Simplicity Parenting; The Better Way to Parent?

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Simplicity Parenting is a parenting style that seeks to help parents slow down and focus on what really matters. If you feel spread thin, this parenting style might be just the thing you need!

Simplicity Parenting

In the fast-paced world we live in, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Add kids into the mix and feeling overwhelmed is multiplied ten-fold! I used to find myself wondering how I was supposed to accomplish everything that I needed to accomplish with only 24 hours in the day but then I found simplicity parenting.

Daily life can be stressful for a parent – whether they work or stay home. And it is easy for us to get caught up in the seemingly endless monotony of parenting and routine. Cook. Clean. Laundry. Diapers. Taking kids to school. Getting kids to piano lessons and gymnastics. Soccer games. Doctor’s appointments. Homework. More laundry. More cooking. And always, always more cleaning.

I’ve tried to practice conscious parenting and to be a no-yelling parent, but it was so hard when there were so many distractions in my life. Simplicity parenting has changed the way I think about parenting.

Check out even more parenting styles!

What is Simplicity Parenting?

Simplicity parenting focuses on simplifying four main areas in your life: environment, rhythm, scheduling, and unplugging. It may sound easy, but there are some inherent challenges with this method of parenting.

The idea behind it is that when you simplify your life, parenting becomes easier and less stressful. Do you like the idea of simplifying things? Do you feel like you need more hours in the day to tackle the many demands on your time? If you answered “yes” then simplicity parenting might just be the thing you’ve been needing!

Key points of Simplicity Parenting

Simplicity parenting focuses all on making life simpler for parents. We live in a time when so many consider being overbooked and busy to be normal. Here are the characteristics of this parenting style that will make your life feel less hectic.

The environment in the home should be set up so it is easy to keep organized. This helps reduce stress for parents and for kids.
Each family experiences their own “rhythm” that they live by. Some days they will be a little out-of-sync but they will ultimately come back to the rhythm that they are comfortable with.
Schedules and activities should be set up in a way that is easily managed by all members of the family. Packed, busy days should be avoided.
Screens should be limited where possible. This allows parents and kids to connect with each other and with their world.

How To Practice Simplicity Parenting

Are you interested in simplicity parenting, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with these simple steps to put this parenting style into practice!

Do not overschedule yourself or your family. So often our calendars are overfilled with activities for every member of the family. Simplicity parenting does not say that kids can’t be in extracurricular activities. But it does say that the number of them should be limited. Parents should focus on the activities that their kids really ENGAGE in and enjoy. All others can be dismissed.
Stop trying to make every day amazing. There are going to be some days that are just normal, calm, quiet, or routine. That is okay. Your kids do not need to do something extraordinary every day of their lives.
Purge the toys. Less toys means less mess. Ask any parent of young kids and they will probably express some frustration at the number of toys they have in their house. Keep open-ended toys that allow for creativity, but get rid of any that are broken or that you have multiples of.
Allow kids to be bored. Boredom is a great way to foster creativity for your kids. So instead of seeking to keep your kids entertained all the time, allow them to experience times of boredom.
Limit screen time. Greatly limiting screen time encourages kids to be actively engaged with the world around them.
Eat meals together. Family meals are a great time to talk and engage with each other.
Give your kids space. You do not need to watch your kids every second of every day. Allow them time to be alone in a safe environment.
Allow for quiet time during the day. There should be moments of decompression throughout the day. Depending on kids’ ages this could look like naptime or simply having time for rest.

Pros of Simplicity Parenting

It may feel like there is a lot to do when beginning to implement this parenting style. You may find, though, that the benefits are worth the challenge of learning a new system.

One of the biggest benefits of simplicity parenting is the calm that it can help establish in a home. When things are simplified, parents will be more relaxed which makes them more open and caring toward their kids. Reducing the stress for parents will decrease stress felt by the whole family.
Another less obvious benefit is that this style of parenting is so versatile. You may choose to implement some aspects of it but not others. And that is okay! You do not have to implement every part of this style all at once.

Cons of Simplicity Parenting

Simplicity parenting doesn’t have many downsides, but there is one that is worth mentioning.

This parenting style can be a lot of work upfront for parents. Canceling activities, getting rid of things – these can be time-consuming and even emotionally draining. Some parents may feel they need to implement every part of this style immediately which can lead to even more overwhelm.

Simplicity parenting could be just the thing your family needs if you find yourself overwhelmed and busy. Would you practice this parenting style? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

For more parenting ideas, check these out!

Michele Tripple

Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. With her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer, Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.

1 thought on “Simplicity Parenting; The Better Way to Parent?”

Beth Lean

May 23, 2023 at 3:12 pm

I loved your blog post on simplicity parenting. I’m trying to simplify my life too, and it’s been great. I’m less stressed and more patient with my children. I’m going to start by focusing on the four main areas: environment, rhythm, scheduling, and unplugging. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!