May 13, 2023

Quote of the Week

"Relationships are forged in pauses." --Lisa M. Ross

The Less-Is-More Rules Of Simplicity Parenting

As parents, we are tasked with both providing direction and finding a center for our family. But, when today’s children are living amidst a barrage of mental, physical, and digital clutter, how are we to navigate a world of too much stuff and too many choices? To sort out how the power of less results in calmer, happier children, this week's article highlights advice from internationally renowned family consultant and Simplicity Parenting author Kim John Payne.

“Parents need to relax,” says Payne, who encourages mothers and fathers to “question the ‘new normal’ of the fever pitch of life and introduce small, doable changes” to find a rhythm for their family. By backing off and consciously saying “no thanks,” Payne claims parents and children will “gain time, connectivity, security, and ease.” His top tips include the following: Avoid overscheduling, embrace ordinary days, reduce toys, cut back on screen time, eat together, talk less, filter out the adult world, sleep, work together, and value family time. Read more here.

Reading Corner

TItle: The Biggest House In The World
By: Leo Lionni
Ages: 3-7

"A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration." --Publishers

Be the Change

Try out any one of these 25 ideas to simplify your family life! What other suggestions do you have that work for your family? Please share with us!