Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids Paperback – 31 Aug. 2010

This book is a bit longwinded but it is excellent. For anyone who wonders why their house is sinking under toys and wants a life with their kids that is full of fun but in a calm and happy home then this book is for you. I never understand why people write such scathing reviews - if you don't like it - don't shoot the messenger! There were a lot of thought provoking studies and citations throughout - remembering this chap deals with problems not your every day not all situations need to be extreme BUT having applied (or already been halfway there on some of his) suggestions - I feel more confident in how I treat the kids and they are happier and the house is no longer going to SINK UNDER TOYS! The biggest surprise was the filtering out the adult world bit... I didn't entirely realise how much we talk in front of or over the kids when they are around, and so much parenting fashion these days requires so much verbalisation or opportunity to 'teach' - it's nice to know it doesn't help and you can; have less and do less and - shock horror - NOT have to get down on the floor and entertain the kids with all their toys all day or even at all and - not only is it ok - it's a good idea.

This is a wonderful book about practical measures you can take to reclaim the peaceful simplicity of childhood. Whilst we were not overwhelmed by the vast number of toys some children have, I still managed to do a clearout and found it therapeutic and liberating to get rid of stuff. I have also been amazed at how something as simple as a menu plan has made a difference to my child who seems to revel in knowing that 'tonight is pasta/rice/chilli night; as the author points out, children don't see this as boring, they see it as a practical example of security. I would urge you to read this book - it is a real investment of your time and written in such a friendly, gentle manner with real-life examples of how quickly and simply you can make lasting changes.

A great book full of ideas, I have only flicked through it due to time at the moment and read a couple of chapters - but it gives you a reminder that the simple things are what a child enjoys and also what can contribute to their wellbeing. Although I try to always keep this in mind (even before buying the book) it's given me lots of new ideas and it explains things simply for you. My only preference would be for a few more bullet points to make it easier to read. Great book.

Payne and Ross have done something in this book that all books about simplifying or minimalizing our lives should do: they don't just dissect ways to de-clutter our homes in a guilt-producing, over-taxing sermon, but instead, gently point out the whole gamut of ways that our lives our over-cluttered.Our time, our routines, our meals, our clothes and books and toys -- all the over-committed, over-burdened ways we have stretched our lives are having a negative impact on our peace, and even worse, on our children's peace.They liken it to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, created not by a single shocking incident, but by a slow, insidious drip of heightened stressors.That old story about the frog being heated up in a pan of water ...Coming from a Steiner background, Payne really makes a lot of sensible observations about how children play when their toys are fewer, their books are carefully chosen, their clothing is limited; how much easier life can be made with a menu plan; how much calmer when there are blank spaces on the daily calendar.It was a meaty book without being smug or preachy or padded, and probably is my favourite book so far this year. Highly recommended.

I've been reading this book a few pages at a time with a baby on the other arm. Totally worth it. This book is worth buying for Chapter 1 alone. I'm only halfway through it and already it has changed the way I think about the effect of my environment on myself and my family.The basic premise is that overstimulation creates an effect in children (and adults) similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Concomitantly, creativity, stability, and ultimately happiness can only appear when there is space for them. When we *make* space for them. This idea is supplemented with lots of practical advice for different areas of parenting.Once I got the concept, I could see the mechanism at work in people I know, and in myself. I can only imagine how much more powerful the effect must be for children.If the ideas in this book were implemented widely, the positive effect on society would likely be huge.

What I liked the most about this book is how it raises awareness among parents of how complex our lives have become and how that is affecting our children. Too many screens, to much time spent on the Internet, the TV, texting people, expecting phone calls, e-mails, having to keep up with the latest news and the latest consumption demands, all of this is just turning everyone into extremely anxious stressed heads. The beauty of this book is making us aware of this very modern phenomenon and giving parents sound advice and tips on how to create moments of peace and relaxation for both themselves and their children. It highlights the importance of creating a calming environment within the family so all the busyness and bustle of the outside world doesn't get into the souls and minds of our little ones. This book is about protecting and cherishing childhood rather than bombarding it with all the demands of the modern world. I fully recommend it.

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It is a must read books for every parents.

Loved the book. It’s so simple and I enjoyed reading it. I definitely got some great inspiration and strength out of this book. Helped me a lot to slow down with my kids.

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