As a parent, providing your children with the best is always top of mind. But while buying physical items to meet their needs and wants can be straightforward, determining what they really need—beyond food, clothing and shelter—can be more challenging. From teaching them how to manage their emotions to helping build resiliency skills that will serve them later in life, there are so many key components needed for strong mental health that kids may not get from tangible gifts alone. Here are some essential “things,” as per Yitzhak D Stern, every child should have in order to reach their full potential.
Yitzhak D Stern Lists The Things That Kids Really Need
1. Love and Security: According to Yitzhak D Stern, kids need to feel loved, accepted, and secure in order to be able to learn, grow, and thrive. This means providing them with consistency in their routine, environment, and relationships. They need to know that they have people who are looking out for them and will take care of them no matter what. It also means setting healthy boundaries so they can learn the importance of respect for each other.
2. Age-Appropriate Challenges: Kids need opportunities to challenge themselves through engaging activities and experiences appropriate for their age group. This gives them a chance to explore new things, build skills like problem-solving or communication, and develop self-confidence in their abilities as well as independence from parents or guardians. It also builds resilience as they learn to cope with failure and success.
3. Self-Expression: Kids need an outlet for their creativity and ideas in order to grow into well-rounded individuals. This could be through art, music, sports, or any other activities that allow them to express themselves without judgment. Giving kids the space and freedom to explore these areas helps build a strong sense of self-identity from an early age which is essential for building healthy relationships later on in life.
4. Quality Time: Kids need quality time with parents or guardians that shows how much they are valued and appreciated. This means spending dedicated time together every day just focused on each other away from electronics or distractions. During this time, parents can model positive behavior and provide support when it is needed. Quality time also gives kids a chance to communicate their feelings and be heard in a safe environment.
- Positive Role Models: Kids, as per Yitzhak D Stern, need positive role models who are not only strong examples of good character but who offer guidance and support as well. This could be family members, teachers, coaches or mentors from outside the family that offer advice on topics such as education, health, finances etc. It’s important for them to have people they can look up to and rely on in times of difficulty. Having these role models can help build self-esteem and create lifelong values that will shape their future decisions.
Yitzhak D Stern’s Concluding Thoughts
These five elements are essential for helping kids grow into happy, successful individuals. It is important to recognize that each child’s needs will vary, and their environment may need to be adapted in order to meet them. Providing the right kind of support, guidance, and opportunities can make all the difference in a child’s life. According to Yitzhak D Stern, by focusing on these five aspects, you can help create an atmosphere where your child feels safe and can reach his or her full potential.