When kids are given care and responsiveness to their needs, they are free to grow into adults who believe their needs are valid. As a result they don't wait for their needs to be noticed by others, they notice their own needs and speak them freely, expecting care and support.
On the other hand, when kids grow up with caregivers who are unable to give them emotional care and support, they get stuck in a cycle of seeking external validation and waiting for others to notice their needs.
The key to healing that wound is to grieve that no one was able to offer you care as a child and then commit to being the person who does it now. Your needs matter and the more you speak them outwardly instead of waiting for validation, the less validation you will need. And the more you will feel loved because adult love is not about having someone read your mind, it's about having someone respond to your requests with attentiveness and care.
*P.s. There are some cultures that are adept at reading others needs as a communal commitment. If this is the case, it is different because everyone is reading everyone else's needs making it developmentally appropriate and equitable. I'm specially aware of this in some East Asian cultures such as Nunchi in Korean culture
Hey there! In this video, I'm sharing a personal story about how I learned the importance of fixing things in parent-child relationships. I talk about owning up to my mistakes, listening to my kid's feelings, and making things right. Remember, it's okay to mess up; just be patient and don't be too hard on yourself. We're all in this together!
.webp){kind=avatar}
Discover why responding attentively to your young children won't make them weak, self-centered and dependent adults, as research shows that emotional attunement and responsiveness from caregivers helps children feel safe and develop better awareness and focus in relationships, whereas ignoring their emotional needs leads to heightened fear states that make it hard for them to learn the nuances of relationships - check out the recommended studies to learn more and trust your instincts for care.
.webp){kind=avatar}
In this video, you'll learn that if you struggle with big emotions and tend to withdraw, you may have grown up with an anxious-avoidant attachment style, but that this can be worked on by learning to tolerate your own feelings and be present when emotions arise, leading to beautiful connected moments.
%402x.svg){kind=icon}