Children ask for whatever they want AND need. Children will beg for candy before bedtime (“I WANT THE LOLLY!”) with the same fervor as when they seek out attention (“Mommy, LOOK!”). Teaching children the difference between needs and wants is complex. When a child wants something and they haven’t yet learned the difference between needing and wanting, wanting may feel like a need. How do we break it down so children can understand the difference?
- List Needs -that we can’t live without. Ie: tangible items such as clothing and food and emotional care such as love.
- Be Extreme in Curiosity– “Let’s say you never ever got this thing you want, would you survive the day?”
- Describe Scenarios– and point out what would be a need and what would be a want. (Perhaps start with an extreme Sahara Dessert scenario.)
- Clarify – needs will be met, wants will be considered.
Gentle Aspect – Offering children space to express all they desire with clarifying concepts about what is needed vs. what is wanted.
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