Home, School and Community Relations by Carol Gestwicki quotes Dr’s T. Brazelton and S. Greenspan suggest that these seven needs are universal.
1. Ongoing nurturing relationships
2. Physical protection, safety and regulation
3. Experiences to match their individual differences
4. Developmentally appropriate experiences
5. Set limits, structure and expectations
6. Stable supportive community and cultural continuity
7. Protected future
Sounds so simple yet for many children those seven needs are not being met. Poverty, war-torn countries, families in crisis and other problems are leaving our children vulnerable and without these basic needs ‘covered’. When we support schools with our time, money and volunteerism we are taking steps to insure that children are receiving several hours and extra chances for their needs being met. We are extending hope that some place in the future those very students will remember our support and take steps themselves to protect future generations of children.
Take the step forward today. Each of us affects tomorrow.
Comments: Do you have any irreducible needs to add to this list? I’d like to hear from you so leave a comment. Thanks!