Have you ever walked into your home and seen the toys that your kids begged you to buy, scattered all over the floor? It’s almost as if they don’t want to play with them anymore. I was watching an Instagram video,a full-on rant by a father complaining about child influencers who test out toys, and his kids, influenced by these videos, beg and plead for the same toys. Then, just two days later, they lose interest. The worst part? Those toys weren’t exactly cheap. I can almost feel parents around the world nodding their heads in unison, relating to what I mean.

Children are subconsciously taught that material things bring happiness. But what if there’s another way? What if happiness doesn’t come from accumulating more? The solution could be minimalism, a practice that not only helps you walk into a room free of clutter but also teaches your kids to value experiences over things.

As the American humorist Art Buchwald once said, “The best things in life aren’t things.”

So, what exactly is minimalism?

It’s not about depriving your kids of joy or making them feel guilty for wanting new things. It’s about showing them where real joy comes from. Instead of teaching them that the next toy or gadget is the answer to their happiness, minimalism encourages them to find contentment in what they already have.

Think about it, when you constantly buy new toys, kids start to think “I’ll always get more.” But is that really the message we want to send? We live in a world that glorifies gifting our children toys and materials, but the question is are we teaching them that happiness is about owning more, or that happiness is found in the little things that matter most?

The best way to impart this concept is through the parents who practice it themselves. Kids are always watching and learning. If you lead by example, showing them that simplicity brings peace and happiness, they’ll naturally begin to embrace it too.

But it’s not just about toys. Minimalism creates a mindset, one that helps children see the world differently. It’s about teaching them to prioritize what truly matters, which often isn’t what’s found in a store.

If the most common question from parents is starting to brew in your head, How do we do that? Maybe start with this.

1. Declutter Together
   Make decluttering a fun activity. Sit with your child and ask, “Which toys do you love the most?” Encourage them to set aside toys they no longer use and donate them to other kids. Celebrate their generosity! It’s a beautiful way to show them how less can be more.
2. Teach the Joy of Giving
   Explain to your child how donating toys can make another child happy. This shifts their perspective from “losing” something to “sharing” joy with others. When kids feel good about giving, it creates a sense of fulfillment that surpasses the temporary thrill of getting something new.
3. Limit New Purchases
   Before buying something new, ask your child, “Do we really need this? What will it add to our lives?” Over time, they’ll begin to think critically about their wants versus their needs. By limiting purchases, you help them realize that the best things in life don’t come from the store.

Minimalism isn’t about depriving kids of joy; it’s about showing them where real joy comes from. By teaching them to value experiences, relationships, and meaningful possessions over materialism, we’re helping them build life skills that will last.

As you guide them on this journey, remember that you’re not just reducing clutter in your home, you’re creating space for more important things like family time, creativity, and gratitude.

In the end, minimalism isn’t just about fewer toys. It’s about finding more joy in the things that truly matter.