Child development
Proctor, Tweed and Morris appoint in their article in 2021 that “Parental conditional regard (PCR) “is a socializing practice in which parents make
their affection and appreciation contingent on the child’s display of parentally desired
behaviors”—that is, more affection, attention, and appreciation are displayed when
children act in accordance to specific parental expectations and less affection and esteem
(ignored/rejected) when children do not act in accordance to specific parental expectations
(Assor & Roth, 2007, p. 18).”
It states the importance of unconditional love from parents or caregivers in child development. Exploring new things, the world, their identity and bounderies are a big and essential part of that magical queste. And it can, as I think, it should be magical! Which doesn’t mean dreamy or perfect overall, but shines a light on the comprehension of a child’s life and it’s world. Magic does happen, is real and should get nourishment from the environment. One way to provide this kind of sustenance is reading, and not the least: being read to. Story telling, imagination and fantasy are important elements in the life of a child, and adults even. It gives way to possibilities, stimulates problem solving and helps to explore owned skills. In words, but most certainly even in images lies a world of values, beliefs and information for that matter. All tools for a child to learn, not perse in a teaching or ‘intellectual’ way, but as a foundation for identity, self esteem, self confidence, strenght and most certainly love. In this image I have tried to capture a form of unconditional love, where a dragon is mostly perceived as a fierce and dangerous species. Where often perception can cloud the mind an judgement for that matter. So we can learn to look and explore, nourish affection and leave room for all possibilities.
Proctor, C., Tweed, R. G., & Morris, D. B. (2021). Unconditional positive self-regard: The role of perceived parental conditional regard. The Humanistic Psychologist, 49(3), 400–422. https://doi.org/10.1037/hum0000168