Do it now

It is crucial that we recognise children's needs early, and decode their messages of need. If we do not respond to their expressed needs today, they will ask again tomorrow – probably more loudly and more indirectly. Tomorrow their expression of need will be more annoying or threatening; our reaction to their behaviour will have hardened.

(Note that we are talking here about needs, not wants. Wants are usually expressed more verbally and directly.)

If needs are not met over extended periods, children's behaviour can become troubled to the point that we start to attach labels to it – and the behaviour, in turn, comes to be seen as habitual and even expected. The downward spiral has started.

If we set out to listen carefully and meet needs today, tomorrow we, as child care workers, are going to have a less demanding day. And the children will be more contented.