5 Ways To Show Your Kids The Values Of Minimalist Lifestyle
For those of us who have young children, aside from providing the best material goods that we can afford, we also want to instill values and mindsets that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Living a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to live in a nearly empty house or give up everything you love. It’s simply about removing the excess from your life and living with only what is necessary.
Teaching our kids about the values of minimalist lifestyle is one of the best things we can do for them. It will help them learn how to live with less, figure out what truly matters, and appreciate what they have.
You might be wondering: is it possible to teach children minimalist values? How can they understand and appreciate minimalism without having experienced the abundance of materials?
In this article, I will share 5 simple ways that parents can do to show （and not preach) children minimalist values.
#1: Declutter toys and clothes regularly
We all know how quickly kids grow into different stages of the childhood. If we continue to welcome new possessions (clothes, books, toys…) into our children’s lives but don’t regularly declutter those no longer needed, our homes would soon be filled with clutters.
This will teach our kids that since our space is limited, by getting rid of things that are no longer needed, we can have the space for things suitable for our current season of life.
I have another post about how to start decluttering. If you are interested, check it out!
#2: Make purchases intentionally
We live in a world of abundance, where we can purchase almost anything we want with the click of a button. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of consumerism and mindlessly buy things that we don’t need.
But it’s important to remember that our purchasing habits have a profound impact on our children. Every time we make a purchase, we are sending a message to our children about what is important to us.
If we’re always buying things on impulse, our children will learn that consumerism is more important than thoughtfulness.
On the other hand, if we take the time to consider our purchases and only buy things that we truly need, our children will learn the value of thoughtful consumption.
In a world where consumption is so easy, it’s more important than ever to be intentional about our purchases. By making thoughtful choices about what we bring into our home, we can teach our children to do the same.
#3：Have a place for everything and have everything it its place
A cluttered home can be a source of stress for everyone in the family. Not only is it difficult to find things when you need them, but it can also be dangerous if there are trip hazards.
One of the main reasons our homes become cluttered is that we don’t have a place for everything. It’s easy to just leave things out after using them, but this quickly leads to a build-up of clutter.
By taking a few minutes to put things away after using them, we can keep our homes tidy and more organized.
This is especially important if you have young children, as they can learn from your example. Show them how easy it is to keep the home tidy by always putting things away in their proper place.
#4：Value experiences over materials
As a parent, it’s only natural to want to give your child everything they need and want. However, it’s important to keep in mind that material possessions are not the only thing that can bring happiness.
In fact, research has shown that experiences are often more valuable than things.
For example, a study by Cornell University found that people who spend money on experiences such as concerts or vacations are happier than those who spend money on material goods.
This is because experiences provide us with lasting memories and a sense of connection, whereas material possessions quickly lose their novelty.
So next time you’re tempted to buy your child the latest toy or gadget, consider instead giving them an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.
#5: Be a role model, set an example
Many people think that the key to happiness is to acquire more and more stuff. However, recent research has shown that this isn’t the case.
In fact, people who live a minimalist lifestyle tend to be happier, healthier, and less stressed than those who live a more materialistic life.
If you want to teach your children about these values, the best way is to be a role model by showing them how happy you are with your minimalist lifestyle and why you choose to live this way.
Explain to them why you have chosen to live with less, and let them see firsthand how much joy it brings you. Involve them in decluttering projects, and show them how good it feels to let go of unnecessary possessions.
By living minimally yourself, you can give your children the tools they need to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
conclusion
These are just a few ways you can show your kids the value of a minimalist lifestyle.
By doing these things, you will help them understand what minimalism is and why it’s important. You will also be setting a good example for them to follow.
What other ways do you think parents can show their kids the value of minimalism? Send me a message on Instagram.
