Children Need Love, Not Just Rules
To feel loved is one of the most basic human needs — and for children, it’s the most essential of all. Sadly, many children around the world are abandoned, neglected, or emotionally isolated, even by their own families. Some end up in orphanages or on the streets, where they face abuse, exploitation, and, in worst cases, recruitment into gangs.
Children don’t need extravagant toys or endless gadgets. They need love, attention, and guidance — from their parents.
Love First, Then Responsibility
Loving your child doesn’t mean spoiling them. It means being present, listening, setting fair rules, and showing them they matter. Parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency, care, and communication.
“Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.” —Harold Hulbert
You may not always have all the answers, especially if you’re parenting alone. But the time you invest in your child’s emotional security will become the foundation of their future sense of responsibility.
Rules That Come from Love
Setting and enforcing rules is part of your job as a parent — but rules without empathy can lead to rebellion, not respect. Take this example: your son wants to spend a few hours at a friend’s house. It’s not a school night. You trust the friend and his family. Saying “yes” in such cases builds trust and helps your child feel heard and valued.
When children know they are trusted, they will try to honor that trust.
Quality Time Is Love in Action
Children spell love T-I-M-E. Are you always “too busy” for your child? Always making decisions without considering their emotions?
Take a step back. Even just 20 minutes of undivided attention can go a long way. Laugh with them. Play with them. Ask questions. Listen. It’s these moments that build deep emotional bonds that last a lifetime.
Discipline Without Emotional Damage
When your child makes a mistake, how you react matters. Avoid shaming or punishing them in public or in front of their siblings. Don’t confuse discipline with harshness.
You don’t need to hit to teach. You don’t need to yell to be firm.
Use your own experiences — remember what it felt like to be young, to fail, to be scared, or misunderstood. Model compassion and growth, not fear.
“Discipline should guide, not harm. And love should be the foundation of every correction.”
Final Word: What Children Need Most
Your child is a human being — with thoughts, feelings, dreams, and insecurities. Like all of us, they thrive when they are seen, heard, and loved.
They’ll become more responsible not through punishment or pressure, but through the security of your love. That’s what will guide their choices and shape their character.
If you’re doing your best — showing up, listening, loving, forgiving — then you’re already succeeding.
Raising a child can or actually is tough. There are no books or buzzers to zap you to tell you that you are doing it all wrong. All we can do is hope, try and learn.
Aimee, We just have to give it our best and hope the kids will follow. Thanks for your continue support.
This is so spot on, Patrice!
Nichole, Glad you like Thanks for your support.
Parenting is hard. I figure if I focus on spending time with my children and love them those are the things that really count. If I make mistakes along the way they will always be able to say I was there and showed them affection.
These are the things I remember most about my childhood. My parents were very affectionate with me and I do the same with my children. I think acts of love are so important in the early years.
Mimi, Glad you like. Thanks for support.
Thanks for sharing this- such a great reminder. Kids are humans too, it’s so easy to expect them to be little adults when they aren’t!
Gladyou like. Thank you for your support.
Love this! So spot on. I am so happy you shared these. So many people forget their children are people too.
Absolutely agree chidren needs their parents love. Not strangers. I also, everyday, I speak life over my kids. This is one area that a lot of parents also miss. I speak every single morning affirmation over them. Mold them to be better human beings as they approach their adult stages. My kids are very young (ages 7 and 4) so they honestly do not give me much trouble. They are so good that I hope, wish, and I pray they remain this way as they get big. But I still speak life over them daily as well.
Janelle, Good for you… your kids won’t forget the time spend with morning affirmation. Everyone has there unique way; time is time even if it’s a minute to listen to your child. Thanks for continue support.
All of it so true! I know that sometimes it’s hard for me to disconnect from telephones and computers and really give my daughter her all – it’s something I am working on (and I have a feeling a lot of other parents do too!)
Madaline, It’s hard for most parents but we have to try and make time. Thanks for your support.
Patrice this is the very thing that was discussed yesterday morning! There were several points that smacked me in the face. Especially about being impatient or too busy. Thanks for the reminders.
Mardesia, Glad I was able to make a difference. Thank you for your support.
I love my children and I make sure to hug and kiss them everyday. Love is the most powerful emotion. It has the ability to heal us. Thanks for the thoughtful post!
Emerald, Glad you like. Thank you for continue support.