How to Practice Minimalism With Kids!
The minimalism movement is growing in popularity. Parents are realizing the benefits of living a less cluttered life and getting rid of excess belongings. By having less possessions, families have more time to focus on what they enjoy. They can exercise, spend time with their loved ones, or pursue their passions without distraction. Interested in how to practice minimalism with kids? Read on for all the details!
How to Practice minimalism with kids
Teaching children the value of living in a minimalist way is essential to their well-being and happiness. Though it may be difficult for parents, it is possible to implement a minimalist lifestyle in the home with kids. Here’s how:
- Start with explaining your goals with minimalism. I explained to my kids that clutter and messy spaces raise my anxiety and makes me feel off center. I also used an example of how much time we wasted looking for items in a messy space and reminded them how frustrated they felt. Make sure to communicate to your kids that minimalism doesn’t mean living in a stark empty home, it’s only keeping what you absolutely need and love.
- Let your kids see you minimizing your own items first. Take the time to explain why you are decluttering a certain space to your kids. I am constantly editing my own closet and make sure that my kids understand that minimalism makes it so that we can donate items to other people that find out items still useful. Don’t know where to begin? Start with your closet or pantry!
- Declutter your kids spaces taking into consideration their opinions. Rather than decluttering their rooms awhile they are gone, make sure you bring your kids into the process. Have them set aside items they truly love or enjoy using. Do they have collections they want to keep? Display them on a shelf or in a keepsake shadow box.
- Celebrate decluttering! Once you’ve finished for decluttering project, emphasize how much you accomplished as a family. Celebrate with a night out or a special trip.
- Gifting while practicing minimalism. Again, minimalism doesn’t mean that kids can’t ever accept gifts. In fact we practice the want, need, wear, read with our kids. For example on their birthdays they get something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. We don’t practice minimalism with books since we all adore reading!
Benefits of kids learning about Minimalism
Children who are educated on the minimalist lifestyle and live it with their parents learn that they don’t need STUFF to be happy. My kids know that they won’t get every thing they ask for and if we do purchase items they desire, they need to donate 1-2 things to create space for that new item.
Have you tried to practice minimalism with kids? Let me know in the comments!
Other Minimalism Articles
9 Ways Minimalism Makes You Happier
Misconceptions About Minimalism!
The Top Minimalism and Decluttering Podcasts that Every Minimalist Should Listen To!
