This past year has been about going back to basics on the parenting front. Instead of ramping it up, we’re dialing it down and learning about simplicity parenting and unspoiling a child. Part of this change in thinking is a backlash to helicopter parenting. Part of it is due to the state of the economy; many of us have less money for over-the-top toys, clothes and extracurricular classes for our kids. TIME magazine created quite the buzz in the blogosphere last November with its cover story “The Growing Backlash against Overparenting.”

But one of the books that started it all was one of our faves here at UrbanBaby: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids. Well, now Simplicity Parenting is out in paperback.

Waldorf educator and consultant Kim John Payne teamed up with writer Lisa M. Ross to guide parents away from the four pillars of “too much”: too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, and too fast.The book presents a wealth of helpful ideas for reclaiming childhood and finding family harmony with chapters that cover four levels of simplification – environment, rhythm, schedules and Filtering Out the Adult World.

“As parents, we’re the architects of our family’s daily lives. You can see what a family holds dear from the pattern of their everyday lives.” Kim John Payne

A friendly reminder to slow down and simplify before the school year is in full swing and we’re knee deep in the holiday season.

POSTED IN: Books, UrbanBaby Reads
TAGS: Books, helicopter, Parenting