Need? or Want!

I taught these to my kids. We are not rich but we have enough. Teaching them the differences between the two was very important for me as a parent. 

What is needed are food, clothing, healthcare, and shelter. 

Everything else is a want.

One time, for his birthday, we gave the boy $50 worth of gifts. Because Christmas was 17 days away, he told me...

"Ma, you and Papa gave me something "mahal" (expensive), for this Christmas in a few days, I would be very happy if you could give me just a card."

He was 9.

The other year, my daughter asked me if it was wise to buy a certain bag which was about 3000% more in terms of price compared to her bags that we mostly buy from thrift stores.

I already knew that she thought about it---if it was a need or a want.

So I told her to buy it. It was something she wanted and could afford. She can pay for it in cash. She worked hard for it, and it would be her first time buying not from the thrift store.

NOTE: She wanted it but she can afford to pay for it. She's not asking from anyone to pay or help her pay for it. But still, she ended up NOT buying it. Is it a need or a want?

If you can NOT afford your needs, then do not demand your wants and disguise it as "love" from your family.

The lack of consideration to others is one trait of being a brat.

Don't be one.

*sigh