It is that simple! - Part 2

Previously on aux Petits Oiseaux: It is that simple! - Part 1

Environment
When people come to my place, they often comment that we don't have stuff lying around everywhere. When we moved in, 3 years ago, we selected functional pieces of furniture and added meaningful decoration accents. We now ask ourself "Do we really need this?" before buying something new and dispose responsibly of outdated items. Obviously, we did the same to create Alice's nursery.

A lot of stuff leads to a lot of choices. But what is wrong with that? These choices are distractions from a kid's natural growth (neural, social and physical) and create a false feeling of "power" (more more more!!!). According to Simplicity Parenting: "A smaller, more manageable quantity of toys invites deeper play and engagement. An avalanche of toys invites emotional disconnect and a sense of overwhelm".

Dramatically reducing the amount of toys (even those awesome vintage ones on Etsy!) is a good starting point. However, it also works for books *sigh*, clothes *sigh* and all the other rooms because a minimalist nursery would be completely inefficient in a cluttered home *sigh sigh and sigh*.

By selecting a small amount of appropriate toys (touch, imaginary play, nature, art, etc.), kids should become more attentive, imaginative and creative. As the author wrote: "Imagine watching your children create new worlds and new ways to play with their toys, instead of their requiring new toys to play with."

I remember, as I kid, I loved to recreate the world of Anne of Green Gables. I would braid my hair, dress up in old "costumes", grab a picnic basket and pour milk in a glass jar. Just like Anne, I would keep the milk cold by putting the jar in the little stream next to my mother's house. At the time, this was my definition of a perfect afternoon.

So, do you think that you can embrace a more simple environment for your family?

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I don't want to contradict myself here but look at my new rain coat...because pushing a stroller with one hand and holding a dog leash in the other doesn't leave me much option to hold an umbrella! It is indeed necessary :)

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lola: Really? You are so right. It does make grocery shopping so much easier.

daniela: It is an awesome book!!!

lydia: What was your favorite part? Are you going to try some advices from the book?

little gray pixel: How come men never decide what is for dinner??? Wow, you work until 8pm. This is a long day. I hope that you will have your family dinner time. xox

becca: Thank you. It is truly a wonderful book.

lindsey [homegrown spud]: Oh, could you please tell me more about the Montessori versus Waldorf thing. I don't know much about Waldorf and I just started to learn more information about Montessori.

luke and pamela: Your library should have it. It is very popular.

jacinthe: T'es trop hot :)

allie: Thank you so much for the information. I usually over-think stuff like that all the time. I will also try to use my mom instinct on that subject.