By Quek Li Koon

Every child needs parental affection and attention for a healthy development. However, busy schedules and difficulties in expressing affection are some reasons often cited to explain parent’s difficulties in meeting these demands.

There are simple gestures and words of affirmation which can help children feel valued and accepted. Daily positive parent-child interactions will help children to feel secure, thereby building up their self-esteem. Consequently, children will also develop mature emotional expressions that will influence other relationships in their lives.