Minimalist Motherhood: How to be Minimalist with Children
If you've ever visited a personal development or lifestyle design site, you probably have stumbled on a topic called minimalism. What is minimalism? It depends on who you are asking. Basically, it is the idea of opting to live with a smaller amount of possessions to live a richer life.
Most people find the minimalist lifestyle desirable for many reasons. Some of the reasons include the way minimalism expresses their values. By opting to own less and buy less, you can live a more eco-friendly life. Some prefer the freedom having fewer possessions gives you.
There are various expressions of the minimalist lifestyle. In one version, some people are participating in the 100 Thing Challenge, where they own 100 things or fewer. This can sound intense, but just think about how people the world over have been doing it for millenia.
The problem is most modern minimalists who write about how they live aren't parents, and even less are mothers. So many more obstacles exist for a parent choosing to live with less junk because parenting without fail means you stockpile more junk.
Every single thing from baby stuff to homework papers, from art to crafting supplies, from gadgets to clothing - it all adds up! After a while, being a mom can start to seem like it's more about handling stuff than it is raising kids!
In modern times, where marketers tell us more is better daily, taking time to evaluate if your items are bringing you happiness is a good lens to look at life through. If a simpler life sounds compelling to you, then joining the ranks minimalist motherhood is for you! Here are some steps to help you become a minimalist parent.
Discuss it with family
Communication is key. Downsizing possessions can create strain and anxiety if everyone isn't cooperating. If you are met with resistance to the concept, begin with your own items and family possessions.
Try to explain the points behind why you want to eliminate excess stuff can be helpful. Offering an incentive to get everyone else to cooperate helps, too. i.e. If we get rid of the television and cable, we can afford a vacation to Mexico in six months.
Step off the consumer bandwagon.
Let's forget about the Joneses. Stop buying unnecessary items, and take stock of what you have now. Remind yourself what it is you really need in life to be happy - and it is not stuff!
Decide what minimalism means to you.
Will you try the 100 Thing Challenge? How about your family? What is your rule on family stuff?
If keeping track of individual items is too crazy for you, what is your primary reason for becoming minimalist? How are you including your loved ones along the way? As a mom, you're probably in charge of most of the shared things, and you can decide how you "minimalize" rooms like the dining room. But, telling your kids they can only keep X number of toys likely isn't going to go well.
Conquer the Clutter
Decluttering is a huge element of becoming a minimalist. As a mother, it's even better. Picture your home for a second, divinely clear of extra stuff. A clean, bare floor. The things you have are quality and they bring a smile to your face when you look at them. It sounds amazing, correct?
The process of decluttering can be exhausting, so take it bit by bit, area by area, and even table top by table top, if you need to. Make an expedition to Goodwill every few days, begin getting rid of junk on Ebay, and place an ad on Craigslist to rid yourself of stuff you want gone!
Reduce your commitments.
Can you count the responsibilities do you have right now? And your children? Do they have scheduled recreation, hobbies, and other entertainment? Now is the time to take a step back to decide what is most valuable.
Eliminate the commitments you don't enjoy. Others can take care of it. Even if the activity is your career, you'll see as you adopt minimalism, you innately stop squandering money. You won't require so much cash to make ends meet, so you can spend less time working and more time with loved ones.
Do what you love.
By tossing extra clutter, worries, and activities, you clear up a massive quantity of time. This is when you begin emphasizing what you love as your priority. Welcome to the best idea of minimalism! More time for your children, your passion, and living a great life mean you are a happier, more content person.
Becoming a minimalist mom isn't an overnight thing. It's a practice and a journey, and one you can enjoy with your loved ones. Minimalism with children is very attainable and can better your life - with less!
Most people find the minimalist lifestyle desirable for many reasons. Some of the reasons include the way minimalism expresses their values. By opting to own less and buy less, you can live a more eco-friendly life. Some prefer the freedom having fewer possessions gives you.
There are various expressions of the minimalist lifestyle. In one version, some people are participating in the 100 Thing Challenge, where they own 100 things or fewer. This can sound intense, but just think about how people the world over have been doing it for millenia.
The problem is most modern minimalists who write about how they live aren't parents, and even less are mothers. So many more obstacles exist for a parent choosing to live with less junk because parenting without fail means you stockpile more junk.
Every single thing from baby stuff to homework papers, from art to crafting supplies, from gadgets to clothing - it all adds up! After a while, being a mom can start to seem like it's more about handling stuff than it is raising kids!
In modern times, where marketers tell us more is better daily, taking time to evaluate if your items are bringing you happiness is a good lens to look at life through. If a simpler life sounds compelling to you, then joining the ranks minimalist motherhood is for you! Here are some steps to help you become a minimalist parent.
Discuss it with family
Communication is key. Downsizing possessions can create strain and anxiety if everyone isn't cooperating. If you are met with resistance to the concept, begin with your own items and family possessions.
Try to explain the points behind why you want to eliminate excess stuff can be helpful. Offering an incentive to get everyone else to cooperate helps, too. i.e. If we get rid of the television and cable, we can afford a vacation to Mexico in six months.
Step off the consumer bandwagon.
Let's forget about the Joneses. Stop buying unnecessary items, and take stock of what you have now. Remind yourself what it is you really need in life to be happy - and it is not stuff!
Decide what minimalism means to you.
Will you try the 100 Thing Challenge? How about your family? What is your rule on family stuff?
If keeping track of individual items is too crazy for you, what is your primary reason for becoming minimalist? How are you including your loved ones along the way? As a mom, you're probably in charge of most of the shared things, and you can decide how you "minimalize" rooms like the dining room. But, telling your kids they can only keep X number of toys likely isn't going to go well.
Conquer the Clutter
Decluttering is a huge element of becoming a minimalist. As a mother, it's even better. Picture your home for a second, divinely clear of extra stuff. A clean, bare floor. The things you have are quality and they bring a smile to your face when you look at them. It sounds amazing, correct?
The process of decluttering can be exhausting, so take it bit by bit, area by area, and even table top by table top, if you need to. Make an expedition to Goodwill every few days, begin getting rid of junk on Ebay, and place an ad on Craigslist to rid yourself of stuff you want gone!
Reduce your commitments.
Can you count the responsibilities do you have right now? And your children? Do they have scheduled recreation, hobbies, and other entertainment? Now is the time to take a step back to decide what is most valuable.
Eliminate the commitments you don't enjoy. Others can take care of it. Even if the activity is your career, you'll see as you adopt minimalism, you innately stop squandering money. You won't require so much cash to make ends meet, so you can spend less time working and more time with loved ones.
Do what you love.
By tossing extra clutter, worries, and activities, you clear up a massive quantity of time. This is when you begin emphasizing what you love as your priority. Welcome to the best idea of minimalism! More time for your children, your passion, and living a great life mean you are a happier, more content person.
Becoming a minimalist mom isn't an overnight thing. It's a practice and a journey, and one you can enjoy with your loved ones. Minimalism with children is very attainable and can better your life - with less!