5 Things You Should know about Minimalism with Kids Before you Start

Everyone is developing a minimalist approach in life. It has been life-changing for many people. If you are reading this article, I take, you too must have yielded the benefits. And now you would want your kids to experience the same.

But before you start, here are few things that you should know. 

5 things you should know about minimalism with kids

 

1. You cannot command minimalism

Kids are not easy to tackle. You cannot give them an order and expect them to follow it in one go. It does not

work like that. You have to be gentle with them. You must make them realize the benefits of minimalism right from the start, only then you can expect them to incorporate the principle in their life.

But the question is how would you do that? I suggest starting small. For instance, if they are packing their pencil box for school, do not encourage them to keep heavy bunches of pencils. Ask them politely to keep two, and note how easier it gets for them to manage their pencil box. 

2. You have to be a role model

Believe it or not, your children learn more from you than they learn from outside. They imitate your every movement. Meaning, they consciously or unconsciously take note of your habits and behavior.

Thus, when they see you practice minimalism, they might want to try it as well. You can start by creating a minimalist atmosphere, like keeping fewer things in the house. While you are at it, include everyone in the house.

In addition to that, you have to keep your habits in check. For instance, you cannot be an impulsive shopper in front of them because it’s antithetical to the principle of minimalism.

3. You have to be ready for stubbornness

Even after trying all the tricks in the world to convince your kids to incorporate this principle, they would still be

stubborn. But you have to counter their stubbornness with yours. Meaning, you would have to be equally stubborn. The last thing you want to do is give up. 

I know it will get tough, you would be annoyed, you would be infuriated, but you have to be patient and try your best. You cannot just try for a week or two, and expect them to comply with you. You have to do it from the very beginning when they are in their foundational years. 

Perceive it as a challenge. You have to keep up to it even if it involves going to the very end.

4. You have to play smart

Your kids are innocent and immature, but they are smarter than you. So, you have to be one step ahead of them.

But the question is how? 

Well, for starters, you have to look for ways that can make minimalism fun for them. For instance, you can use negative motivation by challenging them. Tell them, “I bet you cannot clean your desk.” Or “You know your sister is better at cleaning her desk than you.” 

If the trick works, you will find them decluttering. Perhaps then you can say, “If you would have been minimalistic, you could have done the cleaning sooner.”

Or even better, you can plan a treasure hunt, and include the de-cluttering tasks to reach the final reward.

5. It will take time

Just as I said before, you cannot expect your kids to learn minimalism in just a few weeks. It takes time, maybe

weeks, months, or even years. That’s because it takes a change of habits, and most importantly a change of perceptions.

Moreover, minimalism is better to be taught from the very start. Keep a minimalist environment from the beginning, and chances are high that your kids would adopt this lifestyle naturally. 

 

Lastly,

I know that doing things by yourself is one thing, and convincing others to do it is another. It is exhausting and demanding, especially when you have to teach it to your kids. But it is not impossible, you just have to be determined and consistent, and you are good to go.

What are your thoughts on the same? Was this article helpful? Drop your views and suggestions in the comments below. I’d love to read them.