When Providing Isn’t Enough. The Emotional Needs Children Don’t Talk About”
Parents provide everything materially but rarely ask, “How are you feeling?” or give undistracted attention. As a parent create a daily 10 to 15-minute period of child-led, phone-free conversation or play. Respond to the child's attempts to communicate rather than immediately solving or dismissing them. Responsive “serve-and-return” interactions are important for healthy developmental relationships.