We will never be a TV free family. We enjoy our televisions and our gaming consoles here. We also have smart phones, tablets, and rokus. These are modern luxuries that we happen to love. It is all about keeping things in perspective though. Sometimes we need to do a technology cleanse (or detox) if usage is getting out of hand. We also need to remember that life should be experienced with all of our senses and not just viewed with a screen. Kids may need assistance from mom and dad with this … [Read more...]
Why Minimalist Parenting?
What is it about being an attached family that lends itself to a minimalist parenting style? Are you criticized by others wondering why your children don’t “have the hottest new item?” I hope this post is not too redundant since I have addressed this subject many times before. My own love of minimalism and going minimalist with kids probably stems from a few different things. First would be my desire to live green. Consumption of less stuff and reusing what you have instead of buying new … [Read more...]
Leave Your Shoes by the Door
A source of clutter my in my home that has long bothered me is the shoe rack inside our door. Rather than tucking the shoes neatly inside an available space my kids usually just throw them into a pile on the top shelf until they spill onto the floor. The shoe rack was a step up from the basket we used at our old place but that was cluttered and messing looking too. I am still looking for a way to hide the shoe clutter but we won't budge on having that designated space because the shoes come off … [Read more...]
What Do Kids Really Learn in Public Schools?
(My daughter in an Amish schoolhouse) I have written much about homeschooling versus public schooling. I have done both and each has advantages and disadvantages. I pretty much allow my kids to make their own choice as to the type of schooling they prefer and all three are in public schools right now. But for weeks now I have been considering pulling rank and taking my middle child, my daughter, out of school and continuing her education at home. I always thought she would be the best equipped … [Read more...]
Kids Books That Teach Tolerance
Over the past week or so a few comments made by one of my children and certain current events (Prop 8 trial) made me think we need to spend some time visiting the issue of tolerance as a family. One of the comments by my child made me wonder if their school isn't actually segregating the children to some degree. There is a large group of kids that attend their school that are racially and religiously different than what you might find typical in this particular area. I see them every day getting … [Read more...]
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