Each day brings new changes, challenges, and opportunities. Right now, children and families may not have everything they’re used to having on hand, which can lead to some difficult moments and tough conversations. These activities can help children understand the difference between needs and wants, to prioritize needs, and to be flexible and creative as a family.

  1. 1
    Video

    Abby’s Smoothie Story

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRnq8fWMQvk

    1. Before Viewing: Explain to your child that together you’ll watch this video to see how Abby’s mom helps her make a new yummy treat using foods they have on hand. (You might share this video before you shop for groceries or receive a delivery, to help children prepare for the possibility that all the items may not arrive.)
    1. During Viewing: Pause if your child has questions, and talk together about what you’re seeing. Ask:
      • “What is a need? What is a want? Can you explain the difference?”
      • “What of smoothie [or other favorite treat] would you most like to have? What could we use if we didn’t have [ingredient]?”
    1. After Viewing: Talk more about needs and wants. On a sheet of paper, write the word “needs” on one half and “wants” on the other. Then talk about and draw pictures of items that go in each category.
  2. 2
    Article

    Needs vs. Wants

    Children may be saying things like, “This isn’t the kind I like!” “But I want…” and “Can we get some tomorrow?” Even in more normal times, young children are still learning the difference between things we want and things we really need.

    Explain: “All of us need nutritious food, water, shelter, and clothing. These are things that help our bodies grow, and keep us healthy and safe.” Then explain the things that people want: “Sometimes we want extra things, like a new toy, but those extras are not as important to buy as the things we need. It’s okay if we don’t have everything we want, sometimes we just can’t have those things.”

    Prioritize Needs
    The next time children are struggling with not having exactly what they want, you can assure them: “We may not have everything we want right now, but I’m working to get us everything we need the most. We have to decide what things are most important.”

    Gratitude 
    It also helps to feel gratitude for the things we do have. You might post a sheet of paper on the refrigerator or near your child’s bed. Write “We’re Grateful For…” at the top, and write something on the list every night (such as video chatting with grandma, hot baths, family game night, playing outside for a little while, petting the dog). All family members can keep adding to it even if children have a hard time thinking of anything that day. Younger children might draw a picture of what they’re grateful for.

    When food is the issue, consider these ideas:

    • Make a grocery list together and talk about why you are choosing one item rather than another.
    • Explain that we need to make the best of what we have and we all have to be more flexible (being okay with changes or surprises). Point out how Abby wanted a banana-blueberry smoothie instead of a strawberry one, but because they only had strawberries, she felt grateful for the substitution.
    • Try to make those substitutions and changes more special. For instance, children may want milk in the morning. You may be out of milk, but you may have oranges—so you can offer a glass of water with a few orange slices in it and begin calling it “sunshine water.”
    • If you won’t have new food coming into your home soon or if you’re awaiting a trip to the pantry, grocery store, or home delivery that’s far off, or you are going to the store infrequently, make a calendar of that timeframe and post it on the refrigerator. Show children how they can count and cross off the days until children might be able to have some of the special things they want. They can draw a picture of those items on the calendar (of course, those items still may not be available).
    • Let children make simple choices throughout the day so they feel a sense of control. For instance, prepare meals together and ask them to choose which color mixing bowl to use.

     

    You can also talk about needs and wants by writing each word on a slip of paper and, together, sort them into piles of “needs” and “wants” (keep in mind that needs and wants will change over time for everyone in the family). Point out that some of the needs (such as healthy food and shelter) are more important than others. Which do children think are most important? You can also create a game by decorating two boxes, cutting pictures from magazines, and deciding which box they belong in. You might include:

    NEEDS

    • healthy “anytime” food (such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein)
    • toiletries (toilet paper, toothpaste)
    • water
    • a safe place to live
    • to be able to move around
    • sleep
    • eyeglasses (if we need them to see)
    • blankets
    • paper and something to write with
    • phone
    • garbage service
    • mail
    • electricity
    • clean clothes
    • friends
    • love
    • special time with family
    • ways to cook food (stove/oven/microwave)

    WANTS

    • eating in restaurants
    • going to stores
    • going to parties outside of our home
    • visiting friends and family in person
    • going to other people’s homes
    • “sometime” foods (like cookies, candy, potato chips, soda, and other foods high in sugar, fat, and salt)
    • toys
    • jewelry
    • playing on a playground
    • new video game or screen time
  3. 3
    Interactive

    Abby’s Smoothie Maker

    Launch Abby's Smoothie Maker

    So much learning can happen during daily activities, even during snack time! In this interactive game, children can explore concepts such as counting, sorting, and matching while learning about healthy fruits and vegetables. Play the game together. Then look for more learning moments throughout your day.