What Children Want
by Steve Goodier
Are you aware of the first Law of Parenthood? It states that nobody really wants
your job, but everybody thinks they can do it better.
I appreciate the honesty of parents who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the task
of parenthood. One man candidly said, "Before I got married I had three theories
on raising children. Now I have three children and no theories!"
"Quote Magazine" (September 1, 1985) published ten behaviors children ages 8 to
14 identified as qualities they wanted in parents. These young people, from 24
countries, agreed on ten traits they believed were important for all parents to
possess. Here they are:
1. They want harmony. They do not want their parents to have unresolved and
destructive conflict in front of them.
2. They want love. They wish to be treated with the same affection as other
children in the family.
3. They want honesty. And to be told the truth.
4. They want acceptance. They desire mutual tolerance from both parents.
5. They want their parents to like their friends. They want their friends to be
welcomed in the home.
6. They want closeness. They desire comradeship with their parents.
7. They want their parents to pay attention to them and answer their questions.
8. They want consideration from their parents. They do not want to be
embarrassed or punished in front of friends.
9. They want positive support. They wish for their parents to concentrate on
their good points rather than their weaknesses.
10. They want consistency. They desire parents to be constant in their
affections and moods.
It appears that these children want what all of us want - respect, consideration
and love. In fact, these work well with "children" of all ages!
Steve Goodier's books & newsletter:
http://LifeSupportSystem.com.