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

Todays busier, faster, supersized society is waging an undeclared war . . . on childhood. As the pace of life accelerates to hyperspeedwith too much stuff, too many choices, and too little timechildren feel the pressure. They can become anxious, have trouble with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Now, in defense of the extraordinary power of less, internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne helps parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that allkids need, allowing their childrens attention to focus and their individuality to flourish. Based on Paynes twenty years experience successfully counseling busy families, Simplicity Parenting teaches parents how to worry and hover lessand how to enjoy more. For those who want to slow their childrens lives down but dont know where to start, Payne offers both inspiration and a blueprint for change. Streamline your home environment. The average child has more than 150 toys. Here are tips for reducing the amount of toys, books, and clutteras well as the lights, sounds, and general sensory overload that crowd the space young imaginations need in order to grow. Establish rhythms and rituals. Predictability (routines) and transparency (knowing the days plan) are soothing pressure valves for children. Here are ways to ease daily tensions, create battle-free mealtimes and bedtimes, and tell if your child is overwhelmed. Schedule a break in the schedule. Too many activities may limit childrens ability to motivate and direct themselves. Learn how to establish intervals of calm in your childs daily torrent of constant doingand familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of organized sports and other enrichment activities. Scale back on media and parental involvement.Back out of hyperparenting by managing your childrens screen time to limit the endless and sometimes scary deluge of information and stimulation. Parental hovering is really about anxiety; by doing less and trusting more, parents can create a sanctuary that nurtures childrens identity, well-being, and resiliency as they growslowlyinto themselves. A manifesto for protecting the grace of childhood, Simplicity Parenting is an eloquent guide to bringing new rhythms to bear on the lifelong art of parenting.