10 things every child needs from their parents & caregivers.

​As parents, we always have our child’s best interest at heart and with the added knowledge from the psychologists at OnBundock you’re sure to encourage a healthy future for your child.  
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​Love. No parent has to be perfect, but if a child feels loved, then you’re on the right track. Children need affection in a similar way that they need food and water.

Attention. Children take great delight and joy in receiving attention from the significant adults in their lives. Bear in mind that from a child’s perspective, first prize is attention for positive behaviour, second prize is attention for negative behaviour, and coming last means no attention from their caregivers.

Security & consistency. A safe, stable environment with consistency from their caregivers usually develops confidence and diminishes fearfulness in a child. When this is established children feel safe in exploring and navigating the world. This helps in developing independence in their adult years.

Permission to make mistakes. Children develop and learn through exploration. Allow them this opportunity for growth.

Limitations & boundaries. Have fun with your child but bear in mind that parenting involves more than merely being a buddy to your child.

Fun time and play time. Play is the universal language of children. They express and process their thoughts and feelings through play, and they learn through play. Fun and play should comprise a significant part of daily life.

To be heard. Listen to the messages your child is trying to convey, through their words, or through their behaviour. Let them know that you’ve heard them and understood them.

To be a child. Don’t burden your child with adult responsibilities, adult-level information, or adult roles.

Acceptance. The world-at-large will give your child plenty of criticism; you can be their sanctuary. A caregiver’s role is to provide unconditional acceptance of a child, without necessarily approving of all their behaviours or choices.
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Encouragement. Be positive about your child’s efforts, and their characters. If you only praise them for performance-related achievements, the message you’ll convey is that they are only acceptable if they’re achieving that task. Notice and acknowledge efforts such as sharing, being kind, being a helpful friend, trying new skills, solving a problem, persistence, etc.