Some children grow up in environments that make them feel scared and unsafe. This is why they develop emotional and psychological problems,
which force them to act out by becoming defiant. This is why we should be very careful of the kind of environment we bring up our children in.
Apart from food and shelter, there are so many needs that a child requires to be met for them to grow up wholesomely. If these needs are not met,
the child will feel unloved and abandoned, and they may develop bitterness towards their parents as well as the rest of the world as a result.
Here are some basic needs of every child:
The lists of children's needs vary, but these five show up in each: physical needs, a sense of safety and security, affection, self-esteem
and education and information.
1. Basic Physical Needs:
Basic Physical Needs
Psychologist Abraham Maslow indicates that a person’s Biological needs for food, water, air and sleep must be met before any others.
As a parent or guardian, you can meet your child’s physical and biological needs by providing nutritious and healthy food, a regular
wake and sleep routine, cleanliness with baths or showers, health with regular medical checkups and making sure the child gets enough
exercise to remain physically fit.
2. Feeling Safe and Securepen Section:
Feeling Safe and Securepen Section
According to Maslow, children often display insecurity and a need for safety. To meet their need for safety, children need to feel
safe from physical harm and free from fear. A safe and comfortable home environment can help meet this need. Offer emotional support and
consolation when your child needs it. Be a good role model of practicing self-control no matter how angry you are. Never get physical or
threaten your child.
3. Affection:
Affection
Another emotional need of children is the need for affection. Maslow theorizes that people try to overcome feelings of loneliness and
isolation by giving and receiving affection, as well as seeking a sense of belonging. Children need to know that they are loved and that
they belong. Children learn about affection from adult examples: We show them how to get along with other human beings and show affection,
as well as appropriately receive affection. To meet your child’s needs for affection, you can provide unconditional love: showing physical
affection with hugs, kisses or pats on the back. You can also meet children’s needs for affection by being a role model of respectful and
caring behavior. Talk with your child about his or her feelings and needs, and accept that they may be different from your own. Reward
your child's need for affection with affectionate attention.
4. Need for Self-Esteem:
Need for Self-Esteem
According to Maslow, all humans, children included, have a need for a high level of self-respect and respect from others. When this
need is met, the child feels self-confident and like a valuable member of society. When the need is not met, the child can feel worthless.
You can meet your child’s needs by providing unconditional love and support at home. Maslow recommends providing praise for good behavioral
traits, such as acceptance, honesty, independence and talent, as a great way to meet a child’s need to establish self-esteem. You can also
do this by rewarding positive behavior, supporting your child’s decision-making, and helping your child learn to be proud of her body and
take pride in her morals and values. Additionally, try to meet this common need of children by using mistakes as chances to provide
constructive learning experiences. This way, your child will feel supported in trying new things, even if she fails, rather than ashamed
or like a disappointment.
5. The Need for Self-Actualization:
The Need for Self-Actualization
In order for your child to grow into an independent, successful adult, you must meet your child’s need for knowledge and
self-actualization. Maslow describes self-actualization as whatever it is that person was destined to do. For example, an artist
must create art, and a poet must write poetry. The child can feel restless or on edge when this need is not being met. You can help
your child gain knowledge and self-actualization by rewarding your child when he or she asks questions and by supporting his or her
interests. Help your child with homework, play educational games with and read to him or her. You can also share your own interests
with your child, whether they be art, music, film, theater, reading, sports or outdoor activities.
Meeting these common needs of children will help them develop into independent adults and achieve their goals and
independence. As parents, it is our job to fulfill our children’s emotional needs and help them on their way to independence.
