WHAT CHILDREN NEED...

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE:
Every child needs to fell that his parents love, want and enjoy him...that she matters very much to someone ...that there are people near them who care what happens to him.

ACCEPTANCE:
Every child needs to believe that his parents like him for himself, just the way he is...that they like her all the time, and not only when she acts according to their ideas of the way a child should act....that they always accept her, even though they may not approve of the things she does....that they will let him grow and develop in his own way.

SECURITY:
Every child needs to know that her home is a good, safe place she can feel sure about....that his parents will always be on hand, especially in times of crisis when he needs them the most...that she belongs to a family or group; that there is a place she fits in.

PROTECTION:
Every child needs to feel that his parents will keep him safe from harm....that they will help her when she faces strange, unknown or frightening situations.

INDEPENDENCE:
Every child needs to know that his parents want him to grow up, and that they encourage him to try new things...that they have great confidence in her and in her ability to do things for and by herself.

FAITH:
Every child needs to have a set of moral standards to live by...a belief in the human values of kindness, courage, honesty, generosity and justice.

GUIDANCE:
Every child needs to have friendly help in learning how to behave toward persons and things...grown-ups around him who show him by example how to get along with others.

CONTROL:
Every child needs to know that there are limits to what he is permitted to do, and that his parents will hold him to these limits...that it is all right to feel jealous or angry, but that she will not be allowed to hurt herself or others when she has these feelings.
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Courtesy of Adoption Assistance Agency
Albuquerque, New Mexico