Nobody ever said that children were easy to raise. They don't come with guidelines or instructions, and they certainly don't come with a pause button (I've looked!). What they do come with is a crucial set of physical and emotional needs that must be met. Failure of the parents to meet these specific needs can have wide-ranging and long-lasting negative effects.
The following outline provides eight essential responsibilities that parents must adhere to in order to foster their child's physical and/or emotional well-being: 1. Provide an environment that is SAFE. A. Keep your child free from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. B. Keep unsafe objects locked up or out of reach of your child. C. Get to know your child's caregivers (get references or background checks). D. Correct any potential dangers around the house. E. Take Safety Precautions: Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, lock doors at night, always wear seatbelts, etc. 2. Provide your child with BASIC NEEDS. F. Water G. Plenty of nutritious foods H. Shelter I. A warm bed with sheets, blankets, and a pillow J. Medical care as needed/Medicine when ill K. Clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions L. Space (a place where he or she can go to be alone) 3. Provide your child with SELF-ESTEEM NEEDS. M. Accept your child's uniqueness and respect his or her individuality. N. Encourage (don't push) your child to participate in a club, activity, or sport. O. Notice and acknowledge your child's achievements and pro-social behavior. P. Encourage proper hygiene (to look good is to feel good, or so they say!). Q. Set expectations for your child that are realistic and age-appropriate. R. Use your child's misbehavior as a time to teach, not to criticize or ridicule. 4. Teach your child MORALS and VALUES.