Ten Things Every Child Needs

Ten Things Every Child Needs...
1) Interaction - consistent long-term attention from caring adults actually increases a child's capacity to learn.
2) Touch - Holding and cuddling does more than just comfort a baby, it helps your child's brain grow.
3) Stable Relationships - Relationships with parents and other caregivers buffer stress that can harm a child.
4) Safe, Healthy Environment - A Child's environment should be free from loud noise, sharp objects and other hazards.
5) Self-esteem - Self-esteem grows with respect, encouragement and positive role models from the beginning.
6) Quality Care - Daycare from trained professionals can make the difference when a parent cannot be with a child.
7) Play - Time to play helps a child explore his senses and discover how the world works.
8) Communication - Talking with a baby builds verbal skills needed to succeed in school and later in life.
9) Music - Exposure to music expands a child's world, teaches new skills and offers a fun way to interact with a child.
10) Reading - Reading to a child from the earliest days of life shows the importance of reading and creates a lifelong love of books.

(from "Ten Things Every Child Needs" by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, video copyright 1999.)