Minimalism will change your children for the better.

A couple days ago I had a weak parenting moment. I had a doctor’s appointment and no child care lined up. So, like it or not, our daughters were going with me. 

Our 2 year old seemed to like it. Our 5 ½ year old did not. Her protesting got stronger, and I sensed a meltdown coming on. I resorted to bribery.

“What if we go to the appointment and then afterwards we go by Savers (our local thrift store) and you can pick out a toy?” I said.

My suggestion caught her attention. Our family has been living a minimalist lifestyle for a year now and bringing new toys into the home wasn’t something I offered often. I figured the novelty of toy shopping would win her compliance and a peaceful doctor’s visit.

“Mom,” she began, in a surprisingly calm voice. “We already have everything we need right here at home.”

I was shocked. Was this response coming from the same child who a year to six months ago used to whine regularly at home, asking me to buy her a new baby doll or Barbie? It was. But she had changed. 

After living a year in a simplified environment, my daughter’s mindset regarding stuff was changing. Of course she still loves receiving Christmas or birthday gifts, but to just go get more toys for the sake of having more no longer resonated with her. 
She was right – our home has everything we need. And another toy wasn’t going to make her any happier.

Eventually I found out the reason she didn’t want to go to the doctor (she was afraid the appointment was actually for her booster shots). I could have felt mom guilt at my weak moment of attempted bribery. But I didn’t. It gave me a chance to see how minimalist living has changed our daughter and the way she is starting to see the world.

She’s realizing that more stuff isn’t what makes her happy. What a wonderful lesson for her to understand early on. And what a great reinforcer for me that minimalist living with kids is worth it.