Should my Children be Minimalists too?

Photo Credit JapanToday

Many of us have children, in fact for me at least one of the reasons I become a minimalist was because of my children and lack of space to put all the stuff. So should my children be forced into minimalist lifestyle?

Let's say Christmas time comes rolling about and your lovely parents and inlaws are over to visit. For those fortunate enough that is 4 grandparents and if you have a bigger family then oh boy we know what that means. Any who you have specifically requested everyone not to gift you, however does this right extend over to your children? Do you as a parent have the ability to reject your child's presents? Happiness of owning stuff brings them short-term joy? 

On one hand it can be treated like a drug, if a drug brings your child instant happiness and melts the world away but it's terrible for their health. Then a parent is obligated to use almost any means necessary to help their children by either taking away the drugs or by blocking the means of obtaining it.

However, in this situation you would need to treat consumerism like a disease. Is consumerism a disease? A psychological problem that we have all developed but since it benefits the "society" it goes unnoticed? Or about forcing an ideal that the parents or parent much like a religion? We will discuss this later down the road.

Assuming that consumerist attitudes towards owning stuff is not harmful long-term then the parent will be in the position of being a jerk and denying the child of short-term happiness. And in the process violate a core idea of minimalism "the pursuit of happiness" for the child and bring an unpleasant experience for all other people in the room.

What do you guys think? 

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

Four Gifts Even a True Minimalist Would Appreciate

If one of your loved ones is a minimalist (like me) and nothing is good enough for them ;). And bless your heart, but you really want to give them a physical object, then here is a list of things that even a true minimalist would appreciate.

Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life

This book by Joshua Fields Millburn and contributor  Ryan Nicodemus (many consider the father of modern minimalism)  is like the Bible for atheist minimalist and secondary Bible for the religious ones. As a matter of fact is good for everyone. It was an eye-opening experience for me and I can honestly say after stumbling across Joshua my life has taken a turn for the better. There is no more frustrations from picking out which wrist watch matches the outfit for of day, instead just put on your clothes and the extra time saved spend eating breakfast with your kids or hitting the gym. If you enjoy the thought of that then this book is definitely for you. Heck get’em a Kindle version if you wanna play it safe.

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Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife

There nothing better for a minimalist than a small versatile tool that can tackle many obstacles. And such is the King of versatility; The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is the end all be all of tools for everyday tasks; opening packages / letters, plucking out an ingrown hair or splinter, tightening a screw, clipping a hangnail, opening a beer and most importantly of all it all fits on your keychain. Also did I mention it doesn’t look half bad with its sleek curves and blade forged of the finest steel from Switzerland?

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Food & Drinks!

Credit: National Geographic

Honestly, all of us from minimalist to mild hoarders we all love to eat and drink being a minimalist doesn’t change our deepest human desires as a matter of fact being minimalist will heighten our experiences with food. So yea bring us a nice bottle of wine and if you’re under 21 then give us a hamburger and turkey leg or something call it a day. It's easy don’t make things complicated.

Hugs and Smiles

Credit: Sasha Cobra

If you truly can’t bring anything then bring your best hugs and smiles, we won’t judge you at all we’ll actually appreciate the gesture (I think everyone in the room would) because remember in the end what matter this holiday is that we are all together sharing the precious few moments we call life. So please forget old grudges and pains this winter and learn to embrace the fellow man or woman.

If you think Smiling and being happy and interacting with family, friends and co-workers is a definite weakness of your then Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is a DEFINITE read for you and everyone you know. It's like the 8th wonder of the world the Holy Grail on well How to Win Friends and Influence people. (It's not some pickup artist book, its a genuine science-backed way to get people to like you by working on yourself. I'm going to write a review / summary on this later down the line, maybe even pick it up for the more toxic member of your family, so you can love them more easily.

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