According to Horney, most parents do not give their children enough what?

• A. Attention
• B. Discipline
• C. Freedom
• D. Love

Answer: (D)

Love and emotional security from parents are what Horney stressed as most crucial for a child's healthy development. She argued that children need warm, consistent, loving attention to feel valued and safe in the world. When that love is lacking, a child experiences basic anxiety and a sense of insecurity, which can drive neurotic patterns aimed at obtaining affection and approval. So, the common parental shortfall, in her view, is not getting enough love.

Attention, freedom, and discipline matter for growth, but they don’t capture the central issue Horney highlights. Attention is part of being loved, and freedom or discipline can affect development in different ways, but without sufficient love, the foundational sense of security is missing, shaping the child’s later personality and coping strategies.