{"id":3477,"date":"2017-03-01T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2017-03-01T18:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=3477"},"modified":"2023-01-18T04:34:02","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T11:34:02","slug":"minimalism-for-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/minimalism-for-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimalism for families: The Dos and Don’ts"},"content":{"rendered":"

At first glance, minimalism sounds much more approachable for single 20 somethings without much responsibility. How can minimalism work for those of us who\u2019ve built a life and accumulated decades of stuff, debt, and obligation? And what about the kids? Is minimalism for families with children?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In Why Kids Need Minimalism<\/a>,\u00a0Denaye Barahona of Simple Families<\/a>\u00a0says,<\/p>\n

“The kids of today need minimalism more than ever.\u00a0Childhood of today is beyond messy and cluttered.\u00a0It\u2019s chaotic. Research shows us the way we are raising kids in America today\u00a0causes stress and anxiety to overwhelm both children and parents alike.\u00a0 As parents, we have so much going on that we have resorted to \u201cconvenience parenting\u201d to hold it all together. If your kids won\u2019t sit down for a meal, there\u2019s a device for that. If your kids won\u2019t ride quietly in the car, there\u2019s an app for that.<\/em><\/p>\n

As parents, we just try to survive. We struggle to hold it all together. Because it\u2019s consuming. It\u2019s heavy.\u00a0<\/em>Raising kids today is heavier than any parent can handle.”<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s heavy for the kids and the parents. Minimalism is for families. It may take more time to declutter, climb out of debt, and challenge what you thought your life would be like, but even if you have a family with children minimalism can help you live more intentionally, be more present, and experience more health and happiness as an individual and as a family.<\/p>\n

Related: How to Lighten Your Heavy Heart<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Minimalism for families: The Do’s and Don\u2019ts<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t let your enthusiasm overshadow your love.<\/strong>
\nYou may be so excited to simplify that you dismiss your partner\u2019s desire to hold on. Instead of feeling frustrated that everyone isn’t “on board” be grateful\u00a0for your relationship and remember why you chose this person to spend your life with. Stop convincing, begging, and wishing loved ones would\u00a0change and want what you want. It never works. As Rob Bell<\/a> says, “You can’t bring people where they don’t want to go.” Instead, stay focused on your own stuff and demonstrate the benefits of living with less. Eventually your joy will be contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do encourage gently.<\/strong>
\nInstead of pushing for change, talk about what you want out of your simplicity journey. Talk less about the tasks and more about the benefits. Decluttering is a task, more space is a benefit. Paying off debt is a task, freedom is a benefit. What\u00a0excites you about living with less? Share that. Daydream together about the opportunities that minimalism may provide. Use this new adventure to bring you closer as a family.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t force your children to change.<\/strong>
\nMy daughter was a pre-teen when we started decluttering for good, and when I launched Project 333<\/a> and started dressing with 33 items or less. I didn\u2019t ask her to clean out her closet, take the challenge or hold her possessions to see if they brought her joy. I could be an example through my actions, but I knew she had to find her own way.<\/p>\n

Do give your children an opportunity to change.<\/strong>
\nInstead of telling your children to live simply, offer opportunities to give it a try. For instance …<\/p>\n