Life with kids is a joy. The beautiful moments, fun, laughter and… occasional chaos! Wouldn’t it be great if you could simplify and make things easier?
If you’re looking for ways to achieve a simpler life, I’ve got some strategies for you right here.
Now, I can’t promise a fix all solution. Because raising littles isn’t meant to be completely simple. However, I can offer some helpful tips to support you on the journey.
This post is about how you can simplify your life in little ways. To make living with your tiny loves a bit less chaotic.
1. Be Patient, Gentle and Kind
Aa’ishah (radiyallaahu ‘anhaa) narrated that Allaah’s Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam) said,
“Gentleness is not introduced into an affair except that it is beautified and it is not taken away from any affair except that it is disfigured.” [Muslim, no. 2594]
Showing patience and forbearance may not be easy, so we must seek Allah’s aid. As it’s not only essential for us as individuals, but it will also help strengthen the relationships with our children and set an example of good character and manners for them.
“O you who have believed! Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly! Allah is with As-Sabirun (the patient).” (Surah Baqarah 2:153)
2. Have Fun
Be playful with your children and delight in their company. They’re only young for a short while. Perhaps in future, you may reminisce together about the beautiful memories of a happy childhood.
3. Have Less
I’m not saying you need to be a minimalist (although it helps a lot!) But when you simplify belongings you simplify your life as a parent. Especially when it comes to things such as toys, clothes and miscellaneous items.
As a homemaker and mother you already have many duties to fulfill (alhamdulillah). So, having too many things in your home just adds to your workload.
(Be sure to involve your family in the decision making process).
4. Spend Less
When we shift our focus from spending to doing we begin to see life from a different perspective.
Giving our children a good life is not about spending copious amounts of money. What’s more important is our good treatment, guidance, time and love.
5. Don’t Do too Much
Packing a schedule full every day and constantly rushing from one place to the next, is sure to bring about stress for everyone. Simplify your days by spacing out certain appointments and activities. Or letting go of some entirely.
6. Do More Together
Spending quality time together is an essential part of raising children. As parents we are their first friends.
Read and learn together. Do some baking. Even go “camping” in your living room. Often times the simplest days result in some of the best memories.
7. Quiet Time
Setting aside an hour or so each day for quiet time is beneficial for both you and your children. It helps to relieve stress, improve self confidence, encourage problem solving, aid concentration, and support creativity and imagination.
Some quiet time examples for kids are:
- puzzles
- reading
- building with blocks, lego, or magnetic tiles
- sensory play
- colouring and drawing
And you get some much needed peace during the day.
8. Spend Time in Nature
Getting out in nature is great for a child’s gross motor skills, mental development, emotional regulation, sensory stimulation, language improvement, critical thinking and exploration.
Go on nature walks or hikes as a family, explore fields, or pick flowers and berries.
9. Eat Simple Meals
Accustom your family to eating simple dishes. Elaborate meals every night is a lot of work and can set expectations too high.
Trying out a new recipe every now and then can be fun. But when you simplify daily meals it means less hassle, pressure and dishes to clean up at the end of the night.
You’ll then be more likely to see cooking as a means of nourishing your bodies, rather than a demanding chore.
10. Encourage Self Sufficiency
Preparing food, vacuuming, doing laundry, or simply tending to a younger sibling are all tasks that children can easily get involved in. And they actually enjoy it!
If they’re capable of accomplishing a task, allow them to do so. Even if it’s not to your personal standard. This will aid them in developing future life skills and an understanding of responsibility.
11. Daily Cleaning Habits
There are small things you can do daily to help maintain basic cleanliness in your home. Such as putting items away after each use, wiping down counters and cleaning up spills straight away.
If you’d like to know more easy ways to keep a clean home then check out: 10 Small Habits for a Clean and Organised Home
12. Plan Ahead
Whenever I put in a little bit of effort to plan ahead, it significantly helps save time in those busy moments.
You can plan ahead by:
- packing bags in advance
- choosing clothes for the next day
- cleaning the kitchen before bed
- doing food prep (marinating, chopping etc)
13. Slow Mornings
How you start your mornings can set the tone for the rest of the day. Try your best to start your days off as slow and relaxed as possible. Rather than having everyone stressed, anxious and rushing around.
This will look different for each family. But even waking up just a bit earlier could aid you in getting a slower, calmer start to the day.
14. Peaceful Night Time Routine
It doesn’t have to be a 10 step routine. Just a few basic things each night to settle down at the end of the day.
Your children will know what to expect and are then able to mentally and physically prepare for a more peaceful sleep.
And a night time routine for you: Self-Care Night Routine: Realistic and Relaxing
15. Let Some Things Go
Shaykh Muṣṭafá Mubram حفظه الله said:
(Translated by Abū Afnān Muḥammad حفظه الله)
Yes, it is not befitting that you be like a “camera” that monitors (everything). Every time a small mistake is made or even a big one, you hurl insults upon him, or even physical punishment or similar things. No, if the issue at hand allows tolerating certain mistakes which he commits, like running fast through the house, or playing or similar actions, then you can overlook them so as to seize the opportunity to (guide him) in issues related to cultivating him upon genuinely significant matters.
As stated above there are certain things that we can and should overlook with our children.
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Tip number ten: Encourage self sufficiency
It’s definitely worth it, alhamdulillah.