And while we may not necessarily love those who serve us, we will love those whom we serve. Parents should clearly separate dissatisfaction with behavior from love of child. They should assure and reassure their children of their unconditional love for them. I still love you as much as ever. I always do and always will.
Some children have a natural and seemingly inherent sense of caring and sensitivity.
Such cases are rather rare, however. The self-centered life is typical of most children, particularly adolescents. In fact most of the problems teens face, whether taking the form of rebellion or of extreme shyness and withdrawal, stem from their rather intense preoccupation with self. Children can begin to learn sensitivity and unselfishness at a very young age. Parents also should tell their children how the things their children do make them feel.