I recently taught a class which featured a video titled, “Ten Things Every Child Needs” (a special project of the McCormick Tribune Foundation’s Education Program). I enjoyed discussing the topic with the teachers I was training with, and thought I would pose the question to you as well. What would be on your list? What types of things do you believe are most essential to a child’s healthy and whole development? Don’t worry about making another top 10 list, but what would be your #1, or top 3? I’m interested in hearing from you!
(If you’re curious about what’s on the list created by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, you can check that out here.)
Top photo by Anissa Thompson.
Hi, I’m new to your blog, ran across it surfing yesterday.
My top 10 list would include (in no particular order)
-access to outdoor play
-to be read to
-fruits, vegetables and other healthy food
-love
-order or routine
-consistency
-feeling of safety
Great list! Are you sure you didn’t peek at the list? 😉 Glad to have you reading and adding to the discussion here!
Respect
Great suggestion, Debbie! So many inappropriate responses to children come from a lack of respect. Not only the common respect we should have for our fellow beings, but also a respect for childhood itself!
#1 Love
#2 Love
#3 Love
So true, Sarah! Maybe the Beatles said it best, right? All you need is love! If you get that one figured out, really sincerely, the rest tends to fall into place!
Lots of positive affirmation and encouragement, along with appropriate positive discipline, when needed.
Positive encouragement is big. Did you know that children can tell at a very early age – as early as 2- whether or not you have confidence in them and their capabilities?
My first 4 would be love, self confidence, continuing education, and discipline with dignity. reading. If a child knows they’re loved, they respond more positively and strive to reach expectations. When a child loves him/herself and others, they have a sense of awareness and confidence that can help them navigate throughout life’s difficulties with strength and optimism. As for continuing education, reading is crucial. The world opens up to a child when they begin to read. So we must foster their desire to learn all that they can. We’re never finished learning. Teach children to ask questions, to find the answers themselves. And when they come to a conclusion but hear conflicting ideas, investigate. Learn for yourself the truth and stick to it. Finally, disciplining a child is individual. Each responds differently. Find what works for your child and follow through.
Great list, Diane!
BTW- I just saw Kerri at the XC meet today — She looks so much like you!
– to be cherished
– to have reliable caregivers
– to be told they are wonderful – smart, funny, lovable, beautiful, wanted
– and to be treated as if they are wonderful (I mean they are but sometimes we forget to treat them as if they are)
– healthy food
– a safe place to live
– to be read to
– warm clothes
Good list, Nina! Great reminder to treat children as wonderful beings, and to tell them that they are. All people – especially children – tend to become what we tell them they are, with our words and our actions!
An adult who cares about them and listens to them.
So important, Scott!
Children need:
1. Affection
2. Empathy
3. Boundaries
4. Physical activity
5. Books and someone to read them
6. Play, with other kids, an adult, by themselves
7. To feel they’re important
8. Music
9. Encouragement for learning
10. Space to struggle and be disappointed
Great list, Wendy! #10 particularly made me think. It’s true that children need that opportunity to “struggle and be disappointed” and to learn to get back up and try again. I think we forget to appreciate that opportunity for growth sometimes (in our own lives as well).