This is due developmentally to the cognitive changes in a child that allows them to be more aware of other circumstances that are different from their own. The result is often alot of comparisons between what one does and does not have compared to other children. One way of dealing with these demands is to ignore them. Viewing a child's wants as a cognitive exercise of comparisons and not feeling the need to respond to these cravings is one way that parents can cope with a child's wants. This tool allows wants to be expressed openly without any feeling by the parent to fulfill them all.
Parents can put things down on the want list too.
This demonstrates that parents often make do without things they want as well. Use the want list as next years birthday or Christmas list but don't be surprised if the child no longer wants those items anymore. Wishes are a parenting talk tool that acknowledges children's wants without giving into their demands. Everyone has needs, wants, and desires. For example, hunger is a need, a turkey sandwich is a want, and a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings is a desire.