Natasha Manolas
Being a parent and/or an educator during these times, you may often question what are the true needs of your child right now. Every parent and educator is playing the juggling act, and it is hard to differentiate which balls are ok to drop without affecting your child. One psychologist had a very specific theory about the needs of your child. As you may or may not know, a theory is commonly an idea used to justify an action. It can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts, but it is not always proven. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one such theory. Maslow was a psychologist who believed a person's true potential cannot be reached until his or her basic needs are met.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization. Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up.
His pyramid is depicted like this:
With this theory, a child must satisfy his or her physiological needs before he or she can move up the pyramid. Right now, your child needs food, warmth, and rest. After those physiological needs are met, your child can move onto achieving safety and security both in the home and at school. Then, only after his or her safety has been achieved, will your child start to move onto a level of being able to make meaningful relationships. After creating meaningful relationships, your child will be able to feel a sense of self-esteem. And, only after meeting these needs in order, can a child meet his or her full potential.
Children are suffering from pandemic fatigue just as much, if not more, than adults. Now is the time to allow them to rest and feel safe and secure. Filling up their schedules with academics, social gatherings, and extracurricular activities to “make up for lost time” may not always be the answer. First and foremost, ensure your child is getting rest, is eating a balanced diet, and feels safe living in the confines of pandemic restrictions.
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