My current WORLD's PROBLEM solver is simplicity. I'm not sure that it is the solution to the world's problems, but I know it's helping me a TON!
The book Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M.Ed was recommended to me by a dear friend. She's one of the women/mom's that just gets me (my BFF from the Austin Marathon trip - Mama Marie) and has a similar parenting style to mine so I just knew this book would be a good one! And it certainly didn't hurt that it is in line w/ my current love of simplifying.
This book continues to rock my parenting world.
Here is a blurb from their site that I thought was spot on in describing the book (ironic huh? On their very own site!)
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne offers a simple, orderly, and effective pathway to simplify four realms at home, which reduces stress on children and their parents, and allows room for connection, creativity, and relaxation.
Environment: De-cluttering too much stuff at home.
Rhythm: Increasing predictability by introducing rhythmic moments for connection and calm.
Scheduling: Soothing violent schedules brings moments for Being into all the Doing.
Unplugging: Reducing the influence of adult concerns, media and consumerism on children and families to increase resilience, social and emotional intelligence.
Parents who take steps along this pathway to simplify their homes and their schedules, to introduce more predictable rhythms and to filter out concerns which children are not yet able to cope with, find that their children:
• Are calmer and happier
• Do better socially and emotionally
• Are more focused at school
• Find it easier to comply with family rules
• Become less picky eaters
These parents also find that they themselves:
• To have a clearer picture of what they value as parents
• Are more united with each other in their parenting
• Have more time and energy for connection, relaxation, and fun
I will continue to do posts around the books suggestions - what I'm doing and how it's going.
In the meantime check your local library, cruise around the website and try some of this in your own home and see how much easier it can make things for everyone!
How's the clutter in your kid's life? How do you think it effects them?
My kids have way too much clutter, but my wife and I disagree on how much to get rid of and how. I'm going to find this book for us.
ReplyDeleteI *almost* picked this up the other day, but I wasn't sure if it was any good...you know, the billions of parenting books out there, it's hard to know if one is really any good! Maybe i'll pick it up again and see if it's something I could use!
ReplyDeleteIs it for older kids? I'll pick it up anyway, not that i'll ever need it since mine is an angel (hahahahahaha)
Am looking for something that specifically addresses "discipline in 18 month olds that think biting is funny...routinely, all the time and even with small timeouts and stern voices" :)
I actually went and looked at the library's online catalog before I even left a comment! :D They don't have it, so I guess I'll be looking on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book!! thanks for posting the info on it!
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteWell, we got clutter, but I'm constantly aware of attempting to get rid of it and BE.
Having a very small house helps, and we try to only let them watch ~1.5 hr of t.v a day. Sounds like a lot but it ends up being one Dora in the am, and 2 in the eve.
Happy Wknd!
That sounds like a very interesting book! I can't wait to hear how you end up liking it.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I totally believe that simplicity and peace in the home is essential.
ReplyDelete