What A Child Needs

Physical Needs

Shelter
Water and sanitation
Protection from environmental pollution
Adequate food
Adequate clothing
Protection from violence
Protection from exploitation and abuse
Opportunities for development of
physical potentials

Spiritual Needs

Exploration and appreciation of the
nature of life
Understanding of what lies beyond
the immediate world

Social, Economic and Cultural needs

Opportunities for play and
friendships
Access to quality education and
stimulation
Stable social and economic
environment
Knowledge of and respect for own language, religion and culture
Access to health care
Freedom from discrimination
Opportunities to contribute and
acquire responsibility
Opportunities for meaningful
empowering work and service

Psychological Needs (Intellectual, Emotional & Volitional)

A stable and loving family environment
Access to appropriate guidance and support
Access to age appropriate information
Respect for privacy and confidentiality
Recognition of and respect for emerging
competencies and opportunities to take
growing levels of responsibility
Opportunities to be listened to and
respected
A sense of belonging and identity
A sense of worth and being valued
Being able to develop cognitive talents
and creative potentials

Wants Versus Needs

All children have needs. However we must be able to differentiate between 'wants' and 'needs'. A child may want a toy just like the one his friend has. That is different to his need for food to nourish his body.

Take care of your child's needs before rushing to provide 'wants'.