5 Essential Requirements That Children Need to Thrive
Traveling Toddlers understands that we live in a fast-paced environment, and many adults have challenges managing their day-to-day expectations, demands, and needs. Therefore, one can only imagine how much more challenging it can be for children. Most adults are aware of what children need, i.e., food, clothing, shelter, and a sense of safety, etc.
However, as adults, the day-to-day grind can sometimes cause us to overlook our children’s basic needs, and we find quick substitutes to fill in the gap, i.e., video games, high-tech gadgets, sweets/treats, and material things. However, according to Harley Rotbart, MD, a nationally-renowned parenting expert, he has identified 8 essential requirements for kids to become happy, successful adults and to reach their full potential. This post will discuss five of those requirements that Traveling Toddlers believe are without a doubt significant for any child.
Unconditional Love – Show your love
Research shows that it is essential that in the first years of children’s lives, they are shown love, attention, and affection. It has a direct and measurable impact on a child’s well-being, i.e., physical, mental, and emotional growth. Therefore, as caregivers, we can not only say that we love our children but must display our love through our actions.
Stop and ask yourself: How do you show your love? Through hugs, touches, smiles, encouragement, listening to and playing with your children whenever you can.
Do you show unconditional love even when your children are not listening or being rebellious against you? This is a crucial time to show them even more that you love them, as often children’s behaviors are a sign that something is bothering them; they are not feeling safe, or they are feeling anxious and may not have the words to say so. Therefore, their behaviors may be their way of getting your attention.
Structure
It is essential for children to thrive that there are also some forms of structure, rules, routines, boundaries, and expectations. Structure gives a child the framework to begin to understand that their caregiver can be counted on. This level of structure may create a sense of order and the flow of how things go within the home, which begins to create a sense of safety. Therefore, if a similar structure is utilized during unplanned traveling events, it supports the child with regulating their body, mind and transitioning better to a new environment or activity.
Safety
Next, it vitally important that children understand that their caregivers will protect them and keep them safe. When children are young, they intuitively seek out their caregivers for reassurance when it comes to meeting new people or going to new places, etc. If the caregivers appear relaxed and reassuring, the child will often pick up this vibe and will approach and accept an individual or new environment easier.
A Sense of Stability
Stability comes from family and community. Ideally, a family remains together in a stable household, but when that’s not possible, it’s important not to disrupt the child’s life as little as possible. Kids and families should be a part of larger units to give them a sense of belonging, tradition, and cultural continuity.
Consistency
No “good cop, bad cop.” Parents should synchronize their parenting and make sure important values stay consistent.
In summary, make an effort to implement the above requirements to support your child during planned and unplanned events as well as traveling experiences.
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