Imagine a child lost among mountains of toys… Struggling to choose, jumping from one to another, and in the end, forming no deep connection with any of them. Clutter, at any age, overwhelms the mind. And children are no exception. That’s why the philosophy of simple living can be such a powerful guide when raising children.
In this article, we’ll explore how to explain the concept of simple living to children—from the benefits of having fewer toys to helping them make meaningful choices. We'll also take inspiration from the Montessori approach!
Why Reducing Toys Matters
Having fewer, meaningful toys helps children:
- Improve their attention span
- Nurture their imagination
- Develop a sense of responsibility
- Distance themselves from consumerist habits
According to the Montessori philosophy, a child’s environment should be simple and orderly, allowing them to learn through intrinsic motivation. Instead of a cluttered space, a thoughtfully curated selection of quality toys offers more learning opportunities.
How to Start Reducing Toys
1. Observe Notice which toys your child engages with the most and which ones gather dust. Make a list.
2. Decide Together Involve your child in the process. Ask questions like: “Which toys could we gift to other children?” This encourages empathy and the spirit of sharing.
3. Try Toy Rotation Rather than displaying all toys at once, keep a limited number out and store the rest. Rotate them weekly or monthly to keep interest alive.
Supporting Meaningful Choices
- Offer guided options: “Shall we read a storybook or build with blocks today?”
- Encourage emotional connection: Let them name their toys or create stories—this adds meaning and depth.
- Let them choose their outfits: Giving them a choice between simple pieces builds confidence and decision-making skills.
What to Consider When Choosing Toys
- Are they made from natural materials?
- Are they simple but functional?
- Are they open-ended? (e.g. wooden blocks, fabric dolls, minimalist kitchen sets)
- Are they age-appropriate?
- Do they offer multiple ways to play, not just a single function?
We care deeply about helping children live simply. Our handmade fabric dolls—with their minimalist designs and natural materials—are designed to spark imagination and become meaningful, long-lasting companions.
Minimal designs offer children not clutter, but the space to play freely and build their own world.
Fewer Toys, Deeper Connections
Reducing toys means simplifying your child’s world while supporting how they learn. When the excess is removed, focus, creativity, and calm take its place.
More play with fewer things is possible. Just like a simple life. 🌿