Like
a plant needs soil, water and sun, a child needs:
Interaction / touch
Stable relationships
A safe, healthy “home”
Self Esteem boosters
Consistent care
Play (a way to learn)
Communication
Music
To be read to
Everything we have learned about positive
parenting applies to day care providers. Children who excel are those who
receive positive attention and respectful discipline. Children
who are nurtures but brought up in a permissive atmosphere do
well socially but tend to underachieve. Those who are discipline
but lack nurturance are inclined to be angry, guarded and difficult. This
is how they receive attention. Those who lack attention
of any sort are most at risk.
It is tempting for providers to rely on TV as
a pass time when the demands of their duties are excessive. “What
fires together, wires together!” states Dr David Walsh, president
of Mediawise. See www.mediafamily.org/mediawisecolumns to
learn more about why this is a concern.
