Top 5 Minimalism and Simple Living Books for Parents
Taking steps towards simpler living and minimalism as a parent can be a transformative experience that brings clarity, joy, and meaningful moments into our lives. It’s great that so much valuable information is freely available to us at all times. However, this abundance of information can be overwhelming. Organising various bits of information scattered across the internet in a logical order can pose a challenge. This is where the impact of a well-written book is truly felt! As a passionate reader, I find that comprehending new principles and thoughts is much simpler when they are conveyed in a well-organised, detail-oriented book.
Parenthood is a beautiful, yet challenging journey. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all guide to raising children, there are numerous ways to simplify and streamline the process, making parenthood more meaningful and enjoyable. The journey to simpler living is a continuous one and sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to do to simplify your life. That’s where the following books come in. I have picked up many great ideas and tips from each of them.
I want to share with you my top 5 simple living books. Each of these books offers a wealth of knowledge, tips, and advice on embracing minimalism in parenting. Let’s dive in!
1. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
“Simplicity Parenting” is a truly transformative book that has profoundly reshaped my approach to parenting. It brilliantly illuminates the ways in which our fast-paced, cluttered world can create unnecessary stress for our children. The book’s practical advice for reducing this stress, like creating a streamlined home environment and establishing meaningful family rituals, resonated deeply with me.
Implementing these ideas from the book has allowed me to foster a calmer, more focused environment for my child. If you’re on a journey towards simple living, this book is an invaluable guide and has been an absolute game-changer in my approach to parenting.
2. Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity by Diane Boden
“Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity” is a book that has greatly contributed positively to my parenting journey. The author, Diane Boden, effectively explains the concept of minimalism in parenting. The book includes practical advice, real-life experiences, and thoughtful insights that make the transition to minimalism achievable and straightforward.
A key aspect of this book is its emphasis on the principle of “Less is More”. Boden suggests parents to remove unnecessary clutter, both physical and mental, to create space for significant and enriching experiences. Her guidance on how to declutter homes, simplify schedules, and prioritise correctly is practical.
For me, this book has been really informative. It has helped me establish a calm and orderly living environment and has also influenced me to incorporate the principles of simplicity and mindfulness in my child’s upbringing. Implementing Boden’s advice has led to a noticeable decrease in stress and more quality time spent with family.
The book includes a variety of practical strategies for handling common parenting challenges in a minimalist manner. Whether it’s managing children’s toys, handling meal times, or dealing with hectic school mornings, Boden offers minimalist solutions.
“Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity” is a valuable resource for parents interested in simple living. It offers a way for families to focus on what’s truly important, going beyond just minimalism.
3. Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
“Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less” by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest is a book that lives up to its name. It’s a breath of fresh air in the world of parenting guides, focusing on the idea that less is more when it comes to modern family life.
The authors, both being parents themselves, understand the stresses and clutter that can come with raising a family. They provide practical, actionable advice on how to simplify your life, from decluttering your home to cutting down on overpacked schedules. The underlying message is clear: by doing less, you can enjoy life more.
What I most appreciate about this book is its empathetic and empowering approach. Koh and Dornfest recognise that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting, and they encourage readers to find balance and simplicity in a way that works best for their unique family situation. This book has helped me to redefine what success looks like in our family, to let go of unnecessary expectations, and to focus on the values and activities that truly matter to us.
“Minimalist Parenting” has been instrumental in my parenting journey, helping me to create a family life that feels less stressful and more meaningful. It’s one of the simple living books that I would highly recommend to any parent who feels overwhelmed by the chaos of modern parenting and wants to find a more relaxed, joyful approach.
4. Clutterfree with Kids by Joshua Becker
“Clutterfree with Kids” by Joshua Becker is a gem among simple living books that has had a significant impact on my parenting style. Becker, a minimalist himself, presents a compelling case for why and how to live a clutter-free life, specifically addressing the unique challenges that come with raising children.
The book provides practical strategies for decluttering your home, schedule, and mind, all while considering the needs and realities of life with children. From managing toys to organising your home, Becker’s advice is realistic, effective, and easy to implement.
What struck me most about “Clutterfree with Kids” was its focus on the benefits of minimalism beyond just a tidy home. Becker emphasises how a clutter-free life can lead to greater focus, more freedom, and more time and energy to spend on what truly matters: our relationships with our families.
Implementing Becker’s strategies helped me to create a home environment that feels calm, controlled, and conducive to quality family time. I learned to let go of unnecessary items, activities, and guilt, freeing up space and time for more meaningful interactions with my kids.
But, perhaps most importantly, this book challenged me to consider the values I’m instilling in my children. By choosing a minimalist lifestyle, I’m teaching them to value experiences over possessions and to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
“Clutterfree with Kids” is more than just a guide to decluttering – it’s a manifesto for making intentional choices about what we allow into our homes and lives. As a parent, it has not only helped me cultivate a simpler, richer home environment, but it has also guided me in nurturing mindful, intentional values in my children.
In my journey towards a simpler life, “Clutterfree with Kids” has been an invaluable resource. I highly recommend it to any parent seeking to simplify their life and create a more focused, peaceful home environment. It truly is a standout among simple living books.
5. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
“Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport, while not explicitly a parenting book, has greatly influenced my approach to parenting in our increasingly digital world. This book, which is one of the most insightful simple living books I’ve come across, presents a compelling argument for reducing our dependency on digital technology.
Newport introduces the concept of ‘digital minimalism’, which is the idea of intentionally reducing the time spent on digital platforms and using technology more purposefully. He provides practical advice on how to declutter our digital lives, from taking breaks from certain technologies to choosing which platforms to use based on how they contribute to our lives.
As a parent, this book resonated deeply with me. I realised how my digital habits were not only affecting me but also my child. It made me rethink my relationship with technology, particularly the example I was setting for my daughter. By implementing the principles of digital minimalism, I have been able to model healthier digital habits for her, demonstrating that while technology has its place, it doesn’t need to dominate our lives.
In a world where screens are everywhere, this book has helped me guide my child towards a more balanced understanding of technology. It has shown me how to encourage her to value real-world experiences over screen time and to use technology in a way that enhances rather than detracts from their lives.
While “Digital Minimalism” might not be a conventional choice amongst simple living books for parents, its principles are incredibly relevant in today’s digital age. I would highly recommend it to any parent who wants to navigate the challenge of raising children in a technological world effectively. The guidance it offers has been truly invaluable in my parenting journey.
Embracing minimalism and simple living as a parent doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By integrating the principles and practices found in these insightful books, you can foster a calm, meaningful, and joy-filled environment for your family. Remember, the journey to simpler living is a continuous one, and these books can act as a guide towards a less cluttered, more purposeful life. So, whether you’re just starting out or are well into your minimalism journey, these books offer a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical strategies to help you simplify your approach to parenting. Happy reading!
What are your favourite books on minimalism and simple living for parents? I’d love to know, so please share in the comments! 🤍
