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

by Kim John Payne

A wonderful counterbalance to “entertaining” children is to involve them in a task, in the “work” of family life. Home is the environment a child will know best, and they need to affect their environment through their own efforts.

They’re in the midst of a creative process, their attention is fully engaged, and what they need from you is usually just a quick connection rather than a critique or compliment.

By accepting the responsibilities and respecting the boundaries of your adult world, you give your children the gift of freedom in their own world.

Too much information doesn’t “prepare” a child for a complicated world; it paralyzes them.

But the work of childcare can expand to fill most every crevice. And for one person to really get a break, to really let go of a task mentally and physically, the other must do it consistently, with no need for requests or reminders.