Simplicity Parenting

I'm reading a parenting book right  now that I would highly recommend.  It is called `Simplicity Parenting' by Kim Payne.  The subtitle is `Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids'.  It's not rocket  science.   A lot of it describes my childhood and I am very thankful to have had such a good one.  Things like routines in the day, family dinners together, fewer toys and clothes and food options (less clutter overall), time outside with nature, talking about what the next day will be like, AMPLE DOWN TIME etc.  The importance of boredom (the creativity that stems from it) and anticipation (not constantly getting but looking forward).

These days I feel pressure to put my kids in `stuff' but I know that they are near their max already.  Kai and Koen, with unstructured time, can spend HOURS together playing `Amazing Race' with their stuffies or digging in the garden or whatever they are doing.  And seriously, are we supposed to do play dates every day?!  Way too stressful for this momma.

Here's one quote, `In the tapestry of childhood, what stands out isn't the splashy, blow-out trip to Disneyland but the common thread that runs throughout and repeat; the family dinners, the nature walks, reading together and bedtime..., Saturday morning pancakes.'.  

I am trying to get through it in the evenings as it's got a hold on it at the library so I need to get it back.  But, I just thought I would take a second to recommend it as it was recommended to me and I do like it!

Louise