Simplifying Your Environment: Can we Make it Simple?
As I write this article I am in the midst of our homeschool co-op.
It is raining so ALL the kids are in this big common area and
the noise level is beyond imagining.
I have my earbuds in trying to listen to soothing music on Pandora,
but it is a futile attempt!
So, the subject of simplifying your environment is especially timely
today!
Take a virtual look around your house and see what areas need some attention.
I find myself anxious and scattered when things are messy and piled up.
A clutter-free fresh room makes me feel calm and creative.
Set a timer for 15 minutes or 1 hour and focus on the removal of everything
you don’t use or love. Be ruthless and you won’t regret it! Clear the energy
and you will feel peaceful and lighter.
This also pertains to your child. More “stuff” piled up everywhere causes
a child to flit from toy to toy, always looking for something new to entertain.
Less toys, books, and “stuff” allows her to move deeply into creative play with
that toy in a way that can be unknown in a cluttered world. Those 2 or 3 well
loved open-ended toys will become the backbone of their play world.
A silk, some wooden animals and acorns can be all that is needed for hours
of stories and fairytale creations.
Broken, loud or accosting toys can be tucked away or removed as a trial
period to see how much they are actually missed.
Most times children love to have a room that is set-up with just a few favorites
in a “scene”; 3 to 4 beloved books on the shelf, and the same number of outfits
hanging in the closet. No more is needed.
We wear and use our favorites right?
Check the level of sensory overload that could be going on in your home. Bright
lights, loud music, tv, games, and strong smells (candles, detergents or air fresheners)
can be overstimulating your children. If the playing or talking noise is continuously
crazy, invoke “quiet time” or put on soft soothing music alongside blocks or
creative toys.
TIP: Keep this rule for toys/clothes and you will never have a pile up. If 1 comes in, 1 goes out. 
