When you start your journey of decluttering, it might be tempting to start with the kids stuff. This can be a big no-no. Why not do decluttering with kids first? Because it can seem like a punishment!
Be an Example & Model First
First off, depending on their age, they’ll probably experience this in a variety of ways. Defensiveness and sadness are likely and who can blame them? Look at yourself first, and work to improve from there. Be an example of what happens when you live with less. Most kids will see this and be able to get behind it, but its best to model, first.
Demonstrate & Answer Questions
When they see you going through your things, it helps to have them start to get acquainted with the idea of owning less. Be honest if they ask questions.
Don’t Make it a Future Stumbling Block
Until they’ve seen the benefits from the rest of the household going through their stuff, it might just seem like you’re picking on them. I have a really close friend that says she still thinks she holds on to things for too long because her mom had come through her room while she was in elementary school and ‘cleared it out.’ While she’s made great progress with identifying this belief as something she can actually overcome, she says she still slow to get rid of things and very careful now around her own children.
Make the Family Want to Join in
Just remember, its not a sprint! You need to work this over time and move forward each day as much as you are able to. Usually, the entire family comes on board at some point. What a wonderful feeling when you see they can offer to give things up to those in need on their own. Or after they read a book, they put it in the donation pile for others?
Think of the life-long gift of your children learning how liberating owning less can be!
