All human beings have their own unique set of
emotional needs that is a critical component of their personalities. These needs are most significant during
childhood, where children may be less vocal, and have difficulty conveying their needs to their
parents.
Understanding the emotional needs of their children is critical for parents seeking to understand their
children’s personalities, a process that works to ensure they are responding to their needs.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide your children with all the basic necessities of life such
as food, clothing and shelter. However, simply fulfilling these needs will not assist in a proper upbringing
of your child.
It is the emotional support provided by you that will help build feelings of self-confidence and self-worth
in your child.
Affection and warmth are two of the most basic emotional needs of any child. Children actively seek out love
and attention from their parents, and their emotional balance could be severely affected if they are
neglected.
Appreciating their achievements, not comparing them to others and displaying your affection to them are some
of the ways to fulfil this emotional need of your child.
Often, children misbehave simply to attract the attention of their parents. If repeated acts of misbehaviour
are noted in children it could be a sign that they require more love and affection from the parents'
side.
However, children also need autonomy and independence to make their own decisions without any interference
from others. The need for independence and autonomy in no way diminishes the importance of parental guidance;
on the contrary, it raises it.
Parents need to develop an environment in which
children are able to think independently and make their own decisions. The role of a parent in such a case
develops into that of a moderator who ensures that the child is thinking in the right direction.
A feeling of autonomy at an early age will develop a sense of confidence and self-belief in the children as
they grow.
There may be endeavours, such as academic or extracurricular, in which your child may not succeed. In such a
situation it is important for you to encourage and motivate your children to make them feel good about
themselves. Encouragement at a time when they are feeling low will motivate them to do better in the
future.
Parents generally feel that the emotional needs of their children are complex and difficult to comprehend.
However, it is important to remember that each child is different and possesses unique personality
traits.
By giving them unconditional love and attention you will be able to understand them better, thereby promoting
your children’s healthy development.•
Photo courtesy of Pickering College