Nurturance tools build self-esteem and develop attachment. The effective parental nurturing may be the single best predictor that a child will turn out successfully. Nurturing means giving our children the love, care, attention, and affection they need to develop into competent and healthy adults. Nurturance also builds self-esteem, develops attachment, and allows children to be disciplined. Nurturance builds a relationship between parent and child, known as a “bank account” of good will. If this account is established very early in the child’s life, when babies are cuddled ad cooed at, it can be a great benefit during the teenage years. A child who feels loved is more apt to realize that parents set limits and give guidance because they love and care about him or her. Children are more likely to feel secure within loving boundaries.

The first nurturing tool we will look at is Love and Care for Our Children.

-Provide real affection, with all ages. Express unconditional positive feelings for your children.

-Love unconditionally, with all ages. Children need to be accepted, trusted, even prized for who they are not what they do. Acceptance means that when children don’t behave you still love them, while letting them know you don’t approve of their behavior. This love and acceptance gives children a sense of security, belonging, and support. Show love through kisses or hugs.

-Spend time together, with all ages. Someone once said, “Children spell love T-I-M-E.” Words of love are important, but they don’t take the place of time spent with our children. Find things to do, such as playing games together or doing the chores together.

-Really listen, with all ages. When a child comes to you with a question or comment, stop what you are doing and look at the child, really listening to what they have to say. Your listening ear is more important to your child than your advice. Watch your children. What you see can help tell you how your children feel.

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