Needs and wants

Hello. I am a little feeling that lives inside everyone. Sometimes I make your tummy rumble and you think, 'I'm hungry. I need some yummy food.' Other times, you see a super cool, bouncy red ball and I whisper, 'Wow, I really want that.' I am the reason you know you need a warm hug when you are sad, and why you wish for a brand new toy on your birthday. I am Needs and Wants. I am a very special feeling.

So, what is the difference between a need and a want. Your needs are things that keep you safe, healthy, and strong. Things like fresh water when you are thirsty, a cozy bed to sleep in, and loving people to take care of you are all needs. They are super important. They help you grow big and strong. Your wants are extra fun things that make you smile, like a colorful kite, a sweet cookie, or a sparkly sticker. They are nice to have, but you would still be okay without them. A long, long time ago, a very thoughtful man named Abraham Maslow noticed how important it was for people to take care of their needs first. He saw that having food and a safe place to sleep made people feel happy and ready to play.

Understanding me helps you make great choices. When you know the difference between what you need and what you want, you learn how to be thankful for all the important things you have. It also helps you understand how to share with friends who might need something you can give, like a snack or a helping hand. It is okay to have lots of wants. But remembering your needs first is the secret to being happy and healthy. I am here to help you do that every single day. I help you stay safe and have fun.