Minimalist Lessons My Kids Teach Me Each Day
How living more simply, with greater joy, and less guilt leads to a more enjoyable life.
At the end of a long day when our homeschool books are closed and the playroom floor is once again claimed with an assortment of Legos, markers, and magnetic tiles, I’m reminded just how freeing and uncomplicated childhood really is. My four children- ages nine, seven, five, and two- are constant reminders of how simple life can be. They play with what matters most, aren’t shy about asking for what they really want, and seem to move on past squabbles and disagreements quicker than any adult I know.
Watching them, I’ve learned that minimalism isn’t only about owning fewer physical things- it’s about living with less overall- which comes in the form of less clutter in both our homes and in our minds.
These 8 lessons below are not abstract ideals, they’re examples of real-world wisdom collected from my messy yet joy‑filled days as a mother and home educator. Sometimes my children are the best and truest examples of what it means to live intentionally, so I’m offering these lessons as invitations, not prescriptions, for anyone who desires to substitute a hurried, demanding lifestyle for one of greater peace and contentment. One lesson at a time.
8 Lessons in Minimalism I’ve Learned From My Kids
1. Own Less + Play More- I’m reminded that kids don’t need a whole buffet of plastic toys or fancy electronics every time I see my two-year old gravitating to the same favorite stuffed bear or hand-me-down tricycle…capturing his attention for great lengths of time. The secret isn’t an abundance of toys, it’s being mindful to keep only what kids actually play with.
The same can be true for adults- a slimmed down wardrobe of items we actually wear, kitchen cabinets that contain only what we love and use often, or holiday decorations that gladly make their way out of storage once a year. Keeping anything that we have no use for limits us from enjoying life and pursuing what matters most.
2. Be Fully Present- When my daughter asks me to watch her cartwheel across the lawn, she expects me to watch, not give a friendly, “uh-huh” while I refresh my email. Children aren’t natural multitaskers, which allows them to stay fully present in the moment. To help me become more attuned to what’s in front of me, I’ve silenced most notifications on my phone, break tasks down into chunks of time that require more direct focus, and if I’m able, drop everything when my child excitedly yells, “Mommy you have to come see this right now!” Most times, the task I’m doing isn’t nearly as important as the moment of accomplishment from my child.
3. Let Go Quickly- Ten minutes after a brotherly squabble, my five-year-old is back to sharing books under his blanket tent- no grudges or pent up anger. My kids often remind me that practicing a quick release of minor irritations is a much healthier mindset to embrace. Relational burdens that aren’t resolved can become toxic buildups in your mind, making the situation even harder to move past the longer it sits. Choose to confront when necessary, let small offenses go, and don’t hold on to past events.
4. Embrace Simple Joys- I love how the 5-minute rhythm of our daily gratitude journal has taught my kids to look for simple ways that bring them joy. From the thrill of jumping in puddles after a rainstorm to the kindness of our elderly neighbor sharing her ice cream bars- these moments quietly stretch our gratitude and allow us to see that we don’t need to spend money to be happy. Simplicity breeds contentment because it notices what’s already here. Just look around, I’m sure you’ll notice an abundance of simple joys too.
5. Ask for Help- Like many, my kids shout needs the second they feel them- “Mommy, I need a drink!”. Admitting our own need for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign of being mindful of our capacity and limits. Whenever a friend or family member reaches out for help, I take it as a sweet compliment that they might entrust me to lighten their load or share the burden of whatever they’re going through. Learn to do the same with your own needs and see it as an opportunity for a friend to share these emotions with you.
6. Dress for Comfort- My son’s bliss in his old, faded, Sonic t-shirt (which has become quite soft and even filled with a few little holes) is contagious. He doesn’t care that he’s already worn it a few other times this week- it’s what fits him and feels good. Choosing clothing that allows for comfort over trendiness not only allows for quick decision making, but of feeling well too. My wardrobe is tiny, but only contains items that I wear regularly and make me feel good about myself, even if I wear the same outfits week after week.
7. Say No Without Guilt– Sometimes my son’s “No, thanks, I don’t want to do that right now” is clear and conveys what he means directly, allowing him to move on to what matters most to his 5-year old self. As adults, we can do the same with what we take on— whether to an extra commitment, event, or even an impulse buy. Learning how to guard your boundaries and say “no” without waves of guilt protects the white space that makes life feel breathable. I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t make me a bad friend or mother to say “no”, but having margin is a healthy way of keeping my calendar and home from feeling chaotic.
8. Rest When You’re Tired- Just as my babies and toddlers took regulars nap every afternoon, this aspect of life isn’t limited to that stage of life. Building margins like an earlier bedtime, afternoon quiet time, Sunday sabbath, or a screen-free week for our family helps to keep burnout at bay and reminds me that rest (whether it’s a nap or just a moment to be still) is productive and restorative.
A well-rested adult, like a well-rested child, is able to respond with more patience and have energy for aspects of life that matter most. No one can successfully keep up a grueling pace and expect fruit to grow, so recognize when you need pockets of rest and build them into your schedule.
Minimalism = Making Room for What Matters Most
As my husband and I have learned over the past 5 years since simplifying our home and lives, minimalism, at its heart, is about making room. For us, it’s room for playing with our kids, being more present people and parents, capturing moments of rest that restore us, and building margin in our lives to better love and care for those around us.
My children live these truths instinctively— and I’m continuing to learn them slowly, one decluttered closet or commitment at a time. I hope some of these lessons nudge you toward lighter living and with greater appreciation to what matters most. As always, thank you for being here and following along with me on this journey!