What Do Children Really Want? What Do They Really Need?

Beautiful little girl child with shopping colorful paper bags in

The cost of raising children is expensive.    It’s an art and  a skill to balance the child’s wants, needs, and desires, with your financial means.  But, sadly the emotional and social impacts of these decisions is often ignored. The parent experiences stress and the child-parent relationship is sacrificed for increased work hours in order to provide.  We have to wonder is the cost worth it?

What children really desire is a close personal relationship with their parent, and because parents are often overextended, parents tend to compensate for their absence utilizing their wallet. They buy, and buy and buy, and might just over extend their bank account. What children and teens really want is attention from their parents. So the next time you feel compelled to purchase something that your child might not really need, instead, schedule some one on one time and consider the cost: PRICELESS!

 

Barb Dunn Swanson

With two earned degrees from Iowa State University, Barb is a Human Sciences Specialist utilizing her experience working alongside communities to develop strong youth and families! With humor and compassion, she enjoys teaching, listening and learning to learn!

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I need a phone

Getting ready for school in the fall used to mean buying new clothes, some basic school supplies and maybe a new backpack. Today a new cell phone often is at the top of the back-to-school list, but do kids really need cell phones?  We know that many kids want cell phones, but not all kids need them. A child should be mature enough to understand how to use the phone safely and be responsible for taking care of it. And whether your child is asking for a first phone or wants to upgrade to the newest version, talk about his or her motivation. Why exactly does he or she need this particular phone?”

In today’s digital world, a cell phone can be an essential tool for communication, safety, and learning. However, before purchasing one, parents should consider whether the child truly needs a phone, and if so, which features are necessary. It’s also important to think about protection. One way to ensure the longevity of the phone is by purchasing a quality phone case online. A durable case can protect the device from accidental drops and scratches, helping to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Along with a case, consider setting guidelines for responsible phone use, such as screen time limits and rules about when and where the phone can be used. The right phone, combined with the proper accessories, can be a valuable tool for a child, but it’s important that they understand how to balance its use with other activities and responsibilities. By carefully considering your child’s readiness for a phone, and equipping it with the right protective gear, you can make sure the experience is both safe and positive.

Join us this month as we work through the pro’s and con’s of cell phones and children.

Lori Korthals, M.S.

Mother of three. Lover of all things child development related. Fascinated by temperament and brain development. Professional background with families, child care providers, teachers and community service entities.

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