Does your daily parenting feel like triage? (Compelling question, isn't it?)
This book was recommended to me by a mom at my church. Even though you may not know her, her recommendation is a good reason for you to read it. She is not a perfect parent but she pays attention and her decision making is thoughtful and intentional.
The author includes brain science to inform his claims about what "too much" does to our children and, I think, to us.
The four pillars of too much laid out in the book are:
~ Too much stuff
~ Too many choices
~ Too much information
~ Too fast
Payne then gives advice of how to cut back on all the things that bring "too much" into your child's life. It is about making hard choices and being intentional about the decisions you make. Even if you do not go to the extreme of adopting all of his suggestions, your home life will be more peaceful for everyone with small meaningful changes.
This book will bring up some push back from parents. Many will say he is out of touch of what being a parent is truly like right now. I think that reaction stems from fear because his argument for simplicity is so compelling. My advice: read this with other parents you trust who are at the same stage as your family. Read it with people you can be vulnerable with and who, out of care for you and your family, will encourage you as you try some of the ideas listed. I am convinced every idea you try to create a more peaceful home will be worth the effort.
I found myself adopting many of the techniques and ideas for myself in my own life, not only as a parent but for myself. (My daughter is 23. Our relationship is developing in a new way. She is back living at home after college.)
The two chapters that hit home to me were about making space for my brain to relax especially at the beginning and end of each day by de-cluttering key rooms in the house. I also am evaluating my day and how I work so that I can create a rhythm to my day that helps me let off steam and keep the creative ideas flowing. I have asked my daughter how she may implement some of these ideas.
As you can see, we all could use the power of less to enrich our lives - not more enrichment activities. Read the book with your spouse or some friends. Talk about it. Imagine how you could try even a few of the ideas to help your home be more calm and peaceful.
~Pam
This book was recommended to me by a mom at my church. Even though you may not know her, her recommendation is a good reason for you to read it. She is not a perfect parent but she pays attention and her decision making is thoughtful and intentional.
The author includes brain science to inform his claims about what "too much" does to our children and, I think, to us.
The four pillars of too much laid out in the book are:
~ Too much stuff
~ Too many choices
~ Too much information
~ Too fast
Payne then gives advice of how to cut back on all the things that bring "too much" into your child's life. It is about making hard choices and being intentional about the decisions you make. Even if you do not go to the extreme of adopting all of his suggestions, your home life will be more peaceful for everyone with small meaningful changes.
This book will bring up some push back from parents. Many will say he is out of touch of what being a parent is truly like right now. I think that reaction stems from fear because his argument for simplicity is so compelling. My advice: read this with other parents you trust who are at the same stage as your family. Read it with people you can be vulnerable with and who, out of care for you and your family, will encourage you as you try some of the ideas listed. I am convinced every idea you try to create a more peaceful home will be worth the effort.
I found myself adopting many of the techniques and ideas for myself in my own life, not only as a parent but for myself. (My daughter is 23. Our relationship is developing in a new way. She is back living at home after college.)
The two chapters that hit home to me were about making space for my brain to relax especially at the beginning and end of each day by de-cluttering key rooms in the house. I also am evaluating my day and how I work so that I can create a rhythm to my day that helps me let off steam and keep the creative ideas flowing. I have asked my daughter how she may implement some of these ideas.
As you can see, we all could use the power of less to enrich our lives - not more enrichment activities. Read the book with your spouse or some friends. Talk about it. Imagine how you could try even a few of the ideas to help your home be more calm and peaceful.
~Pam
