I wonder how many parents, upon conception of their child, realize the physical, mental and emotional needs of their child. I was amazed at the simple yet logical approach Dr. Montessori took to explain "Humans Fundamental Needs" to children ages 6-12 as a part of her method of instruction for the Elementary child titled "Cosmic Education." Humans have two categories of needs: Spiritual and Material. The Spiritual needs are Religion which is the expression of ones-self through ritualistic and meaningful interactions with other people, also honoring something beyond ones-self; Vanity which is presenting ones-self in a pleasing manner or to self-beautify; Culture/Art which is the expression of ones-self through ideas such as music, dancing, clothing, painting, drawing. Material needs are Clothing, Nourishment, Defense, Transportation and Housing. I wish that all parents, before giving birth to their child, would go through some education courses that told them of the psychological and physical needs of their child. And the needs of their child are not only what the parent provides materially but what the child needs in order to develop normally. A child needs an emotionally prepared parent that understands that their child will go through developmental changes that needs to be supported by their parents. I highly recommend the book "The Absorbent Mind" by Dr. Montessori and also the book "Raising Human Beings" by Dr. Ross Greene. May Peace Be With You, Kristine