Caring Relationships

Caring relationships are fundamental to child development (Greenspan & Shanker, 2004). They create secure attachment which becomes the vehicle for molding the character of a child. What does a caring relationship look like? A caring relationship is interactive, not one-sided. People in a caring relationship cherish and delight in one another and revel in being with the other. Each person maintains high expectations for the other, helping the other to flourish. 

Everyone is motivated and flourishes in environments that meet their basic needs (S. Fiske, 2004):

  • Belonging (caring relationships)
  • Understanding (meaning)
  • Control (choice, autonomy)
  • Self enhancement (self actualization)
  • Trust (supportive community)