Follow for more expert parenting strategies and guidance! Speaker: Dr. Gabor Mate Source: Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal | The Mel Robbins Podcast Dr. Gabor often speaks about the essential needs of children. And we will always share his wisdom on this topic. On the surface, it seems obvious. Of course children have needs. And of course unconditional love/acceptance is one of them. But far too often, we see parents and other adults make kids "earn" their love and acceptance (especially acceptance) with behavior expectations - expectations that are often unrealistic for children in their stage of development. That type of interaction doesn't make a child feel safe. Or secure. It's a foundational need for our children to be loved and accepted, and it isn't as automatic as you think. Share this post with another parent who needs to hear it!