10 things every child secretly wants parents to do

Mar 10, 2025

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Simple ways to make your child feel loved

All children need love, understanding, and support from their parents. Small things like listening, praising, and respecting their feelings can strengthen relationships and boost their confidence.

Listen without judging

Children need parents who will listen to what they say and how they feel without interrupting and criticizing them, making them feel heard, respected, and safe to express themselves.

Spend quality time together

Kids cherish moments when parents set aside diversions and spend quality moments with them, playing, talking, or just sitting together, strengthening their emotional bond.

Appreciate their efforts

Apart from achievements, kids want parents to notice and compliment their attempts, boosting their self-esteem, support, and self-worth, encouraging them to keep on trying irrespective of disappointments.

Show unconditional love

They, privately, fantasize parents to love them in spite of mistakes, informing them that value isn’t gained with performance but who they are themselves.

Respect their opinions

Kids desire that parents respect their viewpoints and judgments, although opposite, to allow them a sense of being empowered, competent, and independent within decisions.

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Allow some independence

Children wish parents would trust them with age-appropriate responsibilities, giving them room to explore, learn from mistakes, and grow into confident, independent individuals.

Apologize when wrong

When parents admit mistakes and apologize, it teaches kids accountability, respect, and the importance of humility, making them feel valued and respected.

Encourage their dreams

Every child dreams of a future shaped by passion. They hope parents will support their aspirations instead of imposing rigid expectations, helping them follow their true calling.

Be patient and understanding

Kids wish parents would be more patient when they struggle, understanding that they are still learning and growing instead of reacting with frustration or anger.

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