Children's needs at different stages in life
Primary
I still need you to make sure my brain works well. I am also meeting and making relationships with new adults who look after me in new environments. I need them to tune in to me quickly so I can feel safe and confident meeting new people.
People who love me help my brain develop and stay healthy. I need you to help me calm down because if I get stressed for too long it can harm my brain which is still growing and developing.
If adults don't properly listen or notice what I say (if they’re too busy looking at their phone or the TV) it can make me feel unsafe and cause me to get stressed.
When you talk to me or about me, the words I hear shape my thoughts and change the way I feel and behave. You are planting seeds that will go on growing all my life.
When I hear negative words about me or about the people I love, I develop negative beliefs. I feel unworthy and unlovable.
When I hear kind, loving words, it helps me develop a strong sense of worth and identity.
Play and fun get the social and emotional parts of my brain working and ready to build strong connections.
I need you to give me chances to challenge myself physically and mentally. Playing with friends helps me learn about working together and sharing. Playing lets me be creative and I enjoy the feeling of using my body and practicing new skills.
Attachment
Helping children to feel safe and connected to adults they trust.
Trauma
How we help children to deal with bad and scary experiences.
Resilience
Giving children the skills to be able to cope in the wider world.
