It seems we are always searching for the “magic pill”to
miraculously move our family into peaceful nirvana.
But the fact is, parenting and daily rhythm is a process;
a work in progress. You will never be “done” or “perfect”
O.K. Now the good news:
There are a few tips to help move you from exasperated to
centered. They are not magic, but they are not hard either.
Simple tools- if you use them.Choose one to start with,
then add more when you
see some success.
*Get up before your kids. …

One day when I was younger, my parents had to reschedule our piano lessons. My mother asked for a certain day (not sure which anymore – doesn’t quite matter), and the reply was, “Oh, no. Sorry. That’s our shopping day.”
In our great family tradition of then repeating what we deem “quotables” at random times for the next twenty years, we would say, “Oh, no. That’s our shopping day,” – often in a lilting British accent, although that may have just …

I have always been a bit of a doer. That is neither a good nor bad thing, it just is. I need to keep busy and stimulated, and subsequently always have lots on the go.
Luckily, my career stemmed from my passions and always included a lot of travel. I have worked as a journalist in radio, print and TV; I’ve managed musicians, and did their marketing and publicity. I’ve promoted movies at big film festivals and hung out with stars …

Today we feature a guest post from one of our Simplicity Parenting group leaders, Marianne Donahue Perchlick, a certified Parent mentor and childbirth coach in Vermont:
Each time I introduce the third pillar of simplicity, scheduling, I often say, “perhaps we ought to call it ‘unschedule’ because what we attempt to do in creating a schedule is to create time for empty spaces, connection with one another, daydreams and self care. Another way to describe it is “you cannot transform what …

We had a great discussion earlier in this study about simplifying material things in our children’s environments – and this week we apply the same principle to our schedules.  As Kim says in this chapter, “Just as too many toys may stifle creativity, too may scheduled activities may limit a child’s ability to direct themselves, to fill their own time, to find and follow their own path.”
Research sited in the book notes that, since 1981, homework time has doubled, scheduled …

“When you act to limit what you don’t want for your family, you clarify what you really do need, what is important to you.  Your values clarify.  Simplification is a path of self-definition for the family.
It is quieter when the insistent noise of popular culture, competition, and consumerism are turned down several notches.  Just as a singer has to shut out ambient noises to hear her own voice, simplification allows a family to “tune in” to their values, to what …

After such a slow, wet and chilly start to the season, we are finally, blissfully, immersed in summer weather.  But still, already there is a chill in the air that whispers of fall.  I do hope the sun continues to shine into the beginning of September to give all of us west coasters the feeling that we had a great and long summer vacation.  It’s no secret, however, that fall and winter are my favorite seasons, and I’m eager to …

“Earth is crammed with heaven, every bush afire with God.
But only those who see take off their shoes.”
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
One of the best perks to our new simplified schedule is that the boys have plenty of time to dig and explore. I love to watch the older one get lost in his own world whenever mud, dirt, and bugs are available for his play. A kid who you might say is borderline hyperactive indoors becomes …

You’ve squeezed in gymnastics, soccer, and swim lessons after school followed by homework and dinner this week. The kids’ spring concert is Friday night, you have several birthday party invitations on Saturday, there’s an amazing Scottish festival on Sunday with Scottish fiddle, music, dance, songs and poetry with a chance to talk to the musicians and enjoy tea and shortbread…and you believe that your 5 and 9 year old will enjoy it all as much as you will!
Does this sound …

I had the honor of spending this past Saturday morning with an enthusiastic group of parents to discuss how we can redesign our lives so that downtime and connection are built into our daily and weekly schedules.  It isn’t unusual for a family with young children to share a daily schedule that is tightly packed with tasks, chores, activities, and appointments.  Evenings and weekends have become times for extra-curricular activities, birthday parties, craft fairs, school events, and holiday activities.
The schedule …