Embracing Simplicity: the benefits of teaching our children the art of simplicity
When we think of success it is often synonymous with complexity however there's a growing movement advocating for the art of simplicity, particularly when it comes to raising our children. This idea is beautifully captured in William Martin's poetic wisdom in "The Parent's Tao Te Ching," where he urges parents to guide their children towards finding joy in ordinary moments rather than pressuring them into the pursuit of extraordinary lives.
The Parent's Tao Te Ching || by William Martin
“Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
Martin's profound words resonate deeply: "Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives... Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life." This sentiment prompts us to consider the benefits of teaching our children the art of simplicity and embracing the beauty in life's everyday moments.
Finding Wonder in Ordinary Life
The idea is to shift the focus from pushing children towards societal notions of success to helping them discover the joy in simplicity. This approach aligns with the belief that fostering an appreciation for the ordinary can lead to a more content and resilient future generation. The benefits of this parenting style can also be hugely beneficial to the parent and can set powerful examples for children to follow.
In the modern world the pressures parents can face can feel daunting and endless. Sharing the joy of simplicity with your child could also bring a sense of calm to your own life, and you can live in the moment, it is not a one size fits all approach and can feel daunting to accomplish as it could potentially be directly contrasting to how we ourselves were raised. Starting small by practicing simplicity in your daily life, for example taking a moment to appreciate the changing colours of the leaves in Autumn, watching flowers come to life or noticing the light changing in the spring.
“The idea is to shifT the focus from pushing children towards societal notions of success to helping them discover the joy in simplicity.”
Another recommended way to practice simplicity is to start by decluttering your living space, getting rid of unnecessary possessions, and organising your belongings in a way that promotes a sense of calm and order.
Additionally, simplifying your schedule by prioritising activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, while eliminating those that only add stress and feelings of overwhelm. This can be much easier said than done however, by creating this calm in your own life, you create an environment that encourages a sense of tranquillity and fulfilment, which can inspire children to adopt a similar mindset and appreciate the beauty of a simpler, more meaningful life.
Instilling in children the value of experiences over material possessions can be beneficial to all. In a world saturated with messages promoting the accumulation of things, it's challenging to escape the influence of advertisements and marketing. Nevertheless, teaching kids that genuine happiness stems from the memories and experiences they cultivate, rather than the possessions they amass, proves immensely beneficial. Encouraging children to prioritise activities like spending quality time with loved ones, exploring nature, and engaging in creative pursuits helps foster gratitude, contentment, and an appreciation for life's simple joys. This shift in mindset can cultivate a lasting inclination toward seeking fulfilment through meaningful experiences, steering away from the constant pursuit of material possessions.
The Impact of Simplicity on Child Development
Research supports the idea that cultivating simplicity in a child's upbringing can positively impact their development. Studies suggest that children raised with an appreciation for simplicity tend to exhibit higher levels of creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, they often navigate stress and challenges more effectively, fostering resilience from an early age.
Research supports the idea that cultivating simplicity in a child's upbringing can positively impact their development. Studies suggest that children raised with an appreciation for simplicity tend to exhibit higher levels of creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, they often navigate stress and challenges more effectively, fostering resilience from an early age.
teaching our children the art of simplicity
In a world often enamoured by complexity and achievement, it's crucial to celebrate the profound impact of simplicity on our children's well-being and future success. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of figures like William Martin and the viral life lessons shared by Tim Minchin, parents can embark on a transformative journey. By instilling the art of simplicity in their children, they cultivate resilience, joy, and a profound appreciation for the beauty found in life's ordinary moments. Embracing the inner child that marvels at flower petals, revels in simple games of hide and seek, colours just for the love of it, dances for the sheer joy it brings, and laughs wholeheartedly, parents sow seeds of lasting happiness and fulfilment in their children's lives. It's in these unassuming moments that you can come to realise that life's ordinary is actually extraordinary.
“Parents sow seeds of Lasting happiness and fulfilment in their children’s live”
Further Reading…
The Parent's Tao Te Ching
William C. Martin has freshly reinterpreted the Tao Te Ching to speak directly and clearly to the most difficult of modern tasks -- parenting. The Parent's Tao Te Ching addresses the great themes that support loving parent- child relationships: responding without judgment, emulating natural processes, and balancing between doing and being.
This book, dedicated to the principles of minimalism and simplicity, is a guide to navigating the complexities of modern living. Authored by an advocate for intentional living, "A Simpler Life" explores ideas around decluttering, embracing minimalism, and finding contentment with less. Through practical insights and real-life examples, the book inspires readers to reevaluate their priorities and adopt a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
Minchin bestows his advice on a group of graduates at his alma mater, The University of Western Australia.