In our article How to Become a Minimalist, we focused on the basic steps to becoming a minimalist. However, becoming a minimalist family is a whole other dilemma. This was not a difficult transition for my husband and I because we both came from frugal backgrounds. We were stuck in the rut of keeping up, trying to get ahead, and we were tired of chasing after material possessions. While we still recommend following the steps in our How to Become a Minimalist article, we are offering up some special tips unique to families.
1. Be reasonable. With a family of five or more it is unrealistic to think that a compact car is a good choice for your family. I’ve contemplated, reasoned, and figured, and a larger vehicle is necessary for an expanding family. However, remember that your family will not be that large forever, and being minimalistic is still possible in other ways. This also doesn’t mean that you need the most expensive larger vehicle. Maybe you could trade your Escalade for a Mini-van?
2. Start with yourself. Your children need you to lead by example. If you are clinging to your material possessions, they will as well. Teaching children a love of art, culture, reading, and other skills are more important than things. Once you have gone through the process of becoming a minimalist, you should be more centered and able to focus, and your priorities will be in the correct order. This should help bring everyone else in the family on board.
3. Teach children they don’t need things to be happy. Children need to know that material things don’t bring happiness or contentedness. This means that you won’t be buying them items on store trips just for fun. I know this sounds cold-hearted, and there may be times where you decide to reward them, but avoid rewarding them with material items. If you have a baby this may mean that you don’t buy every gadget, or you buy items that are only necessary.
4. Teach them how to use the library. Take your children to the library. Read to them. Teach them to read. Give them an appreciation for books and turn off technology.
5. Turn off technology. People are so connected to their technology in today’s society, and it’s important that families spend time together. This means that parents don’t have their noses buried in their phones and the kids aren’t constantly playing video games.
6. Teach them to give. Instead of constantly thinking about what new item we want, we teach our children to give. We started a ministry in our local area that gives toiletries to needy families (similar to a food bank). We spent many hours sorting donations, giving the items out, etc. Our children were part of our ministry from day one. Once we had the baby we had to step down from running the ministry. However, our children know that giving is more important than wanting the next best thing.
7. Show them how to declutter. If your children have acquired too many items and need to purge, teach them how to sort through toys they no longer need and give to children who don’t have as much. You could also donate toys to a local children’s hospital for children to play with there while they are receiving treatment.
8. Show your kids you love them. Spend time with them. Focus on them and not necessarily getting them new clothes or toys. I know it’s fun to shower our children with gifts, but what they really want is our time and attention.
These are just a few tips on how to become a minimalist with a family. If you have more tips to share comment them below!
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