"Democratic life skills" are social-emotional capacities that children need to be productive citizens and healthy individuals in a modern, diverse society. The construct for these skills comes from many sources. One helpful source is Maslow's concept of two coexisting sets of motivational needs in each individual: one set for security, belonging, and affection; the other set for exploration, learning, and growth. Democratic life skills 1 and 2 relate to the stronger motivational source--for physical and emotional security. As children attain skills 1 and 2, they become ready to make progress with skills 3, 4, and 5. The author begins a series exploring the five democratic life skills: (1) Finding acceptance as a member of the group and as a worthy individual; (2) Expressing strong emotions in nonhurting ways; (3) Solving problems creatively--independently and in cooperation with others; (4) Accepting unique human qualities in others; and (5) Thinking intelligently and ethically. This article focuses on the first democratic skill.