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Simplicity Parenting says there are “”four levels of simplification: the environment, rhythm, schedules and filtering out the adult world.” (pg. 19)

Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool told me about Simplicity Parenting, Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne with Lisa M. Ross. Thank you, Jamie!

I got through chapter one and decided, not only did I love it, I was on board. It was exactly what my family needed.

I’m still working on chapter three — the environment — it’s been a few months.

“As you decrease the quantity of your child’s toys and clutter, you increase their attention to their capacity for deep play.” (pg. 62)

I started working on the toys and books without the kids home.

Guiding my process was the principal of only keeping toys which allow for open-ended play and aren’t fixed, or too finished and detailed, doing everything for the child.

“In the 1970s, architect Simon Nicholson wrote about his “Theory of Loose Parts,” which is sometimes cited now int he design of place spaces and structures for children. What he noted was that the degree of creativity and inventiveness possible in any environment relates to the kind of variables in it. In other words, in play children use what they can move, and what they can transform with their imagination. . . The flexibility is the difference between fixed toys and open-ended toys.” (pg. 66)

I’ve made four trips to Goodwill, filling up my van,  made two, almost three trips to our favorite consignment store, and have shared bags and boxes of books with friends.  Did I mention that I’m still on chapter three?

Now, I can honestly tell you that I’m feeling freer, happier, and spacious. I can’t wait to continue on this book’s journey for my life. I invite you to join me. It’s well worth the investment of your time and energy!

Will you join me?

Are you already doing this?

What will you do to simplify?

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