In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of consumerism. However, embracing minimalism with kids can bring numerous benefits.
Minimalism for families is more than just decluttering your home; it’s a conscious decision to focus on what truly matters in life. In this blog post, we’ll explore eight compelling reasons to start practicing minimalism with your children.
So, let’s dive into the world of family minimalism and discover how it can enhance your life.
Minimalist Kid Definition
A minimalist kid is raised to value experiences and relationships over things. For Christmas they ask for trips, memberships, activities, or quality time. Instead of questioning why they should want what they want, their main focus is how to accomplish what they desire. Minimalism with kids is a fight against social norms of consumerism and expectations.
Reasons to Start Minimalism With Kids
Starting minimalism with kids can be a great way to help them lead more meaningful, fulfilling lives. By simplifying their surroundings and focusing on what really matters, kids can develop important skills and values that will serve them well for years to come. So why not give it a try and see what a difference it can make in your family’s life?
#1 Minimalism Teaches Responsibility
When children have fewer toys and possessions, they are more likely to take better care of what they have. This helps them develop a sense of responsibility and ownership for their things.
Our children are responsible for their own suitcase and everything inside of it. If it fits in their suitcase it can come to the next country with us. They make choices about what is important based on the logistical reality of our slowmad life.
#2 Minimalism Encourages Creativity
When kids have fewer toys and possessions, they are forced to be more creative with what they have. This can lead to a greater appreciation for simple play and imagination. Studies support the practice of fewer toys for children. Play time is more highly developed and longer when their are fewer toys.
Allowing children to use their imagination through art or creative writing is highly underrated these days. Instead, technology is used as a babysitter and crutch in times of boredom. Living a minimalist lifestyle allows us to be more present for our kids and rely on technology less.
#3 Minimalism Promotes Mindfulness
Possessions are a distraction. They are in the way, need to be cleaned, or are holding our attention. Less stuff frees your mind to be more fully focused on the current moment.
Minimalism helps children to focus on the present moment, be mindful of their surroundings, and appreciate the little things in life. When you start minimalism with kids it might be a rough transition but the payoff is incredible.
#4 Minimalism Reduces Stress
Having too many possessions can be overwhelming and stressful for children. Minimalism can help to reduce the clutter and anxiety in their lives, leading to greater peace and happiness.
My older daughter especially gets overstimulated from too much stuff. She can’t keep up with all the things she has and it is very distressing for her. Limiting the items she is responsible for is the same as giving her a clearer mind.
#5 Minimalism Develops Independence
When children have less stuff, they are more likely to develop independence and self-reliance. They will learn to be content with what they have and not rely on material possessions for happiness.
One of the biggest factors in developing independence on our minimalist journey has been where we have chosen to live. In Dominican Republic my kids could leave our house and go to the beach, a cafe, or a friends house unassisted for an entire afternoon. Now that we are in Tokyo my kids go on bike rides around town, walk to the local library, and even take transit to meet us downtown all on their own. Our minimalist lifestyle has brought us to areas of the world that are safe enough for kids to develop independence.
#6 Minimalism Improves Organization
Minimalism encourages children to be more organized, as they will have fewer items to keep track of. This can help with developing good habits that will last a lifetime.
Every item you own takes brain power. Deciding where to put an item is a piece of information that gets cataloged and recalled numerous times depending on the frequency that you use the item. Minimalism makes your life easier from a brain power angle.
When I became a minimalist my kids were 3 & 5. Don’t use your kids as the excuse why you can’t become a minimalist. Use your children as the reason why you will do the hard scary unknown thing, because it’s for them.
#7 Minimalism Fosters a Positive Self-image
Minimalism can help children to focus on their personal qualities and strengths, rather than their possessions. This can help to build a positive self-image and foster confidence.
Our kids will always speak highly of themselves as individuals as opposed to their situation which they were born into. Emphasizing talents, skills, and hobbies over objects creates a healthy concept of their abilities as a person instead of as a consumer or worker.
#8 Minimalism Saves Money
By reducing the amount of possessions in the home, families can save money and focus on experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
Building generational wealth is a passion of mine. I used to be obsessed with the American Dream. But, one day I looked around and I had achieved all the things I believed I wanted in my life. Yet, for some reason I still wasn’t happy. My dream wasn’t to appear rich, it was to actually be rich. Now I don’t care how I appear, I do what I want and minimalism made it all possible.
Become a Minimalist Family
My interest in you becoming a minimalist family is entirely self-serving on every level.
If you buy my course, purchase my e-book, or hire me as a coach it benefits me financially. And beyond those financial reasons there is an even larger reason I try so hard to encourage families to start minimalism with kids.
I can only be so happy with my own family being successful and thriving. In order to increase our happiness at this point, I need more people in my community and the world as a whole to be happier too.
It breaks my heart when I watch people give up their lives to work for a company and miss their children growing up. People spend all their good years lying to themselves that the best days are coming. The system is stacked against the regular people.
To me, minimalism feels like the escape pod from the disaster we were born into.
When more people escape, it is a giant win for not just me, but everyone everywhere.
