Wednesday, May 8, 2013

kids

Kids don't need much.  Really.  Just hand them a hose and some dirt and they're content for hours.  Simplicity Parenting is one of the best "parenting" books that I've read to date.  Kim John Payne's philosophy is simple.  Less is more.  "Using the extraordinary power of less to raise calmer, happier and more secure kids." The idea of less stuff and less screen time for kids is something that I'm very passionate about.  Why am I passionate about this?  As a former teacher turned mama, I hate the idea of children being exposed to too much too soon.

                     The good news is there are many that feel the same way, and they're using their creative talents to get the message out.


Elfin Trail is a beautiful shop filled with whimsical handmade toys for children.  My friend Amber at Mindfully Green is hosting a giveaway on her fantastic blog for a voucher to Elfin Trail. Here is part of Amber's recent interview with Ange from Elfin Trail.

2. I love how all of your items evoke imagination and keep the child deeply rooted to the earth, this makes your items so unique and individual. Was this your intention?

Absolutely! I’m passionate about childhood, protecting that fleetingly precious time of wonder, imagination and play. I find it heartbreaking - the current culture of rushing kids through childhood - educating them faster, filling their time with adult-directed, scheduled activities, bombarding them with marketing messages and adult concepts and facilitating hour after hour in front of a growing range of screens. In my own small way I’m trying to remind people that imaginative play is profoundly important to children.

Peg Doll Kit from Elfin Trail



In a world moving at great speeds, it is always refreshing when you find those people who take it slow and cherish the simplicity that comes with childhood.   I do hope you will jump over to see what these amazing women are up to!



20 comments:

  1. This is a lovely way to parent in this over- stimulating world! I will pass this book recommendation on to my own grown children who will be starting families soon. Thanks for sharing, Nicole! xx

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  2. My kids had way too many toys- indulgent grandparents - yet their favorite thing was to use their imagination. Give my daughter a box and she was content for hours. When I went to the fabric store with my son (now 37) he would play at the long table length box of buttons for hours - sorting by color, shape, size. We had art supplies of all types for them. Today, both of my children are extremely creative.

    I think you know that I am creative. My students are in awe of my creativity. I am having one class make handmade books right now. The other classes see the work on the tables and are envious. The class making the books loves when I bring in a bag of supplies. But, they don't have the ideas on what to do with the supplies because they have never had the opportunity. It is still me showing them and suggesting ideas. In defense of their parents, they are working 2 and 3 jobs and did not have the opportunities themselves. Why are schools cutting back on the arts?

    You didn't expect a rant from me did you?

    I love to read about what you are teaching the little beans. All mamas should be like you.



    Boy, I

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  3. I am all for simplicity for children. They often have sooooo many toys they are overwhelmed and play with none of them. I say turn off the TV and send them outside to play in a sandbox. They will find a way to occupy themselves!

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  4. It drives me nuts to see little 3 and 4 year olds walking around with those game boys or whatever you call them! Many parents don't want to spend the time showing their kids creative ideas, just stick a game in their hand to keep them occupied! Great post!

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  5. Both of my kids were raised with this way of thinking - and it works! Both have now turned to creative ventures in their lives, that they LOVE, instead of corporate jobs in front of screens. Are you and the beans making a few of the little dolls? Happy Thursday, Nicole - XOXO

    PS - how is the water damage at the house?

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  6. Simplicity parenting............my kind of parenting. xo

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  7. I get so depressed when we have to have dinner with my 8 year old grandson, all his parents do is stick an iphone in his hand to shut him up, then they get their phones out as well! What is wrong with people these days, turn off the gadgets and let's talk!!! Frustrating! Glad to see someone doing it right! Thank you!!

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  8. I can't agree more with you, must be the former preschool teacher in me.

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  9. Tanya's told me how wonderful your blog and you are...glad I dropped by. Love that you're a "creative"/hands-on mom with your little ones. Hope your Mother's Day is wonderful - Carole

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  10. I love this book - it's one of the first parenting books I bought! Thanks for letting us know about the giveaway!

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  11. this is one of the first parenting books I ever got! Love it. Evening has just discovered the joys of the hose and dirt too - look out garden!
    Thanks for sharing the giveaway!

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  12. I WANT this book! I seriously want to raise my kids with more simplicity. Toys and "stuff" are just ruling are house and I know there is another way!!! Thank you for sharing this :)

    lovely blog :)

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  13. When Troy and I first started dating we talked about not letting our kids watch tv until they are at least five. Who knows if that will happen, but I was more entertained and happier making mud pies, digging for clams, swimming and playing in the sprinkler as a child then ever watching an episode of saved by the bell! Hahaha.
    I will have to read this when the time comes ;)
    xoxo you're such an awesome mama!

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  14. I totally agree Nicole! I love it when my kids play outside, ride bikes and just pretend. Thanks for the tips on the book and the shop I will check them out!

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  15. In today's fast-paced world, it is easy for kids to get overloaded. I agree that they need some time and inspiration to use their own creative talents and abilities. My grandchildren do love computer games and so forth. Since I've provided daycare for them a large portion of their lives, I keep plenty of coloring books, markers, crayons, books and other things around here, as well. Thanks for this good post which reminds us how important it is to let our children and grandchildren be just "kids."

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  16. I hate how plugged in kids are these days and parents are completely at fault. My students panic when I tell them they can't bring their electronics on a field trip. They end up singing and talking to each other. What a concept! Hooray to you for letting your kids get dirty and play. :o)

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  17. Sorry it has taken me so long to read and comment; I have been doing some birthday festivities the last couple of days!!

    I agree less is more with kids. And I think we spoil kids even when we don't mean to. I think hardship teaches children not to take anything for granted. Both my husband and I experienced hardship growing up and it made us work hard has adults to give our kids a good life. But now my kids have no hardship in life and it is a form of spoiling them even though we didn't mean it to be.

    Have a great weekend!

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  18. I am totally on board with what you are saying... as a career teacher I many concerns for today's children. Thankfully my own grandchildren are being raised to relate to people, not screens and technology! Larry

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  19. I totally agree.. I'll see if I can find this book here. Thanks for sharing it to us :-)

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  20. At 44 I'm still trying to take it slow and embrace my inner child. :) I agree with all of this. I look back fondly on my youth (1970's were an awesome time) and I'm SO happy that technology hadn't taken over yet. There was a lot of fresh air and imagination involved in play time. I try to offer my kids the same.

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