A Child's Seven Basic Needs . . . a reminder

LOVE

• Show him with your hands
• Tell him with a pleasant voice
• Show him with a smile
• Tell him with kind words
• Show him by your actions

                ACCEPTANCE

• Accept him for who he is
• When he starts doing little chores, don't automatically redo them when they aren't up to your expectations
• Do not be criticize
• Over time, as he grows, gently work to help him do better
• NEVER compare one child with another

        SECURITY

 

• Begin early, give him as many new experiences as possible                                                    
• Praise and compliment your child when he earns it

• Never shame your child

• Prepare your child when he has to face                             something new or strange (like going to the dentist
• Be consistent 
• Do not overprotect 

   CONTROL                                                            

Be a good example

Work on teaching  "self-control"
Set limits early (and be consistent)
Use when not if (if is a bribe)
Be firm but never harsh
Tell your child "why"
Understand your child's feelings
Unless it is a dangerous situation, let him experience the consequences of his actions (no matter how hard it is to "save" him---which keeps him from learning)

GUIDANCE

• Show your child things (what is safe and not safe, what he can touch, squeeze, or throw)
• Understand that your child is not grown up
• Give him a five minute "heads-up" when it is time to change activities (dinner, bedtime, clean-up, etc)
• Let him have some freedom
• Encourage lots of play
• Encourage him to share with others
• Teach him that his "wants" do not always come first

INDEPENDENCE

• Let him do things for himself
• Give him things to do
• Teach him about work
• Encourage him to finish a task
• Let him make a choice between two things when possible

RESPECT FOR OTHERS

• Talk about your concern for someone who is in need
• Teach (and remind) him that it hurts to be called names
• Teach your child that it is good to help others
• Encourage him to be polite
• Teach him to wait his turn
• Teach him not to interrupt

Above adapted from a handout in the days of typewriters and mimeographs. Original author unknown.

It is very important for each of us --- whether parent or child ---no matter who we are or where we are, to remember that we are each a precious child of our Father in Heaven who wants the very best for each of us.

I am a child of God, and He has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear.


I am a child of God, and so my needs are great;
Help me to understand His words before it grows too late.


I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do His will I'll live with him once more.


Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday.


Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way
Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday.
                                                               Naomi W. Randall