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Minimalism & Kids: Simple tips for happy kids (and parents!)





The more I learn about kids and parents, the more I’m convinced that if we keep it simple and go back to basics, we will raise happy & successful kids AND enjoy the process! Today I’ll share about how we live minimally with kids and why.

Additional video on kids & technology: https://cli.re/minimalism-kids-technology

We use a Gabb phone with our kids (no internet, just calling & texting) you can get $30 off with this code & link:
code: MINIMALMOM30
link: www.gabbwireless.com/promo/MINIMALMOM30

Book Mentioned: Simplicity Parenting – https://amzn.to/3pyOLAb

Article on toys & addiction: https://www.mother.ly/child/how-many-toys-do-kids-need

Also helpful: https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/how-many-toys-do-kids-really-need/

:: OUR AMAZON STOREFRONT :: https://www.amazon.com/shop/minimalmom :: Thank you for your support!

:: N E E D M O R E S U P P O R T ? ::

We have two ways to get more decluttering help:
The Minimal Mom Private Membership Group
https://cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group

Take Your House Back Course
https://www.takeyourhouseback.com

:: P O P U L A R O N T H E B L O G R I G H T N O W ::

Awesome Bundt Cake Recipes:
https://cli.re/bundt-cakes

Make a Bundt Cake Gift Basket with Printable Recipe Card:
https://cli.re/bundt-cake-gift-basket

EASY & Cheap DIY Photo Canvas (Make this for under $5!):
https://cli.re/diy-gift-for-kids

Transitioning baby from co-sleeping to crib:
https://cli.re/co-sleeping-to-crib

Bacon Guacamole Grilled Cheese:
https://cli.re/bacon-guacamole-grilled-cheese

Self-Watering Herb Garden: https://cli.re/self-watering-herb

Best Remedy to Stop a Cold: https://cli.re/cold-remedy

Minimalist Meal Planning with Printable: https://cli.re/meal-planning

:: C U R R E N T L Y R E A D I N G ::

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge: https://amzn.to/32M6I4k

Breathing Through Foster Care: https://amzn.to/3qpHjpv

Essentialism: https://amzn.to/2Ow3Cgk

Favorite Decluttering Book “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” by Dana White (A Slob Comes Clean): https://amzn.to/3cgHSNh

:: LISTEN FOR FREE ON AUDIBLE :: https://amzn.to/2ItCr2f

🖤 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/minimalmom/
🖤 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/the.minimal.mom/

M O S T P O P U L A R O N O U R B L O G R I G H T N O W :

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake: https://cli.re/pumpkin-spice-bundt-cake
Super Easy Peach Cobbler: https://cli.re/peach-cobbler
Transitioning baby from co-sleeping to crib: https://cli.re/co-sleeping-to-crib
DIY Self Watering Herb Garden: https://cli.re/self-watering-herb
BEST Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake: https://cli.re/chocolate-bundt

#minimalism #familyminimalism #minimalist

M O S T P O P U L A R V I D E O S R I G H T N O W :

57 Things We No Longer Buy: https://youtu.be/jTX02y0nJBw

How to Declutter WITHOUT Making a Mess: https://youtu.be/7yQqvQ99MVw

FAVORITE Productivity Tip (ever!!): https://youtu.be/bgXA2PE2zzw

Eliminate Paper Clutter Video Part 1: https://youtu.be/wdX-aj9LQ2Y

Organize Paper Clutter Video Part 2: https://youtu.be/sWzboHYxwhk

THE TRICK TO SIMPLIFY YOUR KITCHEN QUICKLY: https://youtu.be/0t1ulgDtoDA

KITCHEN TOUR : https://youtu.be/mHQQWHuWh0Q

MY MEAL PLANNING SYSTEM VIDEO : https://youtu.be/31ZfV3IzqJs

📺 P O P U L A R R E L A T E D:

Why I became a Minimalist: https://youtu.be/m7IyvfXanFI

The Best Place to Start with Minimalism: https://youtu.be/Gh7UiYnxDzc

What to do when You get STUCK: https://youtu.be/c9YMz-9ZydQ

Video FAQ: https://youtu.be/b-_vat5Pd9I

**AFFILIATE LINKS! THANK YOU!!!**

…………..
🛍 Affiliate links:

📷 My Camera (that I LOVE!!): Canon G7X https://amzn.to/2o9hWLi
⌚Watch: (also LOVE 😉 Garmin vivoactive 3 (White & Rose Gold) https://amzn.to/2HPGFQr
🖤 Tripod: https://amzn.to/2MMFzHs

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Royalty-free music used with permission from the YouTube Creator Studio, Epidemic Sound and purchased from AudioJungle.net

33 thoughts on “Minimalism & Kids: Simple tips for happy kids (and parents!)”

  1. I’m a homeschool mom and my first year being a stay at home mom, I tired to do all the things. We’ve really limited our activities. We go to the library once every other week- and we got to the smaller library in town instead of the main library because it was too much to process for my kids. We do the Home Depot Free Workshop once a month. Other than that, we do a park trip for lunch once a week. I stopped planning all the play dates and filling our calendar. We’ve definitely thrived being home more with a more set schedule instead of it ch aging daily. I’ve also learned to say no to activities during our quiet/ nap time. Rarely will we go somewhere that causes us to miss our relaxing time.

  2. Anyone out there raising gifted kids and wanting to be more minimal? I would love to know how. We live in a small house and packing up most of our kids' toys did not work for us. They need the stimulation of different toys every few days (need to be challenged) or they get really frustrated. Any tips for other parents going through this? My only solution so far is getting rid of more and more of my own things so they have more space.

  3. Hi Dawn, my boys are 10 and 8 years Old. Do you think decluttering their toys can still have a positive effect on them? What do your kids age 8-10 play with? I am looking for some inspiration for play that is not a screen😊
    Best, Louise

  4. I can attest to so much of this! We are not fully where we want to be yet with the toys and clothes yet, but we are working on it. They still have more toys than I want them to have because what they really move playing with indoors are Lego, their open ended craft bin, and puzzles.

  5. I want to get rid of all the toys, they fight so much over them. All our toys are in our garage in categorized bins. But the amount we have is still so overwhelming. I'm afraid to get rid of certain toys and have my 4 year old ask for them.

  6. The sentimental items category is a big one. We do the same with having a box and we all stick to that size. We teach our kids that the memories are not tied up in the things – they have the memories without the sentimental items, but we still have small boxes for each one of our kids.

  7. I love all of your videos and they continue to make such a difference in our habits and home as a busy family of 5! 💕

    I do have one quick question! My two boys absolutely love Legos and I love the open-ended play they allow. They make up most of my boys’ toys, so my one issue is finding storage for the pieces they have—something they can easily clean up on their own. Can you share where you got the bins shown in this video and the table top with Rubbermaid tubs underneath? Is that something you had custom built?

  8. This might be my favorite video ever on the subjects of minimizing and reducing toys. What resonates with me the most is that we don’t need all these extra things for stem and sensory toys. Being outside is sensory! Thank you for that!

  9. Re-watching this because I always struggle with holidays and gift giving. Already bought too many Christmas gifts because of my own childhood insecurities. Going to make returns today while the kids are in school. Thank you for grounding me again.

  10. I'm watching this old video because after Christmas my kids are FULL of toys. Despite giving specific instructions on what to gift them to all of the extended family they thought it wasn't enough :/ And now my 8yo doesn't want to get rid of anything, she even cried when I suggested to put something in the garage for a while to see if she'd miss anything ugh.

  11. Amount of toys overwhelming me, I started to de clutter couple month ago, I did filtration and sorting 3 times in last 2 month and every time I gave away one big box and thrown away 33 gallon plastic bag. We still have a lots of toys, but I definitely feel like a lots of weight got of my shoulders!
    Still not reached final destination.
    Ideally, I would leave just Barbie house, Barbie cars, dolls, constructions, legos , board games and that’s it.
    My daughter loves art, loves to sew on sewing machine ( she is 7). Sure, she will be happy with those things, what left, but need to take it gradually, to avoid shocking her.

  12. Love this, I am starting to get on the minimal train, I don’t think I can do it in the kitchen though. My question is what is we have little ones? I have a 16 month old and plan to have another soon, but little kids need so many things and gadgets. Is there a way around it or we just can’t be minimal in that subject until they are 5? I’m talking potty training seats and chore charts and step stools and baby bathtubs and monitors and sound machines and night lights etc. lol how does a minimalist approach having babies and toddlers? Where do you draw the line?

  13. I totally agree with the ideas in Simplicity Parenting. I just simplified my 2 year old’s toys tremendously yesterday. Today, we had one of the most enjoyable and peaceful days we have ever had. I’m also a mom who suffers from a rare chronic illness and am battling severe pain and fatigue and having less toys caused my son to play better and become a much happier kid. I’m also letting go of scheduling and planning activities. We’re living and it’s beautiful. I’m amazed.

  14. I'm currently going through the Decluttering by Faith book and loving it. We just became empty nesters, and being on the other side, I agree 100% with what you've said in this video. When our kids were young, they played much better without an over abundance of toys. We'd periodically declutter. I'd pay them garage sale prices for any toys they'd want to donate. (And I was occasionally surprised by what they didn’t really care about)

    Unfortunately, my husband is a gamer in his spare time, and my kids had much screen time, although they also played outside. I agree with what you said about the effects of too much screen time. That being said, they're living on their own and functioning well as adults. For them, these are good memories. (Among other things)

    When they approached junior high age, they played more involved sports because they wanted to play. There were 1 or 2 sports a year, and while the schedule was full, it wasn't crazy busy. It actually expanded our family time as we all were together throughput those 9 years of sports. I agree 100% with you about not having an overfull schedule. Thankfully my personality type naturally wants to avoid that. Contrary to many people, I love blank calendar spaces. 🙂

    So I say all that to say this-your wisdom, sharing your faith, family experiences, and the Scriptures and application of Scripture such as in Decluttering by Faith book are invaluable. I have enjoyed so much watching you and your sister over the years. Her recent serving in May was so inspiring. My current season has given me more emotional and mental bandwidth to ponder these things and focusing on service, etc.

    Keep up the Kingdom work. ❤

  15. @3:24 @TheMinimalMom I would love to see the opposite side of the wall of the left (is it a cabinet)? I LOVE the table… you may have bested my need for "large surface," for creating, I've tried to answer with giant tables and 8×4 sheets of ply. This is SUCH a great video for its merits. 🙂

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