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Simplicity Parenting: Using The Extraordinary Power Of Less To Raise Calmer, Happier, And More Secure Kids (2009)

by Kim John Payne(Favorite Author)

4.14 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0345507975 (ISBN13: 9780345507976)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Ballantine Books

review 1: 5 stars for ideas, but 3 stars for writing, so a total of 4 stars in the parenting category. The title of this book says it all and by the end of the first chapter (with one exception -- Ch.3) I think I got the meatiest part of what Dr. Payne had to say and could have skipped the rest. Actually, I take that back -- depending on the complexity of your life you may find the chapters on simplifying environment, rhythm, schedules, or filtering out the adult world to be helpful. As an introvert I am already very jealous of my "plate" and tend to keep it cleaner than most people. The chapter that did speak to me the most was about simplifying our environment and it has sent me on a serious "dejunking" of my house quest -- especially when it comes to toys. What an appropriat... moree time right before Christmas to read about discarding/donating/storing toys without "staying power" (i.e. broken toys, conceptually 'fixed' toys, high stimulation toys, toy multipliers, etc.)and what "keeper" toys look like (i.e. things that facilitate pretending/imaginary play, experience, purpose and industry, nature.)In short, I really liked the ideas of this book (okay, I was slightly offended at the idea of cutting back on the number of children's books available), but it took me a long time to get through it all. Still, I think the content is worth trudging through all the words.
review 2: I've promised myself this is the last parenting book for a while. I'm glad I finished on this note. This book's mantra is simplicity. Pare things down. Keep things simple. Keep the busy, screen-filled, consumerist world at bay. The book's pretty repetitive but it helps you remember the main themes. A lot of the themes here are in the Mindfulness category. Some of his ideas have probably already occurred to you without even reading the book. Drastically reduce the amount of toys and clothes your kids have. Kids like routines. Turn off your tv. The ideas are pretty simple but as we all know hard to implement. Reading this book gives you a boost and some support in actually carrying out the recommendations. less

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