We tried minimalism with kids

You CAN be a minimalist with kids. But that doesn’t mean your kids will be as well 😵‍💫

Stuff that I use & love:

New here? I'm Matt 👋 I made an award-winning documentary called Minimalism a few years ago and now I make YouTube videos. Please subscribe so my mother-in-law thinks this is a better career than being a doctor.

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[prairie_court]

I only have one concern. The toy rotation. We develop our ability to form attachments early on, and toys play into this. I can't say I know what's best, but if you hadn't already considered it, please do.

[birgitte]

I got once a golden tip from a single mom on a tight budget. "Do not get anything before you actually NEED it". What is essential for some parents never get used by others. Stores and second hand platforms are open all the time, so wait until the actual need occurs. This tip has saved us an extreme amount of money.

As long as you have diapers, breast milk/formula, some clothes and a safe car seat... Everything else can probably wait until you actually need it.

Some people find it safer and more convenient to change the baby on the floor than using a changing station, others never use the stroller because the baby/parents prefer the baby carrier.

[ceririchards]

Don’t forget when he’s older those are HIS things. Not your things. So to get rid of them doesn’t show him respect. Sure there is a line where it’s too much stuff. But a single basket like that is not going to go over well when he’s older.

[Kringeladida]

Hmmm… your own toys (camera stuff and books) also don‘t fit into one box? I guess he does not need much as a baby but I can‘t imagine my childhood with just one box of fun things. Just the stuff for crafting, drawing and painting was more than one box. Add Lego, some stuffed animals, puzzles, books, maybe some cars or dolls. I mean if the box is huuuuge this might work out but good luck in finding anything 😂😂

[ladymallowyt]

Yes, its gonna be harder for your child to be minimalist as they get older 😂 One thing I want to do when I have kids is to set up a book shelf so we can read a different book everyday before bedtime

[Akaner]

Kids need more color for development. What's up with this monochromatic stuff?

[mollygrace]

The clothing drawer reminds me a little of my older daughter. We never checked the sex, so all her clothes from 0-3 months were white, yellow, and green. Frogs and duckies. I was SO tired of it after a couple of months and got more colors.

[vickyfisher-bzjj]

Also toy rotation is really good for kids as well when they get older also maybe bigger items like I would say like opening end toys really good as well secondhand toys also toy libraries are really good as well. The library style for books.

[charliechocolates]

Boundaries for gifts must be an upper class thing lmao

[jossykerflossy]

It’s easy when they are babies. Just wait until they get older. My middle child is a stuffed animal maximalist at 17 with no end in sight.

[bear.b]

The toy rotation thing is guide on how to raise a hoarder. Don’t do it! Children form attachments to their belongings early in their development and it’s important that they have a safe attachment and that their belongings won’t just disappear because something new showed up. Don’t force a lifestyle that can harm your baby’s development in the long run.

[Anna-oeue]

Omg my kids have several uncles and aunts (like you Matt. My husband is out of 7 😅). I set the boundary of no toys for birthday and Christmas. So now we get college funds and occasional gifts. Its been 4 years, it's working woooo.

[luisarodriguez]

Parents and kids used to be minimalist. Many still are. It’s called poverty.
On a serious note, as a mother of two, I can assure you that we need a fraction of what most people think is essential.

[KaReEdCa]

We tried minimalism with our bottles, until our daughter refused the nipped of the bottle...at one point we had at least 1 of each bottle in the market until we finally hit the one that she would/could use. It was a cupboard full 😂😂😂😂

[TRisr]

Rich people cosplaying poor people and still failing. Throw away those gadget “necessities” (yes you will have to pay attention to your baby and be with them 24/7 sorry) and replace it with more toys, let your kid develop through playing and have some memories with toys. They’re humans not accessories

[livi]

Poor kids already stressed with our adult behaviours and choises

[ostros]

Your kid may not be minimalist nor your wife might not be - then you are drowning in chaos after 1 year. Here we are on decluttering journey. (PS. My wife is an amazing wife and mother! :))

[TriStar]

Maybe let your kid choose when he’s old enough? Maybe don’t force your philosophy onto him? Just a thought. No hate 🫶

[LezzSamurai]

Can't like it, the number of likes are 666 😅