From the moment we are born we can perceive the affection of the people around us. This affection is felt not only through caresses, or listening to tender phrases, but also by hearing the words, “I love you.” This level of affection lets us feel how much we are loved and above all influences future positive behaviors.
Sadly, in my professional life, I have seen how many children suffer from the lack of love of those who consider themselves to be their parents to the point where many of these parents come to commit abuses towards their children to the extreme not only physical but also emotional. On many occasions, such abuses have been so extreme that these children end up being removed from their homes and placed in substitute homes. Many of them end up being adopted by families willing to allow these children the privilege of loving and being loved.
It is imperative to recognize that childhood is a crucial part of our society. They are a helpless population that yearn to love others and be loved. When this affection does not occur within their family environment, adoption becomes a second opportunity for this child in search of loving someone and being reciprocated. The privilege of loving and being loved is not only part of reciprocity, but more importantly, it is the most beautiful thing that human beings can offer.
By Joel Cintrón, MS, MA
President/Founder
Child &FamilyFirst, Co
