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

Choose one of the seven irreducible needs of children. From a child's perspective, think about how meeting the need would affect the child and think about how ignoring the need would affect the child. Then, share and discuss your responses with your 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