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Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

The role of the adult in providing the basic needs of the
young child

Young children have a wide range of basic needs. Adults who care for young children
must make sure all those basic needs are met every day.

An adult caring for a young child, whether a parent or a carer, must establish a
relationship of trust with the child, as it is important for children to feel safe and
secure. Adults need to provide for each of the basic needs of young children.
Here are some examples of the role of the adult:

Nutrition

An adult needs to prepare healthy and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks for
children, with all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. The adult should ensure
children eat regularly and have a varied diet, which includes fresh vegetables and fruit.

Comfort and reassurance

An adult caring for young children needs to provide comfort and reassurance. For
example, a baby may be startled by a loud noise and need soothing by a carer. A young
child may fall and need an adult to comfort them. Adults need to know how to keep
young children safe, whilst also encouraging them to explore the world around them.

Routine

Children need a regular routine for sleep and rest, which an adult should provide. It
is also the role of the adult to wash and dress the child, changing nappies regularly
and helping older children to become toilet trained. Adults need to know a child’s daily
routine so that the child’s needs are met. For example, the adult should know when a
young child needs to sleep or eat and plan for this.

Learning and life skills

Young children need adult help to learn and develop and become more independent.
When caring for young children, an adult should encourage them to learn new skills.
For example, showing them how to wash their hands themselves or peel and chop
a banana.

As well as caring for children’s physical needs, for example, washing and dressing
them, adults also need to talk to and listen to children. Young children often ask
questions and need adults to help them to develop their language and thinking skills
and make sense of their world. As children develop their language, they are more able
to communicate their basic needs.

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