10 Things Every Child Needs

With the dizzying amount of parenting information out there, it’s no wonder that parents and child care providers sometimes get overwhelmed and confused. After all, we live in an age of abundant information technology, with blogs and websites and articles bouncing from satellite to satellite all over the internet. Unless one has a degree in journalism, it can be difficult to parse fact from fiction when faced with what seems to be an unlimited amount of information.

With so much information to choose from, how does one know where to turn — especially when all these websites are competing for eyeballs and trying to entice us to click on their pages?

The first place to turn?

Kidspace Child Enrichment Center!

Kidspace Child Enrichment Center

At Kidspace, all our programs for young children are based on developmentally appropriate practices. We provide a stimulating environment for each child, encouraging the development of academic, physical and socialization skills, independence, and a positive self-image.

The staff at Kidspace understands and embraces the philosophy that all children learn by doing and that each child has their own pace of social, physical, and intellectual development. Our teachers encourage children (both individually and in groups) to think for themselves, to make decisions, to work toward their own solutions, and to express their own ideas and feelings.

That’s the foundation of what we do. But what else might a child need? For that, we turn to information produced in video form by the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation and transcribed by First 5 Santa Cruz County.

10 Things Every Child Needs

At Kidspace Child Enrichment Center, we really appreciate it when we come across information that’s simplified, easy to read and — most importantly — accurate. We encourage you to look over the entire document, but we’ve summarized the text below.

And so, without further ado, here are 10 things parents can do to provide a solid foundation for their children.

1. Encourage interaction: Children’s brains grow based on early experiences at home.
2. Offer physical affection: This communicates love to the child. Hug your child often!
3. Provide a stable relationship: This helps children feel better about themselves.
4. Maintain a safe and healthy home environment: This includes “child-proofing” your home and feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet.
5. Help them develop a strong sense of self-esteem: Celebrate your child every day while teaching respect for others.
6. Choose quality child care: Be sure to take an active role in selecting your child’s care.
7. Engage in conversation: Communicating with your child shows love and encourages development. Sing to them!
8. Promote play: This will provide an outlet for their energy and imagination.
9. Make music together: This provides an outlet for creative expression and stimulates brain development.
10. Make reading a priority: Demonstrate to your child a love for learning.