Tonight I had the privilege of holding a little two week old baby for quite some time while his parents were helping out with their son's activity. As I held him against my shoulder with one hand on the back of his little head and the other patting his back, I breathed again the smell of baby. How perfectly a baby fits against the shoulder! He was chewing on his hand ferociously and making all of the those wonderful baby sounds.
As I held him, I reveled in the miracle that a baby is. I told him how cute and perfect he was.
I had just spoke to this amazing group of parents on building relationships and developing the social emotional skills of our children.
As I was preparing, I thought of the million directions I could go. Should I speak on acknowledging versus praise or the patterns of attachment or move into teaching specific skills. My friend reminded me to keep it simple. So my title was, "All they need is you." I thought it was cleverly patterned after the "All we need is love," song.
And it is true.
The million books, studies, videos, toys and programs all come down to the one simple and profound reality. Kids need us.
Positive, caring, supportive and loving adults.
People in their lives who believe, love and accept unconditionally and adore.
Someone who cares, nurtures and is actively involved in their lives.
Every child has a need to be pulled in close and loved.
Whether on our shoulders or in our hearts.
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