We are in the process of building a house, but I find that I am so thankful for this little temporary home that we have found ourselves in. It is the place in which I re-discovered what it means to be a family and where I gather a deeper understanding of what it is to create a home. Sharing small spaces together and having our bare minimum of possessions has brought our family closer than it has ever been in the past. Our children have become more patient, generous, and creative.
As parents, we have become more tuned in to what is best for our family and we are using this new knowledge to help in designing our new home. We have made major changes so that we can have a home that brings us more together as a family instead of pushing us further apart.
I am currently reading Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne, M.ED., this is a wonderful book written by a fellow family therapist whom takes his inspiration from the Waldorf Education philosophies of childhood exploration and learning. It is a beautiful read that has encouraged me to get rid of the television/ cable in our lives (although my husband and I are really missing The Daily Show and The Cobert Report… neither of which are on hulu). Our children are spending much of their time in the kitchen cooking, or crafting, or off helping each other make forts. This is a beautiful space and our lives are really full right now.
Simplicity Parenting is one of my favorite books of all time. I have read it twice and I refer back to it often. There is so much wisdom in its pages. And yes, the changes that occur (some slowly some quickly) are astounding to watch.
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