I began reading an old textbook from a course I took in Child Development my freshman year of college. Ten years later, married and with a child now, I think I can understand a bit more of what this book is trying to teach. As part of my reflection, I thought I’d share with you what I read this evening.

First of all, the root that nourishes all human relationships is the principle of stewardship. A charge to care for and nurture others. Interesting. Secondly, we all have innate human needs that are not acquired, but we are born with and they must be met in order for us to be happy. Here are the needs, particularly addressing children, but applying to all of us:

- The need to stay alive.
- The need to gain knowledge.
- The need to make order and sense out of our experiences.
- The need to be in control of our lives.
- The need to be close to others.
- The need to achieve.
- The need to learn how to receive things.
- The need for solitude.
- The need for beauty, and to be surrounded by beautiful things.

I couldn’t help evaluating my own life looking at what is being met, especially since I have been thinking lately that this stay-at-home mom thing is wearing on me a little. Well, here’s perhaps one explanation why- I haven’t been feeling a whole lot of sense of achievement lately, and I haven’t been doing to much to gain more knowledge (hence my reason for pulling out an old text book). Interesting. The book goes on to explain that each of these innate needs is like an empty bucket that needs to be filled, and when the bucket is full, a person is happy. I’ve heard this analysis before and love it. Children and all human beings need constant replenishment, a filling up of our buckets to make us happy. As an adult, I can fill up my own bucket, but I think the greater responsibility lies as a parent and spouse. You probably have to actually read the text and explanations of each need to really get the point, but I thought this little list was interesting and food for thought about what each of us needs.

Related posts:

1. The Cycle of Life
2. Reading in 2008
3. Monster Sale
4. Christmas Jars

2 Responses to “Innate Needs – Are You Lacking Any?”

1. Esther says:

   January 24, 2008 at 11:27 am

   Nice insight, thanks Carolyn.
2. Jamie says:

   January 30, 2008 at 2:17 pm

   I think this is what I loved about studying MFHD the most. We were constantly being reminded about the most important things. Thanks for posting this and your personal insights as well!