Another important element for youngsters is trust. Children want their parents to believe in them, that they are capable of making their own judgments (age appropriate, of course), and that their parents do not always know everything. They also need protection from punishment for mistakes they might make. Children need freedom to make their own choices and be responsible for the consequences. This does not mean that children should be allowed to do whatever they want all the time -- there are times when you must set limits on their behavior. But it does mean that they should be given opportunities to make decisions about their lives. Kids also want guidance from their parents. They want to know what behaviors are acceptable and what ones aren't, who to trust and who not to, and more. Kids need our help with things such as finding jobs, making friends, dealing with problems at school, and anything else they might face as they grow up. Finally, children want to be loved by their parents. They want to know they are cared for--physically and emotionally. Youngsters also want their parents to know they are not alone, that someone is there to support them through good times and bad. Parents can give their children these things by being active participants in their lives, by listening to them when they have something to say, and by demonstrating that they love them every day.