I get a lot of emails and comments from you saying that you come here for inspiration. And I'm glad for that. It feeds my soul and is much of why I come here day after day to talk with you. But you know, I am looking for inspiration too. I want a simple, clear, joy-filled life in which my children, my partner, my marriage, my community, our planet, and I will thrive. Where my home is calm and peaceful and a joyful physical manifestation of what I value. Where I can be not "good enough", but great. I am not interested in "good enough" anything. We all deserve better and better and better – our kids included. They will carry with them into their own adulthood that lessons that we teach by how we live and how we raise them. That, indeed, is the legacy of a parent.
Three times yesterday (and several times over the past few weeks) the book Simplicity Parenting, by Kim John Payne, has come up in conversation. Several good friends (one of whom lives what I would call a clear and simple life already) have seen their worlds transformed by reading this book. I interpreted yesterday's three references as a sign and decided to buy the book. And then I had a wonderful thought – do you want to read it with me?
What if we all picked up a copy of this book (through the library, our local book stores, or on-line) and week by week explored the concepts in it? If you are interested I'll invest some time figuring out the best way to open conversation through this blog and this book.
To give you a bit more information on the premise of Simplicity Parenting, it is focused on four realms:
Environment: De-cluttering too much stuff at home.
Rhythm: Increasing predictability by introducing rhythmic moments for connection and calm.
Scheduling: Soothing violent schedules brings moments for Being into all the Doing.
Unplugging: Reducing the influence of adult concerns, media and consumerism on children and families to increase resilience, social and emotional intelligence.
The ideas in here seem like that would transform many lives. Are you in? Leave a comment if you'd like to join me, and then take some time to find a copy of the book this weekend. We won't start for a while to give everyone time to find a copy.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Did you hear her speak in Madison? I just finished the book a few weeks ago. Nice read. 🙂
I’m in. Sounds like a great idea.
I’m in, bur it may take 2 weeks (or even 3) to get it since I’m in Costa Rica, but I will order it today.
I’m interested and a little scared already, I feel this are the kind of changes I want to make, that we need to make, and at the same time I have been so unable to do, so this is a stronger reason to do it.
Besides I will be sharing in Spanish too, so that may be helpful for others, I guess.
FANTASTIC idea. I bought the book already and love it, but could definitely benefit from some discussion and on-line support to follow up.
I’m in – I haven’t read a good parenting book in a while and although we have been slow as molasses this winter, I still feel the need to slow down in a more organized and productive way – maybe this is just the ticket!
I’m in too! I have the book and would love to read through it with you and the rest of these beautiful people.
I’m in. 🙂
I would love to join!
That book is definitely something I’d be interested in! I may not get it in time to keep up with a discussion, but I’ll look for feedback from you and others.
Great idea – thanks for getting this started!
I am going to try to get the book and join you all too!
I just placed a library hold on the book. I’d love to join.
I would be interested also. I will see if I can get it at the library. I read very few parenting books because I like the rhythm we have and no one knows my children like I do. But like you said, I too want to be inspired.
I also sometimes wonder if I don’t know all the stuff already and just need to actually put it more into practice. Maybe the book or a book club could help me with that. My youngest is 8 and sometimes I feel those books are directed more towards people with younger children.
I’m interested!
I’m in. Been meaning to read the book anyway. Thanks for the kick in the pants.
I love this idea! I’ll be getting the book and following along for sure! Thanks Rachel!
I’ll look around this weekend, and hopefully I’m in too! 🙂
Sounds like a good book!! I am in too.
I think it sounds fun…count me in!
Count me in too! Tried to make to see the gig in Madison but couldn’t find a sitter and my husband was traveling for work. This should be a great way to share, no sitter required 🙂
This book also keeps appearing in my life lately and I was just searching out a copy. Then I pop in here and here it is again! Count me in 🙂
Loved this book! It is well worth your time to read it!
I’m in. I’ve got it on hold at the library, but i may have to breakdown and buy it. Excited about this.
I’m in!
I’m in. It is at my local library branch, so I’m headed there this afternoon.
I’m in! The copy at my local library is due back on 4/11 and i just placed a hold on it 🙂 so happy they have it!
I already have a copy, and I’m in! Great idea!
I’m in, though I may have to play catchup and start reading after my exams. Ugh. I think step one for simplifying my life should be to drop out of law school — what do you think?! =)
This is a very inspiring book. It has definitely influenced a lot of things at our house. I did a major de-cluttering of toys in the fall, but this seems to be a constant battle. I went to part of his workshop last weekend and came home with more momentum to keep on simplifying and knowing in my heart that our family is on the right track. I would love to be part of a discussion about this book and to have the online support especially when others (grandparents, aunt/uncles)are on an entirely different track. This book has so many important issues in it and am looking forward to hearing the discussions.
Thanks Rachel
Hello
I would love to join in. I’ve ordered the book and it’s due next week.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Susie
I love this idea. I’ll order it immediately.
me too. in. peace.
definitely interested!!!!
I’m in too.
i read this recently so i’d be interested in the conversation for sure! the big leap for me is the computer – i find so much inspiration here. moving it to a different room and limiting my computer time is a challenge!
Yes, I’m in! I had borrowed this along with a pile of other books from the library. I barely got into it before it needed to go back. I’d love to read it all with a discussion.
I’d love to join! I’ve been wary of parenting books, but love true inspiration. I’ll check it out with all of you!
Oh I’d love to! I just picked up the book last week on someone’s suggestion.
I’m in! I will order this tomorrow…I could use some inspiration in so many areas of life at the moment!
I’m in!
I just took this one out from the library this week!
I would absolutely love to join in. I already have the book, and have started it more than once, but have yet to finish (and would love to discuss it with others!).
Hello Rachel. I have been looking for a good book on parenting to buy for my sons and their wives. I am in the very happy position of waiting for my first two grandchildren to be born (first one is due tomorrow). This looks to be just what I’ve been looking for. I had not heard of it before, but on reading the reviews, I think it looks like a sensible and wise guide. Thank you.
Rhonda Jean,
I just said to a dear friend last night that I wished I had know how to effectively limit stuff much sooner in my life. I told her I brought every single thing into my life! It was me! It would be a timely and perfect gift for your sons and their families.
Many blessings,
Rachel
I’d love it!!!
I’m in. Love you.
I’m in. I am on the waiting list at the local library. Though I may have to go buy a copy.
We’re in!
I would love to join, but the book is on hold at the library, so I don’t think I will have it right away. Would love to join, so if I have to, I will buy it.
I would love to join in! I bought and read the book just a few weeks ago, and have already referred back several times. I would love to read it again with a book group!
YES. I have the book and have yet to read it – doing it this way would be lovely.
I already own the book, but have yet to read it. I would love to try to follow along.
I’d love to join in, too! I’ve been lurking on your blog for a few months now and have really enjoyed it.
Our kids are all grown up but this looks like something that we could still find applicable in our lives. Consider us in!
I’m in! Currently number 1 in the request line…
What a wonderful idea! I am making a trip to the library tomorrow!
Rachel, I look forward to joining this community/discussion. 🙂
Just ordered it!
I’m in as well. Still have to locate a copy, but looking forward to reading it along with others.
I also would love to join you!
I was gifted the book in December and am still trying to carve out some time to read it. A group read would be great motivation. Thank you.
I’m in 🙂 Been meaning to read this one for a while 🙂
xo
Just saw this. YES! No kids here yet, but I’m still interested. This would awesome preparation for whenever the little ones enter our lives. 🙂
just ordered it!
I’m reading this now and loving it! I’d love to participate as well 🙂
I love this idea! i just read this book, and though I’ve already passed it on to a friend, I loved it and would be interested in participating in further discussion around it. It was very inspiring, even though I already aim to keep our lives simple, uncluttered, media-free, etc. It’s funny, this book has been coming up in conversation for me a lot lately too — several times before I bought the book, which prompted me to get a copy and read it, and now, your comment was probably the fourth since I’ve read it. It’s out there in the field, for sure — let’s talk about it!
Amy,
I have not read the book yet because I felt the same way. We do zero media here, have simple playthings, etc. and yet… there is always room for huge improvements! So here we go. Thanks for joining in!
~ Rachel
Sounds good to me! I just picked up my copy from the local bookstore today. It’s been on my list for awhile.
I would love to join in, I too have hovered for a while, the book arrived yesterday along with another on low cost living so I am all set for reading this month.
Ooh, this sounds good. I will have to wrangle up a copy. I’m in!
I’m in too!
I’ve skimmed the book, and know that I very much need these principles. I’d love to participate. Do I just watch the blog?
I’m in as well. I got it on my kindle today.
Yes! Just watch the blog. I will make an announcement of when well start and how it will go later this week.
All the best,
Rachel
At simplicityparenting.com we wish you much success with your study group! For added support, check out blog at http://www.simplicityparenting.com/blog-2/ or our Face Book Fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/?tid=1334835789167&sk=messages#!/pages/Simplicity-Parenting/257701525127
We also have lots of audios to supplement your reading in our on-line store. When you sign up for our Free Simplicity Starter Kit you receive the 1st chapter for free, a free audio by Kim John Payne, and a subscription to our monthly ezine.
Have fun mamas and best of luck with your simplicity changes!
Warmly, Raelee Peirce
Simplicity Parenting Outreach Coordinator
Thank you so much, Raelee! Ill share the info below with our group this coming week!
Blessings,
Rachel
I am looking forward to this! I am moving towards a more simple life – I am even considering downsizing my home!
Jennifer,
Interesting that you mention your home. Pete and I dream of building someday and lately were building smaller and smaller because our attachment to things is dwindling. We need so little space when we dont insulate ourselves with many things.
Peace,
Rachel
I’m reading SP for the second time. My son actually recommended the book. He knows my interest as a grandmother and a preschool teacher.
Life-long learning here I am!-)
K.J.P. writes in his Epilogue. . . There’s more to the subject of discipline than I was able to cover in this book. So I’m recommending Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen as a good book on the subject.
Comments on Chapter One of SP–“Imagine your home becoming a place where those we love know it, by virtue of our attention, protection, and appreciation.”
I’ve come to value the idea of classroom and family meetings. (See Positive Discipline)
Even as young as three, children can be part of a family meeting. (They can circle the names of everyone in attendance.) A way to start family meetings is to say how you appreciate members. e.g. “I appreciate how motivated you’ve been to doing your homework before playing.” Appreciations may be awkward at first but they can create such good karma.
I would like to join too if it’s not too late! I can catch up. I need to Simplify our space, with a capital S!
I’m in. I’re read through once but would love to discuss more deeply, especially about application of his ideas.
Welcome, Melissa! Just come here each week and well add a chapter a week as we go.
Peace,
Rachel