Have you read either of these? Do you consider yourself a minimalist?
It’s been really eye opening reading these books, searching online about Minimalism, watching their documentary on Netflix, watching YouTube videos, etc. I did a little decluttering while pregnant and nesting late 2016. I also decluttered before moving into our first home late 2017. This is different, a bit more extreme. Last night I donated a carload of random clutter that no longer has any value in my life. And I'm just getting started...
Toys. Emma is only 18 months old (tomorrow) but has a lot of toys. Like a room and play room full with a bunch in the living room too. I joke to Jake that we'll have to sell and get a new house just to have room for another child! It's gotten so out of hand. She received so many gifts from her 1st Christmas and Birthday. She also has family members that just get her gifts often (just because). She's very blessed with a loving family, but she's just accumulating too much stuff. In my reading, I've been learning about how less is more with kids. How all the clutter and toys can actually be overstimulating for them and cause them to be stressed. (I know it stresses Jake and I out.)
I did buy her some new toys since she's turned one. I thought that it was fine because it was all mostly secondhand and cheap. It's like I thought that she wouldn't be happy if she didn't have all these toys to play with or something.
These past couple of days I've only left a few toys in the living room and she has surprised me with playing with them so well. She isn't just dumping stuff and walking away. She's actually sitting down and trying to figure out the toy and spend more than just 2 minutes with it. (I also watch two other young children during the week and they are reacting the same way as Emma). None seem unhappy with less, in fact they seem more interested in the few toys that are out.
You know I counted 42 stuffed animals? 42. How? And since she's not even 2 it's not like Emma is asking for them. They came into the house all mostly from family.
I don't want to raise a spoiled, ungrateful daughter that doesn't appreciate what she has. Who always wants more. Remember Dudley in the first Harry Potter book counting all of his birthday presents? "36. That's two less than last year." Ya. I don't want a Dudley.
I was reading about a mom that was surprised when she heard another parent tell their child, "Now we're just getting a few things at Walmart, no toys." She thought, why would she have to tell them that? They're so used to getting random, impulse buys that it's important for the parent to have to explain that beforehand. This mom said that her children only receive toys on Christmas and birthdays. That makes sense to me. And this isn't to deprive your child. I promise Emma will always have exactly what she needs. I'd just rather she have good quality toys that she will use to be creative and use her imagination. Playing outside, arts and crafts, building blocks, a plush doll, a truck, etc. Instead of stupid electronic toys that she pushes a button, it lights up and entertains her and she doesn't do anything.
Books. I've always been a big reader, and since about 2013 I've also become a big book collector. I started receiving books to review from authors and publishers and was getting books quicker than I could read them. I now own hundreds and most I haven't read. These books just sit and collect dust on my shelves. Every single day I see them and feel so guilty I haven't made time for them. I'm currently going through the process of downsizing and trying to just keep my favorites (that I would like to reread) as well as a few unread books that I really think I'll enjoy. There's quite a few YA on my shelves I don't think I'd enjoy anymore anyways... Time to sell or donate and let someone else get some use out of them!
I'll stop there. I could go on awhile about the things I've gotten rid of! I'll link a couple blogs and things for you to check out if you're interested in learning more about Minimalism.
https://www.theminimalists.com
http://alliecasazza.com/blog/how-minimalism-impacts-kids
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