THE
EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN
Everyone has emotional needs but sometimes we are not
sure about our child’s emotional needs.
By looking at out child’s
behaviour we can be more in tune with his emotional needs
and a good
way to start is by looking at his personality. Try to
think about each child as an individual,
his likes and dislikes and how he
behaves in different situations. Is he shy and quiet or
loud
and outgoing?
By thinking about this you
will be able to respond to suit his individuality, because
all children
are different, even those being brought up in the same
family by the same parents.
The following are some tips
that may help to identify our children’s needs:
•
Showing our love with warm and gentle touch, hugs and
kisses we can fulfil their first need, which is to be
loved. Some children will like to be hugged more than
others
and it is important to respect this.
• Showing interest in their activities and being
pleased
with achievements and improvements and not comparing them
with their siblings and others will also respect their
individuality.
• Acknowledging their strengths will give them belief
in themselves. A ‘can do’ feeling enhances
their progress.
• Giving lots of attention will show them that they
are
valued as well as being loved. Children want to please
and your praise and attention will make them feel good.
• Allowing your child to make choices, for example,
about what clothes to wear shows them that you trust
them as well.
• Having a routine helps them to feel safe and secure
because they can anticipate what will happen next,
however the routine does not need to be too rigid
or inflexible.
• Clear boundaries and limits will help to keep
them feeling secure and give their lives structure and
stability. “Allowing children to make choices (within
limits) and to live with
the consequences is a respectful, effective method of
discipline”.
(Michael Quinn Director Family Caring Trust 2003)
