One absolute truth I totally agree with as a teacher of many years, parent  and now a children’s director is children grow up so quick. 

We need to let children enjoy each stage they are in, in growing and learning. They are at this stage of their life just one time and we as parents and teachers need to appreciate that they are children.  Savor and enjoy each stage of your child’s life and learn their needs at each stage.

It’s neat to look through the eyes of a child and appreciate our children for who they are. That is the purpose of Kids Corner articles in helping parents, grandparents and teachers of young children: to learn, understand and enjoy the different phases of their children’s — or students’ — lives by suggestions and activities offered.

As a childrens’ director, teacher and mom some of the things I have noted mentally are as follows:

•The first need is importance or significance. Let’s face it; we all want to be needed.  We want to sense and feel that we are important to others. When listening to your children keep that focus with your eyes and attention on them. Try to set aside a special time just to listen to that child or children. Remember to find ways to praise your children. True love is shown to children when you guide them in discipline and rules that will help them succeed in today’s world. As parents and teachers we have to check our tone and attitude toward our own children that we teach and care for.  Their attitudes and the respect they have for themselves and others are learned and modeled by we parents.

•A second need that is so very basic for young children is to feel secure. Young children need to feel safe physically and emotionally. 

Hugs, praise, and talking to your child are important ingredients to enabling your children or to be at peace and secure in order to learn and be successful. 

As an early childhood teacher for many years I have learned the biggest fear that many children have is not so much fear of the dark, but the fear of feeling left out by others or rejection. As parents and teachers we have to work in the area of teaching children to properly share and care for others. We as adults have to model friendship and forgiving each other.

•A third need for children is optimism. 

Children, when they are growing up and learning new things, get discouraged at times.

A few words of encouragement and sunshine mean so much.

•Fourth, young minds have the basicneed to explore. Free play and giving your child free time is the best way this need is met. This need parents provides good family time. 

Our children can teach us so very much. Enjoy the journey!

Beth Pinyerd serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.