Simplicity Parenting

A few weeks ago I wrote about reading "How to Raise and Amazing Child" - and how much it resonated with me. One of the things I've already started to think about is what aspects of the book I can incorporate easily into our lives. One of the concepts that it touches on is simplifying life. So in order to follow-up on that I decided to read a book called "Simplicity Parenting" by Kim John Payne, M.ED. - an inspiring book!

My husband is always trying to simplify our lives - mostly by getting rid of "stuff." So as I read this book, I kept him in mind :) The very first action tackled in this book is to "Streamline your Home Environment" - reducing the amount of toys, books and clutter, as well as general sensory overload. It also delves into establishing rhythms and rituals, inviting down-time into our schedules and scaling back on media and information. It's about simplifying every aspect of our kid's lives - from "stuff" to noise to extra-curricular activities to time online.

I know my little guy is only a toddler, but this book gave me a moment to breathe and think about how I can build the scaffolding of his life. We, as parents, should take the time to protect their childhood and let them be kids, to play, to breathe fresh air, to get dirty playing in the dirt, to sleep in the sunshine. This book gives inspiring words, examples of what other parents have done and suggestions on how to simplify your kid's (and your own) lives. While it may seem insanely scary to take all your kids toys - and halve them, then halve  them again - and then one more time...it is also incredibly intriguing. It might even be cathartic!

I highly recommend this book for new parents, parents of older kids, anyone searching for a way to make our kids lives easier, calmer and better...