Parenting made simple - 10 important tips

Do you want to simplify your life as a parent, slow down and enjoy a sense of ease and calm? I am sure all of us would like to do it as parents; this is best done by streamlining your responsibilities so you have quality time to spend with your family. By simplifying our own life, we will also be simplifying our child's and will encourage him/her to value his loved ones. Here are 10 important tips to make parenting simple: 1. Identify what each room is for and stick to it:

Creating a purpose for each room helps; clear homework, art projects and other paper from the dining room and put your kids' backpacks, gym shoes and school textbooks in their rooms. You would then not have to stare at mess and would feel more relaxed.

2. Remove the clutter:

This is very important to get a sense of freedom. You should move all recycling and trash and put things where they actually belong. You could fill boxes with stuff you no longer need and donate them to charity; this would not only give you the pleasure of giving, but would also clear up the space that they were occupying.

3. Create a family routine:

Things move more smoothly this way as kids and other family members know what to expect and what is expected of them. This involves fixing time for meals, when children should go out to classes and sports and when they get up in the morning and go to bed at night.

4. Plan the week’s dinners as a family:

You could simplify the process by creating a rotating daily menu that remains the same week after week; this helps get family time and removes guesswork out of planning meals. Family dinners are a times that act as an anchor for family togetherness.

5.  Analyze and cut down the quantity of toys by 50%:

Work together with your child and analyze the toys he/she plays with and those he/she no longer plays or wants; it would be about 50%. Donate them to charity to teach your child important lessons in being generous.

6. Spend time as a family outside:

Spend time outside in nature going out for family hikes, picnics by the lake or in a park or just flying a kite; spending time outside needs no elaborate planning, but creates calm with lots of great rewards. Spending time outside could encourage your child to be active and participate in physical activities.

7. Children need some unscheduled time or playtime: 

   Avoid over-scheduling as children need time to play, get creative with his/her toys, to get imaginative and spend time with parents and siblings. This would not only ease stress, but promote feelings of happiness; our true moments of connection are often in unscheduled down time.

8. Limit screen time to promote human interaction:

Screen time and electronics can be pretty distracting; let TV, computer and video games occupy a small part of the daily schedule.

9. Reduce sensory overload and create a quiet and serene home:

This involves minimizing or avoiding loud music, blaring televisions and bright lights that would distract and interfere with other interactions. Creating a quiet and serene home involves playing soft music and dimming the lights.

10. Do not hover over your kids and leave them alone:

Leave your kids alone by giving them freedom to read a book, play with their toys or do an art project on their own. However let them know that you are there.  

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