Simplicity at home
Actually, simplicity takes some conscious effort. It’s not about just letting things be and not doing anything. Living a simple life requires a firm decision to go that way.
This is particularly so with life at home. Considering the number of individuals there may be in the family, it’s a serious undertaking to establish some kind of a home ‘culture’ that is sensible yet simple. Such undertaking is inclusive of the things the family keeps at home as well as their collective manner of doing things.
For example, if one spouse decides to simplify the home environment and de-clutter and the other spouse isn’t cooperative, the issue can only be an irritant between them. Yet even if both parents are agreed on the matter and the kids think that it’s just their parents ‘quirk’, it’s not likely to work. Courtney Carver, at the website www.bemorewithless.com, shares good ideas on how to get everyone on board and on the same page in establishing simplicity at home:
Talk about it as a family.
The parents – or at least one parent – shall organize a family discussion with kids about how to simplify their life in the home. Questions shall be asked and answered, and suggestions considered. Questions and open ears and hearts shall be brought to the table as they discuss things like what’s complicated in their collective life and how simplifying it would improve relationships and family dynamics.
Start with your stuff.
It’s always much easier to direct one’s focus to the clutter that others in the family create, but one should start with his or her own stuff. The parents, especially, shall lead by example and simplify their own personal belongings before moving into shared items or the kids’ clutter. That might be just enough inspiration for family everyone to take a look at their personal stuff.
Give freely.
Unless parents are selling their stuff to pay off debt, it’s better to give it away. The opportunity to give provides incredible motivation to let go. And that’s a good example for the kids to emulate. Giving feels good and is a great practice for both parents and the kids.
Talk about the ‘why’.
Why do you want to simplify your home life? What are the benefits? If you want to be debt free so you can make a career change, or live in a smaller home so you can spend more time traveling, share that with your family. Don’t leave out the little ‘whys’ too, like the fact that without clutter, cleaning is easier, and there is less to keep track of. With less stuff to pay attention to, everyone at home can give more attention to one another.
Announce a challenge.
Make simplicity fun in your home by announcing a collective challenge. Instead of competing with each other, encourage collaboration by offering a fun prize like mommy cooking a special dinner or a family outing if they are able to donate 50 things together. It can make the process less of a chore and more of a celebration.
Put relationships first.
Even when your family isn’t as ready as you, or if they aren’t ready at all – they come first. Gentle encouragement, leading by example, and demonstrating the benefits of simplicity will help, but recognize when your actions are getting in the way of what means the most. Use simplicity to bring your family closer together.
Small actions, compassion and love are so much more important than getting everyone on the same page. It’s good enough for parents to just leave the door open and be waiting with a hug when the kids are ready to come aboard.
Slowing down and simplifying life with the family will allow for better connection. Life is short, but the time parents have when the children are home is even shorter. Thus, it pays to remove everything that gets in the way of everyone enjoying every moment at home.