Needs Vs Wants
What is the difference between a need and a want?
A need is something required for health and basic well-being (like food, shelter, safety). A want is something nice to have but not essential.
Name two kinds of changes that happen during adolescence.
Any two: physical (growth, puberty), social (friend groups), emotional (stronger feelings), cognitive (more complex thinking).
Name one sign of a healthy relationship.
Any one: trust, mutual support, respect, clear boundaries, honesty, listening, humour without put-downs.
What does active listening mean?
Paying full attention, making eye contact, not interrupting, and sometimes repeating back what the other person said to show you understood.
Name two family resources that can help meet family needs.
Any two: time, money, skills, knowledge, talents, access to services, support networks.
Decide if this is a need or a want: “Having enough food each day.”
it is essential for health and survival.
Which type of development does this describe: “Thinking more about the future and consequences of choices”?
Cognitive development.
Name one sign of an unhealthy relationship.
Any one: jealousy, control, isolation from friends/family, insults, threats, constant criticism, fear.
Give one example of an “I” statement you could use instead of blaming.
“I feel stressed when chores are left for me, and I need us to share them more fairly.”
What is a budget, and why is it useful for a family?
A budget is a plan for how to spend and save money. It helps a family make sure needs are met and avoid overspending.
A student says, “I have to get the newest phone or I’ll be left out.” Is this a need or a want? Explain briefly.
It is a want. The newest phone is not essential; the feeling of belonging is a need, but the specific phone is not.
How can rapid physical changes in adolescence affect a teen’s behaviour at home?
They may be more tired or hungry, more self-conscious, or irritable, which can lead to mood swings or conflict at home.
A friend constantly checks your phone without asking and gets angry if you don’t reply right away. Is this healthy or unhealthy? Why?
Unhealthy: it shows control, lack of respect for privacy, and possibly jealousy.
Two siblings argue about chores. What is one problem-solving step they could use to resolve the conflict?
Any of: identify the problem together, list possible solutions, choose a fair plan, divide tasks, try it out and check in later.
Give one example of how a teen can use time-management to balance school, family, and friends.
Using a planner or calendar, setting priorities, planning homework before screen time, or scheduling specific times for chores and social activities.
Give one example that might be a need for one person but a want for another, and explain why.
A car. It might be a need for someone who lives far from school or work with no transit, but a want for someone with easy bus access.
A teen really wants more independence, like choosing their own clothes and schedule. Which developmental need is this related to, and how might it show up in behaviour?
It relates to identity and independence. It might show up as pushing back on rules, negotiating curfews, or wanting more decision-making power.
Your partner or friend apologizes after yelling and says they want to do better. What is one healthy strategy you could suggest to improve the relationship?
Any of: setting clear boundaries, using “I” statements, taking a break when angry, going to a counsellor, talking calmly about triggers, practising active listening.
A teen shouts and slams doors when they’re upset with a parent. Suggest one healthier communication strategy they could use.
Take a short break to calm down, then use “I” statements, speak in a calm tone, or ask to schedule a time to talk.
A student wants new designer shoes but also needs to save for a school trip. Describe one good decision-making strategythey could use.
Compare costs, decide which goal is more important, maybe delay the shoes, save over time, or look for a cheaper option; reflect on long-term benefits of the trip.
How can a family’s values and goals affect what they see as needs vs. wants?
Families who value things like education, health, or saving money may treat items like books, extracurriculars, or healthy food as needs, and limit spending on other wants based on their long-term goals.
Explain how the need to belong to a group can lead to both positive and negative behaviours for adolescents.
Positively, it can lead to joining clubs, teams, or supportive friend groups. Negatively, it can lead to peer pressure, risky behaviour, or changing themselves to fit in.
Explain how power and control can show up in an unhealthy teen relationship. Give one example.
One person makes most decisions, pressures the other, or uses fear to stay in control—for example, telling them who they can see, what to wear, or threatening to break up if they don’t obey.
Explain how non-verbal communication (body language, facial expression, tone) can affect a conversation even if the words are polite.
If tone is sarcastic, arms are crossed, or eye-rolling happens, the other person may feel disrespected or attacked, making conflict worse even when the words sound polite.
Describe one way a family can support health and well-being without spending a lot of money.
Examples: cooking simple healthy meals at home, going for walks together, using parks and community centres, having screen-free family time, sharing chores to reduce stress.