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Home > Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
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Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
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By Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
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 (54 Reviews)
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Ballantine Books
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Published:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Paperback
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Pages:
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256
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Today?s busier, faster society is waging an undeclared war on childhood. With too much stuff, too many choices, and too little time, children can become anxious, have trouble with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Now internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne helps parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that all kids need for their attention to deepen and their individuality to flourish. Simplicity Parenting offers inspiration, ideas, and a blueprint for change:
? Streamline your home environment. Reduce the amount of toys, books, and clutter?as well as the lights, sounds, and general sensory overload.
? Establish rhythms and rituals. Discover ways to ease daily tensions, create battle-free mealtimes and bedtimes, and tell if your child is overwhelmed.
? Schedule a break in the schedule. Establish intervals of calm and connection in your child?s daily torrent of constant doing.
? Scale back on media and parental involvement. Manage your children?s ?screen time? to limit the endless deluge of information and stimulation.
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 raising children.
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Customer Reviews:
Add Your Own Review |
 Eloquent, Profound . . . and Practical, September 15, 2009
By Janet A. Byrne
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If you consider yourself a thoughtful parent, pick up this book and see if you measure up to your own standards. You might be surprised to find that you still have a lot to learn--and un-learn. This is a book about de-toxifying your child's emotional atmosphere; about letting childhood unfold as it's supposed to. The case studies alone are some of the most eloquent distillations of childhood I've encountered in any twenty-first-century parenting book, the writing is precise and deft; the ideas, profound and revolutionary. The images--for example, of using giant trash bags to clear noisy "interactive" toys out of your child's bedroom posthaste--are practical and yet have a meaning that extends far beyond the literal. The message is simple--slow down, give yourself and your child time to think, get rid of meaningless static in the home--and the execution of the ideas is as pitch-perfect as the solutions are practical.
In the last two decades, we've "enriched" our kids at every turn. We may now have a generation that's robotically up to speed on important issues like global warming, but what is the price kids pay for this onslaught of information? Is there a connection between information overload and the dramatic increase of 3- and 4-letter disorders and syndromes plaguing our kids? This is just one of the questions that Kim John Payne and Lisa Ross address in Simplicity Parenting. The answers they offer are as straightforward and user-friendly as any thinking parent could wish for.
38 of 40 people found the above review helpful.
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So many great ideas!, September 15, 2009
By Kate M (California)
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This book is a godsend! My copy is already all marked up. It talks about all the
stuff that surrounds kids--endless toys, choices, things to do--and what happens
when you simplify. Basically, kids slow down. Their attention improves.
I've seen this ALREADY! It gives support to those of us who question the idea
of always running out and getting the newest thing--but meanwhile
it has a lot of practical ideas about things you can do to make daily life less
crazy. Honestly, I have told SO many people about this book already. The writing is beautiful.
As a mother of a four year old boy, and a girl who's a preteen, I've gotten insight
on both fronts! I highly recommend it....wish I had read SIMPLICITY PARENTING
years ago!!!
29 of 29 people found the above review helpful.
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Practical and Inspiring, October 1, 2009
By Kathlynn Snyder (Pittsburgh, PA)
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This is a terrific, thoughtful book that all parents should read. It is so easy to fall into the trap of "more stuff" when you are a parent. There are just so many toys, books, gears and gadgets that before you know it, your house is overflowing with stuff. This book is a wonderful response to that problem. It's a great blend of theory and practicality as they combine discussions of "soul fever" with clear strategies for decluttering your home and your life.
I thought that the section on "environment," which deals with the overabundance of toys, was a useful refresher. It motivated me to take a good hard look at my daughter's mounds of stuffed animals and start paring it down.
The sections on "rhythm" and "schedule" were also great. I was particularly struck by her examples of the noticeable impact it made on kids' behavior when more routine and predictability was introduced into their lives.
And finally, the section on shielding your kids from some of the realities of the "adults world" absolutely blew me away. I grew up very much in the thick of parental discussions and it never occured to me that this might not be the environment I should aspire to create for my child.
All in all a great read. Highly recommended.
24 of 24 people found the above review helpful.
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so right, February 9, 2010
By EH (NJ)
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This book is so valuable. I wish I had had it when I first became a parent. I savored each chapter slowly, like a delicious chocolate. Every paragraph was so true, and made me think deeply. How great is that? I mean, honestly, you moms out there, when was the last time a book allowed you to slow down and stop multitasking? Sometimes my life has seemed so scattered, running after the kids all the time, but when I read this I felt like here was some wisdom I could calm down with.
When I started to declutter I actually included the kids in the process, counter to the author's advice. But they loved it! "Can we throw out this, too, Mom?" "This is broken, let's get rid of it, Mom." They were nearly as ruthless as I was. And after we had finished my 5yr old said, "Ooo, I like this room now!" I like it, too. I no longer step on tiny plastic stamps all the time (ouch! ...all thrown out now!), and my daughter can find her favorite hair accessories without a frantic and ultimately fruitless search each morning.
The only thing I even slightly disagreed with was the author's disapproval of parents talking constantly to their children, like newscasters narrating events. I agree that it is easy to overdo this. I also agree that silent pauses are needed frequently, and that kids need a chance to get a word in edgewise. But I disagree when he implies that it is *always* bad. Actually, narrating the actions you and your child are engaging in can be a powerful tool to teach language skills to children whose communication skills are delayed or disordered. It's important to talk about events that the child is actively attending to, and to model vocabulary that the child can then use later. Staying silent is not always the best parental course of action, especially if the child is not communicating typically.
My favorite parts were:
--keep food simple. That's such a nice way to summarize traditional, healthy diets. No neon colors, no flashy characters on the labels, just simple real food.
--don't let after school activities take over your life. They shouldn't!
--intersperse exciting times with down time, so rest can occur and the special times seem more special. It's so obvious, but it's nice to be reminded.
--it's okay to throw out/recycle junk, and to give away that which others might want. We do not have to keep everything, forever.
Buy this book. You won't regret it. I usually just get books from the library but this was one I had to keep for future reference and I don't begrudge the cost at all. It's so worth the money.
It would make an especially good baby present, also. Parenting can be so much easier if we keep it simple from the beginning.
15 of 15 people found the above review helpful.
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 A positive and affirmative book, January 29, 2010
By Theresa Kiesling (Lexington, MA USA)
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So much of parenting is by the seat of your pants, its good to have some affirmation from writers who share your values and concerns. The book is well written and organized in a manner that allows you to hone in on specific areas of concern. I didn't have any great epiphanies and suspect that most readers will already be the kind who believe less is more. However, I did find some ways to tweak what I do and some very clear explanations of why simplicity works. The discussion on parenting balance is an example of this. While my approach seems to be working at home, their description of what balance means for both father and mother was excellent. I used it to start a discussion with my spouse. It was much more clear and cogent than anything I could have articulated. There could have been more summary points to make the lessons a bit more memorable (a la Things I learned in Kindergaren)- Don't mire kids in adult concerns, Leave time for play every day, clutter is bad, eg. They did this approach for filtering our own speech (true.kind.necessary) and I have already started to use it. If you have an inkling that your family may have too hectic an existence and want to explore how to take it all down a notch, this book is a good way to explore the thought. I would get if from the library however because once you understand the concepts, there is probably not much need to keep it around for reference.
15 of 16 people found the above review helpful.
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 Fact slip up, April 4, 2010
By Charcoal (Australia)
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The first thing that struck me after only reading 3 pages of this book was that the author had not checked his facts. He gives a case study of a boy who was supposedly 8 years ago approximately 15 years ago, and who supposedly had an X Box at the time, which would have been around 1995. X Boxes did not even exist at that time! They were introduced in 2001.
10 of 59 people found the above review helpful.
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Best parenting book ever, September 23, 2009
By K. Miller
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Easy ideas that make sense. The best parenting book I have ever come across. Kim John Payne's simple, compassionate, easy to understand (and implement) ideas will change your life. Learn how to slow down, Take back some dearly needed adult time, and truly connect with your child. I can't recommend this book and its ideas enough. I have a lot of parenting books, a lot of very good ones. This book distills all the good ideas I have liked in other similar books and presents them in one easy to read package. Thank you Kim John Payne for helping us simplify our lives so we could get past the clutter, the tantrums, the breakdowns, and the noise; and really take joy in each other.
9 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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What I have known in my heart about American children for a long time...., October 22, 2009
By kidzpastor36 (Avon Park, Fl)
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Kim John Payne has written a compelling, true book about what is wrong with childhood in America. The United States consumes 80 percent of the worlds Ritalin which is so alarming.
Yet, although he makes an excellent case for the poor job we are doing to preserve childhood, he also gives inspiration for parents who want to parent differently. In order to give our children what they need, it will require swimming against the tide of popular culture, but arent our children worth the effort? Kudos to Mr. Payne and this excellent book!
9 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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A must-read!, September 16, 2009
By Joan W.
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This is my new favorite book! Rarely do I read a parenting book (or any book) that is so enjoyable to read yet gives me such great advice. I've already started implementing changes in my household and I've found that my kids, and I, are much calmer and happier. Any parent should definitely read this book, it's the best one I've come across in a long time.
8 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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The Right Stuff, September 21, 2009
By Lifelong Educator (Southern Vermont)
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Having just finished posting a parenting article on STUFF <http://kellysalasin.wordpress.com/2009/08/28/stuff/>, I was heartened to read Kim John Payne's approach in this, his latest book: Simplicity Parenting. See Chapter 3 for a "10-Point Checklist" of types of toys to discard. Payne suggests getting rid of half of them--and then another half-- and maybe even another half! Payne's experience--as an educator, counselor and leading edge thinker--shows up on every page, as does his trademark humor and genuine compassion--not only for children, but for us parents too! It helps the medicine go down.
7 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Thoughtful Parenting Perspectives, April 25, 2010
By Holistic Mama (Ann Arbor, MI)
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I've been lucky enough to hear Kim John Payne speak a number of times in person, and we've long carried his CD's in our Family Store in Ann Arbor. I'm naturally suspicious of parenting 'experts' and advice! KJP makes sense - to the science minds in our community, to the Waldorf & home-schooling minds, to the mainstream - we love him. His info and perspectives are useful, practical, respectful (to both parent & child, what a concept), well-researched, experienced-based and generally effective! He's an outstanding speaker, should you ever get the chance to hear him, and he is not sitting on an over-educated pedestal - he is a parent himself who has had an extensive private practice. Getting anything he writes and sharing with everyone you love will only improve your daily life. We've used KJP's info to effectively manage bullying (bully & the bullied), school clicks, and our kids ignoring us when we tell them what to do. Can't wait til the book is also a PB.
7 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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The Best, April 28, 2010
By Picky Shopper
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If it were appropriate and I had the funds to do so, I would hand this book out at daycares, preschools, schools, maternity wards, on airplanes!
6 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Simply the Best Parenting Book, January 15, 2012
By aurore75
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I first read "Simplicity Parenting" about a year and a half ago, and I still re-read it from time to time when I need to calm things down again for my family. I've also read a lot of parenting books before and since, and I have to say that I think "Simplicity Parenting" is the absolute best parenting book out there, and I wish there more like it.
So many parenting books seem to focus on something the author thinks is a growing epidemic in our culture, something that is not just negative but is Destroying Society As We Know It. These books usually go on and on for chapters with alarmist and anecdotal "evidence" about this grave danger ... and then stick in a few pages with some common sense ideas to fix things. Not helpful, and usually depressing.
Payne's approach is far different. Although he has a lot to say about what's wrong with our culture, that's not the main focus of this book. Payne's main focus in on the positive: his vision of how childhood could and should be. And each chapter is full of practical ideas that can actually make a holistic difference in family life. Best of all, I always come away from this book happier, calmer, and inspired.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Highly recommend for all parents, January 22, 2011
By Wilson
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This book had a huge impact on me. I had already read several books about the Waldorf philosophy and have always tried to live a simple life. I have one, 2.5 year old, son. Before he was born my husband and I spent a lot of time talking about how we wanted to raise him, and one of our major dreams was somehow protecting him from the consumerism we see all around us. I hope to raise a child that doesn't feel his value and identity are at all connected with what he owns. Yet, despite believing in all of that, I found myself buying into the idea of educational toys. I worried that we didn't own enough stuff for our son. I worried that by not having electronic toys that I was denying my son something. I started collecting a ton of these toys for my son and couldn't figure out why he wanted nothing to do with any of them. He seemed bored with all toys and I was really frustrated. Then I found this book. I remembered all the dreams my husband and I had for our son and how none of them involved having every toy the store carried. I have since sold 2/3 of my sons toys and he plays completely differently. We take nature walks several times a week and spend more time at home rather than running to an event everyday. Every electronic toy is out of my house. I feel like I have my home back and that we've finally created the environment I'd always hoped for. I see my sons imagination growing every day and am so thankful I read this book when I did. I definitely needed to hear that it's good for kids to not have all that stuff and it's so true. My husband is also much happier, he didn't agree with all the buying I was doing. I wish every parent would read this book! I also recommend the book 'Taking Back Childhood' by Nancy Carlsson-Paige.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Best Parenting Book Ever, December 5, 2010
By Linda G McDonough
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If you as a parent are feeling the stress of raising kids in our frantic culture, then this is the book for you. Having 5 kids 7-20, I can say that the culture has shifted dramatically in the past 15 years. Our kids are being raised in a culture that is going at a faster and faster pace, and it is taking its tole on their health and emotional well being. Simplicity Parenting is a common sense antedote for the pace of the modern world. It is full of timeless wisdom for creating balance and wholeness in the lives of our kids. We impemented just a couple of the many practical suggestions and as a result, the tranquility index of every member of the family increased expedentially. This is truly the best parenting book I have ever read.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Amazing Parenting Book, October 26, 2010
By IrishEyes (Beverly, MA)
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This is BY FAR one of the best parenting books I have read (and I read A LOT!) It is well written and well organized with so many tangible ideas for parents. So often I will read a parenting book that sounds great in theory but offers no real "concrete" ideas for parents to implement. This book has definitely rewired my brain in how I approach my children and parenting them in general.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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life changing, June 28, 2010
By beachbaby
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This book was recommended to me on several occasions. I have wanted to simplify for years but wasn't sure where to start or how to stay on task. I am empowered to get it done and feel more free to live. I can see how my more calm collected feelings have had positive impacts on my kids and it has only been a few weeks.
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Great even for parents of older children..., February 25, 2010
By April Musgrove (Beavercreek, OR United States)
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Always in the pursuit of a simpler life, I thought I would give this book a read even though my children are in their early teens. Lots of great info in an easy to follow and read format. Good information for creating a more peaceful home and life. Even though I have read other books about simplicity, and am familiar with a lot of the ideas in this book, it has inspired me to get back on track in areas that have slipped, it is amazing how the clutter sneaks up on a home. I would highly recommend this book to new parents, the ideas in this book work, and I would suggest this book even for parents of older kids- it is a great refresher course!
4 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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raising the average review, February 6, 2011
By R.L.T. (Portland, Or)
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As of today, the 3 and below stars this book has received had to do with the price of the Kindle version, a totally incomplete review that looks to be typed from someone's phone, and someone complaining about a "fact slip-up" - wrong gaming system for the year one anecdote was to take place. Not fair.
I'd like to contribute a 5 star review to help cancel out these, although I don't have anything profound or unique to say about it that's not mentioned in other reviews. Just count me as another reader who found it to be a very helpful, inspiring, and practical book. I have found I have taken much of the advice to heart and application in my parenting since reading it. I originally got it from the library, but just purchased it so I can turn to it for inspiration and encouragement and loan it to friends.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Best book E.V.E.R., December 7, 2011
By Courtney Sucato (Phoenix, AZ, US)
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I have started many parenting books and never finished any of them until I read this one. Thank you Kim John Payne for bringing Simplicity into my home and making my home life so much happier! I don't yell, I don't scream, and I have so much more fun now because of this book! It's made my children happier and it's also made the realtionship between myself and my husband stronger! I'm looking forward to reading it again and again! Life is so simple now!!!!
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Mental Detox for Children, May 11, 2010
By Author of "Think .. (Melbourne, Australia)
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We live in a world where too much of everything is the norm and where, unfortunately, simplicity is seen by far too many people as an 'alternative' way of living rather than as a mindful approach to life. Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids is an important addition to the growing body of books and programs that promote a common-sense-approach to parenting.
I recently browsed through this book because a friend who had bought it for her daughter (with three children) asked for my opinion. Simplicity Parenting should be compulsory reading for many parents, especially for those who may blame society or lack of discipline or whatever else is convenient to blame for their children's undesirable behavior.
As an author who has written a book about how to `declutter' and `detox' the mind with the help of simple and mindful strategies, I couldn't help thinking that Simplicity Parenting is a wonderful companion to my own book (and vice versa).
Christine Maingard, Author of Think Less Be More:Mental Detox for Everyone [...]
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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practical and intelligent, October 5, 2011
By NW Academic (Boise, ID)
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Some of the "simplicity" literature, including some of the parenting lit on "creative" parenting is over the top for me. I am never going to knit or can my own vegetables. This book is different. It gives justification based on psychological theory and research. And its recommendations are practical and concrete, but not overwhelming. It's more about doing *less* (fewer toys, fewer activities) and paying more attention to our children. It is NOT about growing vegetables, cooking your own baby food, or making wooden toys. Nor is it about consequences or how to talk to your children. It is about giving one's children time, space and support to live and grow. Love it!
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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A MUST READ for all moms who want to live with more peace, April 4, 2012
By Jersey Girl Maximus (Orange County CA)
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A HEART- OPENER and A MUST READ for all moms who want to live with more peace and live peaceful lives with their children. Great lessons will be learned, and if you want a calmer, happier, simpler lifestyle you can do it and this book will educate you and inform you as well as surprise you. Kids don't need all those plastic toys or TV, they just need your love and consistency, and a quiet home. In fact it's been 2 months that we've gotten rid of the tv in the family room and our child's happiness has SOARED! His imagination has EXPLODED! And our family time is RICH. My husband thought is was weird at first but now he would never go back to the way we were. We are so much closer and stronger as a family now and we can focus on what's important, and I owe it all to this book. Thank you!
I only suggest to see if the hard cover comes in bigger print. The paperback I purchased comes in very tiny print which can or may be difficult to read. Well, enjoy...
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Wow!, December 15, 2011
By HELEN M SCOTT
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This book has changed the life of myself and my family of 3! It is so well written, never with judgement, and with just the right amount of humor. I would say it is very Waldorf inspired, but never identifies itself as such. I was already aware of much in this book, and already practicing much in our lifestyle so the changes were not huge for us. But it still made an incredible different to READ it all in one book - all the things I knew were right in my heart. If you could only have one book for your family - get this one! If you need a gift to give another family - give this book!
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great reading--every parent should consider, March 30, 2011
By NW
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I really enjoyed this book. While I'm not a parent yet, I tend to read a lot on the subject to shape what kind of parent I want to be in the future. All the suggestions and reasoning was excellent in this book--it makes you consider the overstimulated lives of not only children, but adults. A lot of what Payne says can be helpful for anyone's life.
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because sometimes Payne's prose can drag a bit. The patient examples and references to studies are fascinating, but at times his explanations can get a bit repetitive and wordy. But, perhaps I felt this way because I've read a lot on the subject of simplicity parenting, so I felt like I already was familiar with what he was talking about and didn't need so much explanation.
Overall, though, a definite read. Will make you rethink the world we introduce to our kids.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Has made me a calmer, happier, yet more effective and aware parent, February 22, 2011
By TC
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As a clinical psychologist, and mother to an 18-month old, I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. Since becoming pregnant, I have felt this certain 'pressure' to do do do for my child. Intuitively, I felt that it was too much, both for me and my child.This book helped me see how it was too much. My favorite part of course, as with everyone else, is the chapter on toys. I got rid of (put away) all toys that did not sustain my daughter's attention or were just plain annoying! I am trying to minimize the amount of toys, keep an open space, and buy only toys that stimulate her imagination. What I am finding is that I am a lot more interested in her world because of this (what adult can really stand Elmo for too long). I have backed off from feeling that I need to play with her, and as a result, am more calm and aware of her. We also started integrating a day of the week (sundays) where my husband and I do not use the internet or tv. We found ourselves feeling calmer and feeling more bonded as a family. There are probably a million more things that I could say about this book, but the bottom line: do not hyperparent (or your child will end up in my office with anxiety or related concern), keep things calm, get rid of ugly or loud plastic toys, and get out into nature! Read this book:-)
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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It's OK to slow down, November 3, 2010
By S. Schweitzer
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This book has been such an encouragment for me as a parent. In each chapter I feel like the author is telling me it's okay to slow down and not be apart of the rat race. My children do not need to be involved in everything (sports, clubs, etc).
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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 Timely Advice, September 30, 2009
By Carolyn D. Ayers
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This book contains timely information for today's parents.
It's strong point is the writ
1 of 127 people found the above review helpful.
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A holistic guide for families, August 12, 2011
By Berrygirl79
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I found that this book a great inspiration for re-creating family life in today's culture of "bigger, better, faster." I found that the book was balanced with just the right amount of anecdotal and factual material. The book's overall message helped me think about the long-term effects of my parenting and helped me bring even more peace and calm to my day. I run an in-home daycare, and some of the concepts included in this book shaped my current daycare practices from starting the day with a "good morning" ritual to finding a rhythm that works for all five of the children in my care. This book can encourage parents to talk about their own practices and concerns in plain, unvarnished language and serves as a wonderful launching point for important discussions about family. I would encourage parents to read this book if they want to add some thoughtful, quiet moments to their crazy days, find a sense of balance in our pressure-filled world, and value the sanctity of childhood.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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 slow, without any new information, September 25, 2011
By Cas Z (NOLA, USA)
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I was referred this book from our Waldorf teacher and have to admit it's rather uninteresting with information I've already learned from other Waldorf resources. If you have not prior knowledge of simplicity parenting, as a whole, this may be an educational read for you, but I would not personally recommend to any friends.
1 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Best Parenting Book, May 29, 2011
By Ring Bearer (Fort Worth, TX)
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This is the best parenting book I've ever read. I love the insight into his philosophy (just a chapter or two) and then super practical tips for simplifying your home. I have a newborn, three-year-old, and five-year-old and wish I had read this book when our first was born. Payne does a great job of putting some things into perspective and helping parents articulate what's often in our hearts for our family & home but struggle to bring into the practical. We are so thankful to be reading this book with young(er) children and will refer to this book for years to come. We're recommending it to all of our friends and also suggest getting this for new parents (as a shower gift!!!).
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great book, great service, May 27, 2011
By Alexandra Gruskos (Pgh, PA United States)
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This is a wonderful book on how to enhance our children's lives by simplifying... cutting down on overscheduling, overexposing to screen time and to adult concerns...
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Exactly what I was looking for!!!, May 19, 2011
By Amy Klein
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This book is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to spend this summer reconnecting with my two children. I took off work for the summer. I have always somewhat envied stay at home moms and even more so home schoolers. But truth is I am a working mom and always will be and my kids will always be in a private school setting; however, I thought I could take this summer and live out my dream for two months. I wanted a book to teach me how to reconnect, and find rhythms for my day. This book was perfect for me to set my intention for the summer, it includes ideas and examples that you can work from. I know that when we are done with the summer many of these routines and rhythms will follow us into a new lifestyle even throughout the school season. I have started implementing a few things and I notice a huge, I mean huge difference with my children and the family dynamics. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I think absolutely every parent needs to hear what this book has to offer.
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Great book so far! Still reading...., April 25, 2011
By Carter's Mom (San Diego, CA)
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I got this book to give myself a different perspective on parenting then all the traditional books out there. So far it has given me great insight into how cluttered and confusing a childs world can be. I look forward to making some other changes in my son's world as I ready...i'll update when I finish reading.
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Parent and teacher resorce book, April 9, 2011
By Alley
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This is the book of the year and years to come Kim John Payne has lectures all over the world and it is really Green Parenting. "Less Is More" Simplify your life and the life of your children and family. Slow down, simple schedule, have time for yourself and most important don't overschedule the children. Down time most important to have calmer,happier, and more peace in the whole family
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This book came into my family's life when we needed it the most., March 30, 2011
By Shelly from Kansas
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This book came into my family's life when we needed it the most. We are in the middle of finishing our basement and adding a bedroom and bathroom on to our house. Why?? So we can house more STUFF, well not entirely, we do need the extra bedroom and bathroom but because of this book, my children's room and my bedroom will be organized and decorated completely differently, simplistically. I have always allowed my kids unlimited book access so I shouldn't be surprised that I now have eight bookcases full of books. We go to the library all the time. There is no reason we need all these books. I am taking back my house and my children's time. Instead of shopping for this or that stuff, we will be out taking nature walks..
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YAHOOOOO, March 11, 2011
By declansamom
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What a wonderful BOOK!!!! full of great tips for parents on how to cut out the extra "STUFF" in our lives and focus on what is important. Clear cut and concise---a great read.
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Simplicity Parenting, May 14, 2010
By Mindful Mom (Upstate, NY)
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This is a beautiful work of supporting and instructing parents to enjoy parenting more as they make room for their family life and childhood to unfold in a organic way.
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helpful book for currant day!, April 16, 2011
By bmama
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this is a helpful book for currant day! I love the tips on slowing down and simplifying with children!
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Kim John Payne talks sense, November 28, 2011
By New England Mama
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I adore this book. Not only is it calmly and humorously written, but it gives parents permission to set boundaries. Kim John Payne is a wise parent, a terrific speaker (I've gone twice to the same lecture, only to come away feeling more enriched by the second than the first) and a great guy.
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Less is more, November 21, 2011
By Roddy (Rochester, NY United States)
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Filled with wisdom and insight and great practical advice. We have implemented some of the ideas, and the results have been dramatic. By simplifying our household and reducing access to media (TV and computer), we have seen a noticeable increase in the creativity of our children's play and less conflict. We were able to eliminate about 3/4 of the toy clutter in our home, and nothing was missed. It is amazing to see the power of less at work, and we have only scratched the surface so far! I highly recommend for any parents of young children.
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Excellent!, October 1, 2011
By Everything is possible... (Pittsburgh, PA USA)
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Read it in two day! Always believed in the power of less...This just confirms it. Brings me right back to my own childhood. Thank you for the refresher on my own memories!!!
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My bible!, September 30, 2011
By katealex4
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This book is my bible! I have read so many parenting books, and now I feel this is the only one I need. It is clear and affirming and I love the author's sense of humor. I am a Waldorf parent, but everyone can benefit from the excellent ideas in this book. I felt happy to be a Mom again after this book affirmed what I already knew: Kids just want a connection and time with us!
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Simplicity Parenting book, September 7, 2011
By Jill
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I absolutely love this book and wish I would have read it years ago. This is really going to change the home environment we raise our children in and the choices we make for them. Can't wait to loan it out to my friends, too!
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An important book for all parents., September 4, 2011
By Shirley Luxem
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As a parent educator, I am finding this book to be extremely helpful in my work. The overload of activities, schedules, homework, massive sensory input is truly driving our children crazy. This book can be a huge help to parents, teachers, therapists and parent educators in bringing sanity into thr lives of today's children.
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10 stars!, May 26, 2012
By J. Kalis (Columbus, OH USA)
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This is the best parenting book I've ever read and I read daily. It's changed my life and I plan to give it to every mom I know. Every page has practical advice to implement with such good reasons why you should do so. The author is not condescending in any way, just very helpful and understanding and knows you are trying to do your best as a parent and just encourages you to give some of the tips a try. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers and I find the advice in this book to be very similar to the advice in all of the Autism Spectrum books I read as well. If you read one parenting book, I would read this one.
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Loved it., April 18, 2012
By San Diego Mom (CA)
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I loved this book; I too borrowed it from the library, but am buying my own copy. Common sense recommendations to slow things down, turn things off, and for heaven's sake, get rid of all those toys! I pair this book with "From Chaos to Calm: Beyond Time Out", which addresses disciplining, as my general parenting approach.
Obviously, we limit our kids screen time, but what really caught my attention was the author saying, it is okay for your kid to be bored. You do not need to entertain them 24/7. Limiting toys increases imagination. Have a routine/rhythm in your house that encourages the kids to be independent. Don't feel the need to constantly talk and explain to your kids; you are not Anderson Cooper.
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Wonderful resource!, March 18, 2012
By akalucy (Cleveland, Ohio)
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I am new to homeschooling. I decided to keep my third grader home for a variety of reasons including high anxiety. I have chosen to avoid many ant-anxiety drugs and chosen a more natural route. This book has help immensely in calming our home and life down.
This book gave practical ideas and suggestions on how to simplify your home, learning how to recognize when your kids need a break, and helping me understand how important it is to allow kids to have free time to play and create. We live in a society where we feel the need to constantly have our children entertained i.e sports, play dates, going places. This book completely changed my response to "I'm bored, mom!".
This is a book that suggests simply and do-able life changes to help de-stress you and your child's life. If you are looking for a "parenting" book, this is not it. If you desire a calmer home and allowing your children time to be children...this is your book!
Thank you!
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Upcoming Mummy, March 12, 2012
By Mandee
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I found this to be a great tool as I will be expecting my first child in August (2012). It lays out the main problems parents are facing and way out and a way to prevent them from happening. This author does not baby talk his way through the first couple chapters. It is a portrait of it is or isn't, fix it or don't fix it, but it all starts from the beginning. I would recommend this to all who are new parents or those who are planning on becoming parents. Maybe this book can help us all to find our own simple way of parenting as our grandparents and those before them knew.
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So helpful, March 12, 2012
By Jared MacKenzie (Akiak AK)
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This book has helped me so much! I got sucked in to the idea that my child's development was a race, but what I was doing was not what my heart told me was right. This book helped me see I'm not depriving my kids by having fewer toys, activities and media time. Such a great resource, I would recommend it to anyone!
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Truth we need to be reminded of., March 9, 2012
By Julianne M Newton
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I love the book as well as the newsletter online. I keep the book by the sofa so I can pick it up once in a while just to skim through to help keep me focused on my parenting mission. I love my Kindle, but books like this I like to have in paperback so I can keep them sitting around for all of us to look at.
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Excellent, March 6, 2012
By smilesformiles
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I checked this out through the library. There are very few books I buy after doing so, but this is one I will be buying. This book put into words things I have long 'felt' but hadn't/couldn't verbalize. It is an excellent explanation of the 'why' of simplification, and includes easy steps for implementing the changes. This book spoke to me in a way that others haven't; I'm looking forward to re-reading it once it is purchased.
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LOVE this book!, February 21, 2012
By jlbremer (Madison, WI United States)
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I don't write reviews very often, but this book is seriously amazing. As a mother of 3 boys, I have learned through trial and error to pare down and build in more structure and organization. After I read this book I was blessed with a free weekend--the kids went to their grandparents--and I cleaned out the play area of 13 garbage bags of toys and books. 7 bags full of gorgeous books went to a school fundraiser (perfect timing!) and the rest were all donated. The funny thing is--the kids NEVER noticed! I had no idea how overwhelming it felt to have so many toys. The kids returned LOVING the clean play space and that they could see the things they enjoyed most (they even thanked me--I'm not kidding!) Now this is how we continue to live, and I have happier kids (and thus I am happier!) because of it.
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Life Changing Book, December 25, 2011
By AT
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I have to rave about how much I appreciate this book. I read this book about 2 years ago and I have recommended it to many other parents since then. I love how it stresses having a reverence for childhood and letting children learn through using their imagination with simple, every day surroundings both in the home and in nature. My husband and I applied our learning in our home and it relieved so much stress. My children are so much happier and appreciate (take care of) their toys as well. We have even applied the principle to our own adult life. What a blessing this book has been. I highly recommend this book to every parent.
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