Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

Often when young kids feel emotional about something—when they’re angry or hurt or sad—they need to put it right by doing. They need to have a hug or give one, to dig a hole or find the dog, they need to draw a picture with a lot of green in it, or make something. They need to work it out by doing. If they need to talk, it helps to know you will li

We can provide for our children by safeguarding their time and opportunities for open-ended imaginative play.

Unchecked, our wills are like weeds, threatening to take over our whole spirits; invasive vines of desire for what we want (everything) when we want it (now). Anticipation holds back the will; it counters instant gratification.

A certain pace or volume of “stuff” may be tolerable for adults, while it is intolerable, or problematic, for the kids.

The islands of consistency and security that rhythm builds throughout the day are like breaths. Such intervals allow a child’s brain to maintain balance, and to flow through its willing, thinking, and feeling centers.

sense of industry—of busyness and purpose—counteracts feelings of overwhelm.

Sportscasters.” Basically, a “sportscasting” parent drowns a child in words. In real time (that is, blow-by-blow) they telecast everything the child touches, does, is wearing, or even what they may be thinking.

A deep comfort in one another’s company is what we look for in family; it’s what we want our children to feel. A sense of ease that doesn’t depend on a shared interest, activity, or conversation.

I think it is important that, whenever possible, what a child touches be real.