Follow for more expert parenting strategies and guidance! Speaker: Dr. Gabor Maté Source: Feel Better Live More - podcast with Dr Rangan Chatterjee Dr. Gabor often talks about the essential needs of the child, and this is a nice, concise version of what he means when he says that. Every child requires certain things at a bare minimum for them to grow and develop in a healthy way. What our kids need: - A safe attachment relationship with their parents - Present and available parents - The child shouldn't need to work to make the relationship work - Freedom for the child to express all emotions All of these things probably seem fairly straightforward, but there are lots of parents out there not providing these things for their children. Unfortunately, Dr. Maté feels inclined to mention that the availability of parents is in jeopardy in what he calls "today's stress society." It's sad to know that one of the essential needs of our children are under attack based on how society has transformed. With all the demands and expectations for work and other things, it has become difficult to be as present as we'd like to be for our kids and family. It may require some intentionality from you and your spouse to make sure this need is being met for you children. Share this post with another parent who needs it!