In the age of aggressive marketing for both children and parents , many parents are wondering what their children really need . It turns out that there is a pretty clear answer to this question.

"Years of research in child development have identified eight basic requirements for children to become happy, successful adults," said Dr. Harley Rothbart, a nationally renowned parenting expert and vice president of pediatrics in Children's Colorado. "And none of them include high-tech gadgets, video games or fancy and expensive clothes."

The eight things children need to thrive are:

Security

Children need to feel safe, secure and healthy, and their basic needs for survival are met: shelter, food, clothing, medical care and protection from external factors.

Stability

Stability comes from the family and the environment around you. Ideally, the family stays together in a stable household, but when this is not possible, it is important that both parents try to disrupt the child's life as little as possible. Children and families need to be part of larger units to give them a sense of belonging, tradition and cultural continuity.

Consistency

There is no "good cop, bad cop." Parents need to synchronize their parenting and make sure that important values remain consistent.

Emotional support

The words and actions of parents should promote trust, respect, self-confidence and, ultimately, children's independence.

Love

By saying and showing that you love your children, you can overcome almost all the parental "mistakes" you can make. Even when your children disobey, get angry, frustrated, and rebel against you, show them that you love them and will always love them.

Education

Make sure your children get the best education possible for their future. This includes school, of course, but it also includes the invaluable life lessons you provide during the time you spend together. Read What to teach your children at home during quarantine

Positive role models

Parents are the first and most important role models for their children. Instill your values and teach children empathy by being the person you want them to be.

Structure

Rules, limits and restrictions: Without them, children are forced to be adults before they are ready, and they lose respect for you and other adults.

The "miracle solution" - children need time

Perhaps the most important factor of all is time. Without spending enough time with children and being parents, "You miss the wonderful privileges of parenthood," says Dr. Rothbart. "And the kids are missing out on some of their needs."

And the opposite is also true.

"Time is the miraculous solution to most parenting dilemmas. It takes minutes or hours, the time you spend with your children gives you the opportunity to provide your children with all the basic needs - and much more. "