5 Things Every Child Wants and Needs

I have three daughters, a 5 year old, 11 year old, and an almost 14 year old. I have observed the things my children want and needs in their lives. Not only are they things they desire, they are things every child deserves. Rather you have daughters or sons, they all have needs and wants in their lives. Remember these five things your children deserve as you go through each day.

#1 Unconditional love

Every child wants, needs and deserves unconditional love. Unconditional love never stops; it is unending. There is nothing someone can do to take that love and caring away. There may be things your child does that you don't like, but they need to know that you love them no matter what. Let your kids know when they do something wrong, but be sure they understand that you don't dislike them, only what they have done.

#2 Respect from parents

As parents, we want our children to respect us. Our children want and deserve our respect as well. When we show our children that we honor them, we are more likely to get the same treatment back in return. We need to set the example for our children to follow.

#3 Rules to live by

Some kids may deny that they want rules to live by, especially teenagers, but all children need boundaries and even want them deep down inside. Rules keep children safe and help them to learn self-control. Even adults have to follow rules, so it is good for kids to learn them before they go out in the world on their own.

#4 Praise for accomplishments

When children do something wrong, they need to be aware of it and be held accountable. In the same way, kids need to be praised when they do things well. If children only hear about their faults and not their accomplishments, they are likely to feel unloved. Let your sons or daughters know when you are proud of them by telling them. It will boost their confidence, which is good for children.

#5 Freedom to be themselves

Children both desire and require the freedom to be themselves. There is nothing wrong with telling children that they cannot do something or that you disagree with them, but they should have the ability to freely express how they feel. It is our job as parents to help form our children's personalities while they are young so that when they are older they choose to be good people. Still, in the end, every kid will have to decide for themselves who they are.

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