22 Unit 1 Children and Families in Today’s World
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Brazelton and Greenspan’s Irreducible
Needs
Currently, two noted researchers and physi-
cians, T. Berry Brazelton and Stanley I. Greenspan,
have researched the basic needs of all children.
They identifi ed seven needs children must meet to
thrive and fl ourish for a lifetime, which they call
the irreducible needs of children. (Irreducible means
impossible to make smaller or simpler.) These
needs include
• ongoing nurturing relationships. A
nurturing relationship is critical for
all development. Children from birth
through the preschool years need
nurturing interactions most of their
waking hours. If this relationship is absent
or interrupted, children are apt to develop
disorders in their intellectual, social, and
emotional development.
• physical protection, safety, and
regulation. Children need an environment
both before and after birth that protects
them from physical and emotional harm.
For example, this includes appropriate
food, clothing, and shelter and protection
from toxins, harm, and any form of abuse.
• experiences tailored to individual
differences. Each child has a unique
temperament and way of relating
to the world of matter and people.
Parents need to match the child’s
strengths and weaknesses with their
experiences. In this way a child achieves
his or her potential (Figure 1.11).
Figure 1.10 Maslow sees two kinds of needs in all humans—basic needs (physical and psychological needs) and higher-level
needs (self-actualization needs). Where would you place yourself on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Which needs are met?
Which needs are not met?
Maslow’s Hierarchy
of Human Needs
Self-Actualization
All needs have been
fulfilled to some degree
Esteem
Need to be liked and respected
Love and Acceptance
Need for support, assurance, praise, acceptance
Security
Need to feel safe in surroundings
Physical Needs
Need for air, water, food, clothing, shelter, medical care