Child-Rearing Responsibilities

Physical Needs

• Your first responsibility toward your child is ensuring she has food, shelter, clothing, water, access to health care and other physical necessities. You must also see to it that your child is provided for financially. This does not mean that you have to purchase the latest toys for her or that you must buy the most expensive car seat on the market to ensure her safety. It simply means that you do what you can to ensure that she is safe and healthy. For example, remove dangerous objects within her reach and clothe her warmly in the winter.

Emotional Needs

• Your child requires love. However you express it, the idea is that your child knows you love him and that you are there when he needs you. In an interview for WebMD, author and professor Laurence Steinberg states that you cannot love your child too much. However, love does not mean spoiling him. Your child is young, vulnerable and needs someone to go to when life is good and when it gets rocky. Support your child̵7;s individuality and need for privacy, too. Provide structure to your child̵7;s routine to help him know what to expect.

Discipline

• Discipline involves being consistent in the guidance of your child̵7;s developing behaviors and morals. Occasional flexibility is also needed, for instance when she is sick. Discipline should be effective and fair. If you find that one discipline method does not work, try another. Acknowledge the good choices your child makes to bring attention to the behaviors you want her to repeat.

Parental Rights

• Parental responsibilities also come with rights. Some of them include the right to decide on which education your child will receive, to oversee your children̵7;s behavior, and consent to his marriage or enlistment in the military. You further have the right to contract on behalf of your child and to consent to any medical treatments or care for him.