We live in a world of excess. In general, we have more than the generations before us.
Thanks to technology, we expect most things to be done for us instantly. We don’t like to wait too long.
Unfortunately, that excessive lifestyle is something many people unknowingly pass on to their children. What’s worse, the more our kids expect, the less content they are likely to be. Is that what you want them to learn?
By getting back to basics, you can show your child that “less is more” and help them discover that they actually might be happier with everything from simpler toys to fewer possessions.
If it sounds easier said than done, maybe the following suggestions can help you along the way as you make more simplistic changes in your child’s life.
Teach Patience
First, it’s important to understand that children get bored sometimes. Even if your child has hundreds of toys, a tablet, an iPhone, and anything they could ever want at their disposal, you might still find them complaining about having “nothing to do.”
So don’t give in right away. When kids are bored, they’re more likely to find resourceful ways of entertaining themselves. It’s an opportunity for them to use their imaginations.
It also teaches them patience. When you don’t give in to your child right away with a new toy or electronic gadget, you’re teaching them the value of waiting. Receiving a gift becomes more special. Plus, the things they do receive will become more cherished and important, rather than items that they don’t care about being tossed aside.
Keep Toys Simple
Try to focus on the simplest toys when you do want to give something to your child. Battery-powered toys with lights and noises are fine for some things, but most of them end up offering little more than mindless chatter and songs.
Encouraging your child to use toys that build creativity can once again give them the freedom to use their imagination. It can help them to realize they don’t need to have a lot in order to create a lot. Building blocks, Magna-tiles or Legos are a perfect example; they are both extremely simple toys, but your child can create a complete world of their own by using them.
That can help to show them that they don’t need fancy, shiny, overpriced new things to have fun or to create something important.
Demonstrate the Value of Everything
Did you have toys or clothes growing up that you were able to keep for years because you kept them in pristine condition? Playing with something a lot or wearing something frequently will obviously cause some wear and tear. But when you truly value something you own, you tend to take better care of it.
Teaching your children the importance of caring for their possessions will help them to realize that not everything is so easily disposable. Anything from showing them how to be gentle with their toys, to how to keep track of their pencils and crayons for school (and not lose them) can drive this particular message home.
You can show your child that when they care for something, it will last longer. Remind them that not everything can be so easily replaced.
Start a “Less Is More” Mentality Early On
The earlier you start to develop these habits with your child, the easier they learn to appreciate the importance of the things they already have.
Of course, you should also be leading by example. While that doesn’t mean you need to live a minimalist lifestyle, you should be able to show your child that you can still “have a lot” with less, rather than just talking to them about it.
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If you’re struggling to get the importance of a “less is more” mentality across to your child, feel free to contact me. Together we can talk about more steps you can take, and how you can best communicate the downfalls of overconsumption.
