Tenets for Relating to Children

1. Children are not miniature adults.  The therapist does not respond to them as is they were.
2. Children are people.  They are capable of experiencing deep emotional pain and joy.
3. Children are unique and worthy of respect.  The therapist prizes the uniqueness of each child and respects the person the child it.
4. Children are resilient.  Children possess a tremendous capacity to overcome obstacles and circumstances in their lives.
5. Children have an inherent tendency toward growth and maturity.  They possess an inner intuitive wisdom.
6. Children are capable of positive self-direction.  They are capable of dealing with their world in creative ways.
7. Children's natural language is play.  This is the medium of self-expression with which they are most comfortable.
8. Children have a right to remain silent.  The therapist respects a child's decision not to talk.
9. Children will take the therapeutic experience to where they need to be.  The therapist does not attempt to determine when or how a child should play.
10. Children's growth cannot be speeded up.  The therapist recognizes this and is patient with the child's developmental process.

-Landreth, Garry L. Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.  New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2012. Print.