Directions:

In The Irreducible Needs of Children, T Berry Brazelton and Stanley Greenspan (2000) emphasize that when the following seven irreducible needs (fundamental requirements of a healthy early childhood) are met, young children are able to feel safe and relate to others.

Choose ONE of the seven irreducible needs of children and discuss what would happen to an infant or toddler, from the child’s perspective, if this need is or is not met. Then, share and discuss your responses with a trainer, coach, or administrator.

Irreducible Needs of Young Children 

1. Ongoing nurturing relationships
2. Physical protection, safety and regulation
3. Experiences tailored to individual differences
4. Developmentally appropriate experiences
5. Limit-setting, structure, and expectations
6. Stable communities and cultural continuity
7. Adults to protect the future