7 ways to encourage your kids to live simply

This attitude isn’t that hard to pass on to our kids if we provide an atmosphere at home that values simple.Here are a few tips for creating that environment ,particularly for the preschool/early childhood crown.

SPONSOR A CHILD
As a family sponsor a child who truly doesn’t have what they need to live.It helps to put a face and name to global poverty and it will instill a more compassionate wolrdview.They wil better understand how blessed we truly are (and if you are reading this you’re most likely in the top percentage of wealth in the world).Keeping your home decluttered means have fewer things which increases the value of the items you do own.When you couple this with an attitude of cheerful frugality ,compassion and joy in the little things ,your family’s environment will reflect the best side of simple living appreciating the little things in life.What a great childhood.

SIMPLY DON’T BUY THEM STUFF
Of course there are birthdays holidays and occasionally ,its fun to buy new things.But kids really are happy o play with whats around them if we give the chance.We often prohibit their innate willingness to creat with whats around them withe store – bought things.

ENCOURAGE THE RIGHT WORDS
Instead of «i want that» or «I really need one» ask your preschoolers to simply say «I like that». It’s really subtle i know but this switch can transform their attitudes.I find that it tempers the greediness behind their statement , and helps them understand that just because we want something ,it doesn’t mean we can have it.It also helps them see that’s it’s not necessarily wrong to want things it’s simply a matter of choosing what’s worth your hard – earned money.

LET THEM PURGE WITH YOU
If you have routine of regularly purging your home,let them part of the process.Ask them which of their toys think another family would enjoy more and let them see for themselves when they outgrow their clothes.And then explain what you ‘re doing on the way to donation center.

ROTATE THOSE TOYS
For little kids ,only keep out about half the toys you own and in six months ,store those away and bring the others out.In six months repeat again.Toys will be played with more because fewer choices means the ones available  are easier to access.

GIVE THEM MORE FREEDOM
Kids need lots and lots of time outside as well an unstructured play time to help them navigate the world on their own.Coddling our kids in the name of unfounded safety means inhibiting their ability to find contentment wherever they are.A feeling of discontent will often lead to a desire for more stuff ,more activities crowded on the calendar.

BE HYPER – SELECTIVE ABOUT TOYS SELECTIONS
Kids really don’t need many toys -in fact ,the less toys «do» the more room kids have for theirs imagination.Let the kids play,not the bys. Stick with the classics like wooden balls art supplies and books.They ‘ll last through multiple children and they ‘ll stay fun longer lasting toys mean less purchases mean a less cluttered home.

xxx
The owl soul