What a Toddler needs, what a Toddler wants

I seem to be on a "put a song in my blog-title" kick...guess you can say I have a "song in my heart"...yeah, whatever.

I read this in my Focus on the Family "The First Two Years" book and thought it was good enough to share:
The "First Adolescence"-the second 12 months of life

First and foremost, keep in mind that above all else your toddler needs to know that she is loved, accepted, and "at home" with you and that you are on her side without reservations-even when you won't give her everything she wants. She needs kind and loving words and actions all day long, and she will come to you frequently for them.
Expect overtures of all sorts, often with arms outstretched, many times during the day as your toddler seeks:

• cuddling and hugs
• comforting after a bump or bruise
• reassurance after being frightened
• help with a problem, such as getting something out of reach or fixing a misbehaving toy
• your enthusiastic reaction to something she has brought to you
• a response to a simple question (or sounds that resemble a question)
• relief from being hungry, thirsty, or having a wet/dirty diaper
• an invitation to role-play (at her direction)--pretending to talk to her on the toy phone, for example
• confirmation that you are still "there" when she has not see you for a few minutes