capacity to grow strong depends on the amount of trust they can place in what you say and do.
Ingredients for Developing Strength and Growth
Love
Children need to believe that their parents love, want and enjoy them. They need to know that they matter very much and that their parents care about what happens to them.
Acceptance
Children need to believe that they are liked and accepted, and not only when they act according to the way parents believe children should act. They need to know that their parents accept them, even though they may not approve of the things the children do.
Security
Children need to believe that their parents will keep them safe from harm, and that their home is a good and safe place. They need to know that their parents are available, especially in times of crisis when they are needed most.
Independence
Children need to know that their parents want them to grow and that they are free to take the risk of trying new things. Parents must have confidence in their children and in their ability to do things for themselves.
Guidance
Children need help learning how to behave and how to get along with others. They need to understand that there are limits to what is permitted and that their parents will hold them to these limits.
Children whose basic needs are satisfied have a better chance to grow up in good health and become strong and healthy adults.