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

Money, Money, Money

 

When we say we don't have money, it doesn't mean we can not afford to buy groceries, pay our bills, or occasionally eat in restaurants. It just means we do not have extras to give you. 

When we say we can not afford it, believe it because that is our truth. 

If you have to ask for money for something unnecessary, it means YOU can not afford it. 

Obligation is slightly different from love. Obligations come with frustration, resistance, and sometimes anger. It is sometimes fulfilled because one doesn't have the choice. 

Love is freely given, and love is also giving consideration to the struggles of the other. 

Yes, we earn a living in dollars, but we also spent it here in dollars, and not in pesos. 

Love is NOT communicating only when you need and ask for money. 

Some people grow old, but haven't learned to set their priorities and their limits. 

Life is indeed a struggle, and sometimes even breathing in and breathing out is hard to do. 

*sigh