Minimalist Parenting

Enjoy Modern Life More By Doing Less!

“Part of the modern tendency toward over-parenting seems to be driven by a fear of scarcity, whether it relates to material goods or spots at day care or enrollment in the ‘best’ school.

Authors Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest don’t buy it.

“We believe there’s enough to go around. Sure, there’s only one valedictorian and one first-chair violin. But the idea that your child’s future success hinges on this detail is an illusion.

“We love our children so desperately that it’s too frightening to accept that their futures are, in part, a result of circumstance. Their best chance for a happy adulthood lies in discovering and nurturing their strengths, cultivating flexibility in the face of obstacles, and developing the tools to forge lasting relationships …

“Everyone can do less and still raise healthy, happy, intelligent, and responsible kids.

“The key lies in fine-tuning your filters so only the important stuff makes it onto your worthy-of-attention radar. The question goes from “How do I fit everything in?” to “What’s most important to fit in?”

The beauty of this approach: when you minimalize your schedule, you have a shot at ending most days with the knowledge that you did most of the things that matter.

“Activities that are part of a balanced life means there is still time for play, chores, reflection, family togetherness and rest.”

Shared Care parents have been long time supporters of this approach. Learn more by reading one of these great books about Shared Care:

The Libra Solution, Shedding Excess and Redefining Success at Work and at Home, by Lisa D’Annolfo Levey (2012)

Equally Shared Parenting, by Marc and Amy Vachon (2011)

This is Not How I Thought It Would Be, by Kristin Maschka (2009)

Daddy on Board, by Dottie Lamm (2007)

How to Avoid the Mommy Trap, by Julie Shields (2003)

Click here to download a PDF with the full list of Shared Care books.

Or join us on May 3rd in Philadelphia for our first ever Shared Care Reunion.

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