What I Need By Paula Young Shelton I need to have you hold me and let me know you care. I need to be let go to explore all that I dare. I need you to set limits and always to be fair. I need you to be patient as I wander everywhere. I need to make mistakes sometimes, under your watchful eye. I need a safe environment for the new things I will try. I need to learn by doing. My learning looks like play. I need to know I can trust you and that you mean what you say. I need to be corrected in a voice that’s firm but low. I need to hear some other words besides just, “No! No! No!” I need you to be consistent, so I always know what to expect. I need you to listen to me, ‘cause even little ones need respect. I need lots of attention. So don’t get too upset. I need to ask lots of questions. There’s so much I don’t know yet. But more than all of the above. What I really need is love. No matter what I do or say. I need to know you love me anyway.