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Needs vs. Wants: A Fun Lesson for Kids
Have you ever wanted a new toy, but your parents said you didn’t *need* it? That’s because there’s a difference between things we *need* to survive and things we *want* to make our lives more enjoyable. Let’s explore this difference!
What are Needs?
Needs are things that are essential for our survival. They are things we absolutely *must* have to stay alive and healthy. Here are some examples:
- Food: We need food to give us energy and nutrients.
- Water: We need water to drink and stay hydrated.
- Shelter: We need a safe place to sleep and protect us from the elements.
- Clothing: We need clothes to keep us warm and protect us from the weather.
- Healthcare: We need healthcare to stay healthy and treat illnesses.
Think about it, could you live without any of these things? Probably not! These are our basic needs.
What are Wants?
Wants are things that make our lives more comfortable, enjoyable, or fun. They are things we *desire* but don’t necessarily *need* to survive. Here are some examples:
- Toys: Toys can be fun and help us learn and develop, but we don’t need them to survive.
- Video Games: Video games can be entertaining, but we don’t need them to survive.
- Candy: Candy tastes good, but it’s not essential for our health.
- A New Bike: A bike can be a fun way to get around, but we don’t need it to survive.
- A Vacation: Vacations can be relaxing and enjoyable, but we don’t need them to survive.
Wants are things that make our lives more exciting and interesting, but they are not essential for our survival.
Making Choices
Sometimes it can be hard to decide between what we need and what we want. We have limited resources, like money and time, so we have to make choices about how to spend them.
Here’s an activity to help you think about needs and wants:
Activity: Needs vs. Wants
- Think about your day: What are some things you need to do today? (e.g., go to school, eat breakfast)
- Think about some things you want to do today: (e.g., play with friends, watch a movie)
- Make a list: Write down your needs and wants on separate pieces of paper.
- Compare: Look at your lists. Are there any things on your want list that you could also consider a need? (e.g., if you need to go to the library for a school project, it could also be considered a want if you enjoy going to the library)
- Discuss: Talk to your parents or friends about your lists and why you think certain things are needs or wants.
Remember, everyone has needs and wants. It’s important to understand the difference so we can make wise choices about how to use our resources.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word “economy” comes from the Greek word “oikos”, which means “house”? It’s like thinking about managing the resources of your own home!