Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

by Lisa M. Ross (Goodreads Author), Lisa M. Ross (Goodreads Author)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 1,526 ratings · 316 reviews

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 tha...more

Paperback, 256 pages

Published August 31st 2010 by Ballantine Books (first published 2009)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 29, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have mixed feelings about this one. I think overall it deserves the four star rating because it makes many very important points and has a lot of helpful ideas for parents who want to protect their kids' childhood. It is well-written and not at all dry or a difficult read. On the other hand, I'm not sure how to articulate this...I felt smothered by the authors, by the growing list of shalls and shalt nots, by the overwhelming number of things that I ought to be changing and not doing anymore a...more

33 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2013 Ensiform rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: work, non-fiction

A how-to book on relieving stress from families, kids and parents alike. The key to Payne’s approach is simplifying, or filtering: less stuff, fewer toys, limited electronics, limited or no television, less news and adult drama in children’s lives, a greatly reduced schedule (one competitive sport, or one musical instrument, not everything at once). Payne argues that open, unstructured time is best for kids – time for them to be in charge of creative projects, time for them to discover themselve...more A how-to book on relieving stress from families, kids and parents alike. The key to Payne’s approach is simplifying, or filtering: less stuff, fewer toys, limited electronics, limited or no television, less news and adult drama in children’s lives, a greatly reduced schedule (one competitive sport, or one musical instrument, not everything at once). Payne argues that open, unstructured time is best for kids – time for them to be in charge of creative projects, time for them to discover themselves, or time for calm family connections. He posits that when kids have fewer options, they are freed from the stress of always wanting the next big thing, and come to appreciate the connections with the things they do have. He advocates ritual and routine to remove stress: a family dinner plan, for example, so kids know what to expect about food and parents don’t have to prepare at the last minute. Finally, regarding discipline, he advocates less speech – don’t drown your kids in endless narrative, choices, or questions, but offer simple instructions, and be there as a listener in return.

This is a pretty good book for its type. It’s written in a conversational, approachable style that occasionally borders on the meandering. He’s a zealot, but he doesn’t have a hectoring tone. His advice, of course, is good, though it doubtlessly comes as a shock to many parents in our consumerist, competitive culture. I’m reminded of a Buddhist precept: accept what can’t be changed; don’t chase happiness, because once you’ve attained it you’ll just want something else to make you happy. At times, Payne’s zealotry makes him claim some rather implausible things (kids today have PTSD because of their hectic schedules? Just start going to the park, and neighborhood kids will drop their PS3s and follow you as “word gets through the neighborhood grapevine”? Really?), but it is well-intentioned. Sure, as with most of these parenting books, the advice really just boils down to “Stop trying to please your kid, and be a parent!” Stop pleading with your child, and direct him. Why anyone would want to spend an hour every evening arguing with a four year old about eating or going to sleep is beyond me, but a lot of people seem to need to be told not to. So good for Payne for that. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book appeals to me for a couple of reasons. Paring down the kids' toys is consistent with my overall attempt to declutter my house. Also, my kids seem to need a lot of down time and this serves as a good reminder that that time has an important function at this age. I'm also very committed to open ended free play and this is gives me good fodder for that. As with Last Child in the Woods, this didn't so much change my thinking as give me more of an academic backup for my own inclination.

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 22, 2011 Sheridan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parenting

OK, I would put this in one of my top parenting books. It can be applied to any age kids. It covers a lot of different areas of parenting.

I have followed a few of his suggestions and made changes in our family over the last few months. I have seen some positive results.

I love it so much I may start making it my gift to my doula clients! I wish I had read it when Thing 1 was a baby.

One of my other favorite parenting books is also Parenting Well in a Media Age. But most people won't take the ti...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 31, 2013 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read in a few sittings, had been on my list for a while. Part one: eliminate mental clutter in children's lives by paring down the sheer numbers of toys and books lying around. This simple, but powerful message was helpful in my own family, though probably could have been communicated more directly via an essay than the several chapters I remember it taking. Part two: electronic media, helicopter parenting, overscheduling, children running the household, etc. The tempo picked up, and the authors...more

like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Sanz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Outstanding! This book covers four areas for simplifying home and family.

1. Environment.
The average American child receives 70 toys a year. "Kids don't need many toys to play, or any particular one. What they need most of all is unstructured time."

2. Rhythm:
"A ten year study found that the less often a family eats together, the more likely the television will be on during dinner, the less healthy the food, and, as rated by participants, the more meager the talk and less satisfying, overall, t...more Outstanding! This book covers four areas for simplifying home and family.

1. Environment.
The average American child receives 70 toys a year. "Kids don't need many toys to play, or any particular one. What they need most of all is unstructured time."

2. Rhythm:
"A ten year study found that the less often a family eats together, the more likely the television will be on during dinner, the less healthy the food, and, as rated by participants, the more meager the talk and less satisfying, overall, the experience is likely to be." The author also talks in detail about the importance of a regular bedtime, bedtime rituals, reading, and eating real food.

3. Schedules:
"The over-scheduled child is like soil that has been constantly and exclusively cropped. Without rest and replenishment, without the deep roots of legumes to aerate and pull nutrients down into the soil, it becomes compacted, a dust bowl."

"The ordinary allows for the exceptional, but not the reverse. Given ordinary opportunities and encouragement, a truly exceptional talent with surface. But interests, even strong interests and abilities often burn out when they're pushed too hard, too fast, too young."

4. Filtering out the adult world:
"Television viewing hurts the development of children under three years old and poses a certain number of risks, encouraging passivity, slow language acquisition, over-excitedness, troubles with sleep and concentration, as well as dependence on screens."

"Multiple studies have now concluded that watching television, even such educational programming as Sesame Street, actually delays rather than promotes language development."

"As distractions fall away, a sense of ease stakes hold and expands. There's more time for connection, room for contemplation and play. Boredom, once feared and banished from the home, will be allowed in again, appreciated for how often it precedes inspiration. Contrary to what you might think, regularity is more liberating than "boring" to most children. Rituals that can be counted on throughout the day and week act as powerful affirmations." (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Adrienne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is probably among my top ten favorite parenting books, which isnt TOO shabby. It's obviously all about simplifying parenting and your kids' lives. I have to admit that I may have gone into this with the dirty motive of confirming my current beliefs regarding parenting and childhood (because, let's be honest, isn't that why most of us read parenting books?). The first several chapters did in fact just reaffirm my beliefs and validate our current lifestyle--we literally have none of the kinds...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 17, 2010 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, reference

Admittedly I didn't read every word (or chapter) in this book. The basic premise being that kids are experiencing stress in small doses often enough that they behave similarly to kids that suffer from one big stress and have post-traumatic stress disorder. And so we simplify. I guess I was already sold on the "simplify" idea and mostly just read looking for a few ideas. We implemented the "half the toys, then half them again" to eliminate superfluous toys, while putting a few more imaginative, c...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 01, 2010 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne is about simplifying the life surrounding your children - their environment, daily rhythms, schedules, and filtering out the adult oriented world (news, mature topics, etc). Payne is a Waldorf educator and parent counselor, and I can really see the "Waldorf way" shine through this entire book. I think it is an excellent book for a non-Waldorf parent to learn how to reduce the amount of toys, books, and activities surrounding your child(ren) - however, if yo...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 29, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pregnancy-and-parenting, non-fiction

While I agree fundamentally with almost all of the ideas expressed in this book, I cannot get over how poorly it is written. The structure is too loose. The tone is grating. The over use of inverted comas to highlight words or phrases is maddening. Still, I soldiered through because the information contained therein was worth getting.

The only other concern I had about it is it is written for people who are already having problems raising their children. The book is a fix-it book, not a preparati...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Alison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am feeling extremely ambivalent about this book.

On the one hand, I agree with most of his thesis. I think we all could do with simplifying. I think clutter, mental and physical, is distracting, and I can imagine it would be even moreso for children, since they are going through so much growth and development.

That being said, I think the author makes simplifying seem superficial. Like, if you clean up your house, turn off the TV, and do things in a lovely rhythm, your life will just magically...more I am feeling extremely ambivalent about this book.

On the one hand, I agree with most of his thesis. I think we all could do with simplifying. I think clutter, mental and physical, is distracting, and I can imagine it would be even moreso for children, since they are going through so much growth and development.

That being said, I think the author makes simplifying seem superficial. Like, if you clean up your house, turn off the TV, and do things in a lovely rhythm, your life will just magically improve. I see it as choosing to make changes on the inside, in your relationships, and so forth, that then are reflected in a desire to declutter.

I also have somewhat of a problem with the idea that for our children's childhood, we would have to change our lives so much, in the fear (ugh) that if things aren't simple enough at home, kids will become ADHD, overstimulated, asocial robots. For example, sometimes my husband and I like to cook elaborate meals. It is a hobby. Sometimes we like to have dinner later, sometimes earlier. In their thesis, I feel like this would be a big no-no. I see it as a way to model for our kids what it looks like to have a healthy hobby that is practical and fun. We love to watch cooking shows as well. Well, that is TV. We could find a lot of cooking shows, food programs, and travel programs to watch that would fill up some hours of TV a week, but I think are a fun, social way to spent time as a family. I feel the same way about movies.

It seems like Payne observed how beneficial it could be to simplify, and then started to see EVERYTHING through this lens. And sometimes it is just a bit much, ironically. By the end I was kind of sick of the idea of simplifying.

However, the book was still good in that, I still want to keep the flow of crap out of our house. I want to keep the tide of plastic and brand name toys out, too. I want to make sure video games and TV are not the focal point of the house. These are all goals I had before I read this book, but now I have another reason for why that might be a good philosophy to have. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 15, 2011 Hafidha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parenting

This is a straightforward and enjoyably simple read. The author, Kim John Payne, is a member of the Waldorf movement, and his background is as a social worker, and counselor for children and families in Asia, the UK, and the US. His basic premise is that today's children are often subjected to a family life built on "the four pillars of too much: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too much speed."

To clarify, "too much information" is specifically in reference to adult in...more This is a straightforward and enjoyably simple read. The author, Kim John Payne, is a member of the Waldorf movement, and his background is as a social worker, and counselor for children and families in Asia, the UK, and the US. His basic premise is that today's children are often subjected to a family life built on "the four pillars of too much: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too much speed."

To clarify, "too much information" is specifically in reference to adult information (world affairs, the family's bank account, whatever it is that stressing out or upsetting the caregivers in their lives). "Too much stuff" is absolutely about too many toys, books, objects, etc. "Too many choices" refers mostly to over-scheduling, and "too much speed" has to do with pushing children out of childhood and into adolescence/adulthood.

He has an interesting theory about what causes some cases of things like ADHD, ODD, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses that are increasingly being applied to children. I found that section, contained in the first chapter ("Why Simplify") to be thought-provoking. His expertise is in counseling children who have been brought to him with behavioral problems and psychiatric labels.

A rundown of the chapters: "Soul Fever" is basically about being tuned in with your child(ren) enough to recognize their emotional states. Chapter Three, "Environment," covers the benefits of eliminating too much stuff from your child's life - decluttering, removing toys, creating space and peace in your child's room and in the home so the child may think more clearly, learn to prioritize, and truly value/enjoy what they have. "Rhythm" is my favorite chapter as it provides tangible examples of what a calm and harmonious household can look like; the premise here is that children thrive with structure and predictability in their daily lives, and family relationships are strengthened when there is a rhythm that allows for "opportunities for connection" versus the revolving door household that many people complain about. Chapter Five, "Schedules" espouses free play, and warns against overscheduling and adult-run sports for young children as part of a rush to "prepare" ones child for the rigors of adulthood. I was surprised to learn about the early burnout rate of playing sports. He says organized sports participation peaks at age 11 and declines steadily from there - right at the age when organized sports and martial arts would be MOST appropriate for children. He talks about some key concepts like the "gift" of boredom, and allowing children to appreciate the ordinary as opposed to seeking "highs" all the time. In Chapter Six, "Filtering Out the Adult World," he espouses raising young children without television, and the examples parents can set for their children through their own speech. He has a very sobering section on the importance of "talking less." He also touches on the subject of "backing off," which means allowing children to have their space to grow up without continual adult intervention.

Overall, I would say this is a great primer for anxiety-free parenting. There are a few parts that I felt were more about his Waldorf-based foundation than anything else. For example, early in the book he talks about how we cannot protect our children against all stresses in life, that we cannot "vaccinate" them - and yet at the same time he says they need little stresses so they'll learn to cope. His use of the word "vaccinate" bothered me because vaccination does exactly what he proposes. Also, when he talks about a calm home environment, he stresses the Waldorf aesthetic of wooden toys, cloth dolls, etc. I don't think this is necessary, and he does not offer any scientific basis for this.

As a person whose early childhood was irregular, unstable, and insecure, this was very useful for me as a model for the kind of daily home life I could create not just for my young child, but for myself. See the "comments" of my review for some quotes from the book.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 31, 2011 Sandra Pedicini rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A simple concept: Simplify your child's life, and you will enrich it.
It's written in a conversational style, offers practical ideas and yet takes into account the hectic lives that we parents live today. When using an example of two career-oriented parents with crazy-busy schedules, for instance, Payne doesn't judge the parents for focusing on those careers, but merely offers some practical advice for working around them. (The parents really had trouble with one established morning routine becau...more

like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Katina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parenting, 2013

This book is packed with great, practical insight about how to simplify your life and focus more on what matters. The book is written with an eye towards parenting and improving family dynamics, but a lot of the tips about communication and slowing down apply outside that context as well.

I especially enjoyed the tips on getting rid of "stuff" and satisfyingly eliminated a good chunk of toys from our home this weekend. The book definitely validates my desire to purge clutter and live with fewer...more

like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: self-help

This book solidified much of what I already instiinctually believed about parenting, and explained why these guidelines are so important to a child's development. I call them guidelines because I think they are things to keep in mind rather than get too intense about them, as some of his suggestions (such as not talking at children too much) if taken too literally I think can prevent a parent from acting naturally with his or her child. I would also add that many of these ideas about a more bala...more This book solidified much of what I already instiinctually believed about parenting, and explained why these guidelines are so important to a child's development. I call them guidelines because I think they are things to keep in mind rather than get too intense about them, as some of his suggestions (such as not talking at children too much) if taken too literally I think can prevent a parent from acting naturally with his or her child. I would also add that many of these ideas about a more balanced, simplified life are also useful for adults who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. While you have to read the entire book to really understand the reasons for his suggestions, for my own reference I will summarize some of his suggestions here: when a child has a "soul fever," one restful, simplified weekend is usually enough to break the soul fever (much like a physical illness); keep a child's room uncluttered and restful, with soft light and colors and a sense of order and space; limit the number of toys and books available to a child to encourage deeper play; avoid toys that are broken, developmentally inappropriate, conceptually fixed, "do too much" or very high stimulation; encourage each day to have a sense of order, rhythm, and flow; difficult transitions are smoothed by reliable patterns; consistency gives a child a sense of security; regular family dinners; simplify dinner with certain meals for each night of the week; give children the gift of boredom so they can be creative and build a world of their own making; balance a child's schedule to include downtime; appreciate ordinary days; consider that children who begin sports younger than 10 or 11 are more likely to drop out during adolescence; allow children free unstructured play to actively problem solve and make their own rules; filter out the adult world; limit TV and other screen time; Laura and Mary did what Pa said because he didn't talk too much; don't keep up a running commentary; filter out adult topics and only say what is true, kind and necessary; don't talk too much to kids 9 and younger about their feelings (less emotional monitoring -- emotional intelligence can't be rushed and doesn't develop until after age 10); be a base camp rather than a helicopter parent; balance active/arousing days with calming ones; the importance of sleep. (less)

like · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Shellie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

While reading this book I hauled away broken and barely-used toys, excess books and unnecessary clothes. I simplified our environment, changed t.v. time, and then I examined our weekly schedule to be sure we were getting enough family meals and downtime. I also revisited an earlier attempt at having a “Pasta Night”, “Soup Night”, and “Pizza Night” on designated days of every week. I know my children crave predictability and this book only reinforced the importance of eliminating clutter and buil...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 19, 2012 Patriciahoperose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Somewhere between the dreams and the concerns is the answer . . . the place to bring imagination, the place to start simplifying."

"I do not mean that the home and everything done in it are oriented toward the child, but I absolutely mean that the home and everything in in are not exclusively oriented toward adults. A certain pace or volume of 'stuff' may be tolerable for adults, while it is intolerable, or problematic, for the kids."

"Children are such tactile beings. They live so fully by their...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 26, 2010 Cathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

During a lazy snow day, Maile decided to take a marathon nap, and I curled up on the couch with "Simplicity Parenting" and read it cover to cover.

It touches on simplifying physical clutter, creating routines, keeping their environment one that is suitable for their age, free of concerns that should be those of adults and not children... letting kids develop in a natural manner instead of forcing activities and choices on them. I think it would be a good read for parents of toddlers and teens al...more

like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Susanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Simplicity Parenting
By Kim John Payne

“too much, too fast, too young”
“too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, too fast”
before you say anything: is it true, kind and necessary?

Why Simplify?
• By simplifying, we protect the environment for childhood’s slow, essential unfolding of self. (pg. 6)
• Cumulative Stress Reaction: a reaction to a pattern of constant small stresses, a sort of consistent threshold of stress that may build, but rarely dissipates. This is different from the stres...more

like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 Eric rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cultural-criticism, marriage-and-relationships

Meggan and I are reading this as a basis for a parenting class of the same name that we are in right now. Nik and Laura, I think that you guys would love this book and that it would be helpful and inspirational in intentionally shaping your lives. I think that all parents and even people without children would benefit from reading this book.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 28, 2011 Amber Schley Iragui rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book! Many times I found myself moved nearly to tears by the description of ways a family could be together. Perhaps I liked it also because it affirms my intuitive beliefs about parenting. As a mom living in busy and competitive Manhattan, it was nice to be reminded of the value of less, slowness, and rhythm. I immediately put his advice into effect and good results. I understand that some readers found his style redundant, but that didn't bother me because it helped me to really a...more

like · see review

May 20, 2011 Mary Mulliken rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know I'm fast becoming a parenting book junkie, but this book was AWESOME! I loved it. So many things about the world of status quo parenting don't work or don't look right to me, on a gut level, but I don't always know why. I just know that I see lots of obedience training and entitlement training going on, and, simultaneously, tons and tons of kids diagnosed with ADHD, etc. This book does a beautiful job of explaining that all [most] kids really need is a simpler life -- less stuff, just a f...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2012 Jacelyn added it · review of another edition

Shelves: bambina

Payne makes a strong case for the power of less, showing how childhood needs to be and can be slowed down so that kids can grow into themselves and discover who they are. His plan is to simplify a child's life in four ways: decluttering the child's environment, clearing up the child's schedule, establishing rhythm and ritual in daily life, and eliminating (or severely limiting) access to media. He gives many examples of families who have successfully simplified once their children are already ou...more

like · see review

May 17, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parenting

I liked this book, most likely because it falls in line with how we are trying to parent at our home. It is a great reminder of why it is important to simplify our lives. The author also outlines steps to follow in order to move toward simplicity. I love the last chapter about filtering out the adult world. The author also touches upon technology, and why it is important to limit access to young children, as it relates to brain development. This part may be hard for parents to read, but it is so...more

like · see review

Feb 16, 2012 Josephine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

3.5 stars. In some ways I think this is the best parenting book I've read. I agreed with pretty much all of his ideas and I think a lot of people could really benefit from reading and implementing some of these strategies.
That being said, this book was really long winded! He spent the whole first chapter (35 pages) trying to sell you on the idea of simplifying. I was already sold on it before I picked up the book. However, there was some interesting research in that part that was worth reading,...more 3.5 stars. In some ways I think this is the best parenting book I've read. I agreed with pretty much all of his ideas and I think a lot of people could really benefit from reading and implementing some of these strategies.
That being said, this book was really long winded! He spent the whole first chapter (35 pages) trying to sell you on the idea of simplifying. I was already sold on it before I picked up the book. However, there was some interesting research in that part that was worth reading, if only you didn't have to pick through all the boring stuff!
The second and third chapters were on de-cluttering your kids toys and basically their lives. The part that jumped out to me in that chapter was that I need to simplify our family meals. It's hard for kids to eat something when it's always a new surprise on their plates and they had no hand in making it or seeing what went into it. He suggested making a weekly rotation like Mon. pasta, Tue. rice, Wed. soup, etc. Other than that I didn't find anything new or interesting in those chapters.
Chapter's four and five I just skimmed over because they were basically about not over scheduling your kids lives with sports and constant entertainment. Also, establishing routines to make their lives more predictable. Trust me. My kids are not over scheduled. We also already have pretty predictable Rhythm's I think.
Chapter six is probably the most controversial chapter and it's called Filtering Out the Adult World. He suggests that you completely do away with your TV and not let kids use the computer until they are 7 or 8. The thing that I found fascinating about this chapter was that he also said you shouldn't talk too much to your kids, and then they will talk more to you. He suggested that before ever saying anything you should think to yourself, Is it honest? Is it kind? Is it necessary? And if it doesn't pass all three criteria, don't say it. I thought that was a nice rule of thumb.
The epilogue was basically about a family with two working parents, Mom is pregnant and they have a misbehaving daughter who is overwhelmed by all the stuff in her house and the lack of routine in her life. The parents are stumped as to what needs to be done to get this girl excited about her new baby sibling. Pretty much that's who this book was written for. People who have too much going on and for some dumb reason think that all this junk won't have any effect on their poor kids. Duh people! It would me much to controversial for the author to suggest that maybe it would be beneficial for kids to have a stay at home parent, at least when they are really young, so instead he has to invent all these ways to try to simplify peoples really complicated lives.
I am glad I read this book because I did get some fresh ideas to incorporate into my parenting. However, it was a bit overwhelming by the end because it felt like he was constantly saying: do this, but don't do that, but make sure you do this, but doing that will ruin your child, etc. That's why when reading these books you just take it with a grain of salt and do what you know is best.
I'll end with some of my favorite quotes from the book:
P. 68: "When we refute the notion that our child's development is a race we have to win, and that their imagination is for sale, we step off a consumer treadmill."
P. 151: definition of addiction by Felicitas Vogt: "an increasing and compulsive tendency to avoid pain or boredom and replace inner development with outer stimulation."
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 Lindsey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: parenting

I really loved this book, probably because so many parts of it simply validated my gut feelings about being a mother. I love the idea of having less stuff, scheduled commitments and stresses to allow kids to do their work of growing and developing in peace. I've also learned that I feel more peaceful and have more patience when there is less clutter (literal and figurative). This book gives some good ideas on how to simplify. I especially loved the chapter on toys. Even if you don't agree with a...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 05, 2011 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amber

I have been burning through books about parenting and child development lately and most of them have been of little or no help. So little help that I don't even record them as read because they were just a waste of my time. But this book was a breath of fresh air. Now of course the authors opinions are very much in line with mine but he has the experience of a counseling career to support keeping things simple. Anecdotal examples and real tips and tricks that back up the way I always intended th...more

like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jenny by: Lou

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids talks about simplifying reducing (literal and metaphorical) clutter in your life to help your children get a sense of repetition and rhythm to be able to grow up into secure, confident, independent individuals. The authors use their experiences as family therapists and bring together a cohesive "plan" of how to integrate simplicity into your life, and examples of how that has helped familie...more

like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 Leila T. is currently reading it · review of another edition

28 July 2011: I read a couple of pages of this, and although I think I'll come back to it, I put it down in favour of "What Mothers Do" because it is, or seems like, one of those intensely earnest parenting books. I am all for the elevation of the work of parenting, but to me some of these books seem to elevate it to the level of religion, and I find the tone of these tomes to be a combination of humourless and condescending and bordering on boring. It's just really not my style. I like a little...more

like · see review

Jul 05, 2011 Little rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pregnancy-birth-children

"Simplification is not just about taking things away. It is about making room, creating space in your life."

The tone of this book is lovely. Warm and relaxed, it conveys not just thoughts about simplicity or suggestions for how to achieve it but also a felt rhythm of simplicity through the text. In a nutshell, you can summarize the book fairly easily: Have less stuff, stress, and noise, have more space, time, and connection. But I think the process of reading and digesting the book is helpful in...more

1 like · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
A chapter by chapter discussion of Simplicity Parenting - CHAPTER FOUR	1	16	Mar 09, 2010 03:31am
A chapter by chapter discussion of Simplicity Parenting - CHAPTER THREE	1	10	Mar 03, 2010 03:34am
A chapter by chapter discussion of Simplicity Parenting - CHAPTER ONE	10	34	Mar 02, 2010 11:53am
A chapter by chapter discussion of Simplicity Parenting - CHAPTER TWO	5	7	Feb 26, 2010 03:25am

combine
Other Editions (6)

More editions...

Genres

Parenting

329 users

Non Fiction

65 users

Family

13 users

Self Help

12 users

Education

8 users

Health

5 users

Reference

4 users

Psychology

4 users

Book Club

3 users

Childrens

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Simplicity Parent...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Simplicity Parenting: ...

“In its complexity and sensuality, nature invites exploration, direct contact, and experience. But it also inspires a sense of awe, a glimpse of what is still "un-Googleable" . . . life's mystery and magnitude.” — 5 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
avg rating	preview: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secur Goodreads rating: 4.17 (1526 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8612500-simplicity-parenting?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320431119l/8612500.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8612500-simplicity-parenting?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Lisa M. Ross[/url]

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (6)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Simplicity Parent...

Quotes from Simplicity Parenting: ...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (6)