I recently discussed the following with some new parents and was gratified by the interest elicited by this list. I have been asked for copies, so here it is…
Deborah Roffman, a leading expert in the human development education and a distinguished author, has outlined the following needs that children have as they grow and develop:
- Affirmation – they need to feel understood and valued.
- Information – they need to be presented information attuned to their individual cognitive and developmental level.
- Clarity of values – they need to hear more about values and less about rules. They need positive role modeling and perhaps consequences that are logical and fair, when necessary.
- Limit setting – they need clear, responsible, age-appropriate boundaries and they need the right to be able to negotiate these boundaries as they mature.
- Anticipatory guidance – communication skills (oral and written), problem-solving, decision making, assertiveness, and risk management skills. They need to learn to identify the “what ifs” and develop plans to deal with these situations.
I’m sure that readers who are current school parents can readily provide innumerable examples of how our children’s needs are met ―both at USM and in the home. It’s truly a partnership.
