What Do Children Need?

It's interesting to ask such a simple question.

Sort of like breathing... we just assume we know, so we seldom ask.

Do you feel like you know what children need? What is that understanding based on?

Like rings of a tree, we all carry our "inner child" around inside of us and are influenced by the same needs we had decades ago. Operating under the surface of our lives, we all share a common need for survival and connection. Yet, adults have a distinct advantage in getting those needs met. We can work and drive and facilitate the meeting of our own needs.

Maybe what children need is to be empowered to get their own needs met. Not the needs we think they have, but the needs they genuinely have.

How do we know what children need?

Ask them?

Observe them?

Study about them?

All of the above. Be curious. Practice beginner's mind. Follow the child.

Somehow, connecting with your child's true needs satisfies the needs of your own inner child.

It's a powerful practice.

Cheers,

Craig