Hi, my name is Christina Gavenda with DomesticFelicity.com. And today, we're going to talk about the Seven Irreducible Needs of Infants and Toddlers. Seven irreducible needs is a list made by Stanley Greenspan developed through his studies of the importance of community in a child's life. Studying from when they're born, whether it's their biological parent or not, babies need one caregiver who can commit to them for the long term. Who'll be able to be there daily in their life, nurturing them, meeting their needs and also providing a stable, predictable environment. Having a predictable environment is so important for the intellectual development of babies. Secondly, that predictable relationship and then, other nurturing, loving relationships in the babies life, create the cornerstone for their intellectual and emotional well being. And they are the foundation for their empathy and compassion. Without those relationships and with chaos in their life, then the child does not develop the way that they should. Next, the baby or toddler needs their caregivers, especially the most important caregivers in their life to provide rich and ongoing interaction with them. That responds to their needs in a flexible and in a patient way. Fourth, the child needs an environment that allows them to progress through the stages of development in their own style and own good time. Supporting them as they go, but not forcing them in directions where they're not ready to head. Fifth, the child needs an environment with a family that encourages their development of prob;em solving skills and their sense of adventure and experimentation. This ability to problem solve and to figure out how things work, especially on their own, without being berated or the problems could be solved for them. Develops their sense of self, abilities and the power they have over the things around them. And then, sixth, children need clear and consistent boundaries that are expressed in an atmosphere of love and warmth. If you don't set boundaries for your children that are clear, that don't change with your moods. Then, you're setting them back and setting them up for failure even. Those boundaries give them a sense of responsibility and self discipline. And lastly, parents need communities that support them, neighborhoods, churches, and various organizations that can help lift them up and give them the resources to succeed. Children need adults who are mature, consistent and emotionally available.Thanks so much for watching, my name's Christina and today, we talked about the Seven Irreducible Needs of Infants and Toddlers.
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