We are at the last of this wonderful book, the epilogue, in which we see many of the principles of simplicity parenting applied to real-life cases. The epilogue opens with the case of six-year-old Carla, who is full of aggressive and controlling behavior. Kim John Payne notes that the parents wanted to “please and appease” and that the six-year-old was well on her way to complete domination and control of the home. Yet, this story is here because it shows that there is not an “ideal family” candidate for simplicity parenting and that any family can benefit. Simplicity is not just about simplifying stuff, but clearing out the space to be in each other’s hearts and to nurture each other. Increasing rhythm in the home, having more consistency in daily life is nothing but calming to the families of today. Meals and bedtime routines are still the hallmark of making a house into a home. He talks about the “sliding” we can do as parents into the company of our children.
It all takes time and energy, but the benefits of balance can be so outstanding for family life. I would love to hear your story about attaining balance and a simpler life!
Blessings,
Carrie
The Parenting Passageway 
For years I have struggled with the infamous rhythm in our house. But what I wanted to attain, it turned out, was ‘the perfect’ rhythm. I was constantly thinking of what I was doing wrong that I could not have my whole day flow smoothly, but I found out that it is just not in the nature of our family. I learned to settle for the ‘just right’. There is still room for improvement, but I do not worry about it anymore as I used to in the beginning.
We have our meal times, morning routines, school time and bedtime set in a regular rhythm, but the rest of the day is pretty much free flow. We also have a weekly and liturgical rhythm, as well as a nature based rhythm flowing with the seasons in gardening and the meals we prepare.
This took a lot of work and we are still working on the kids doing their chores without us nagging them, but we are getting there.
Maggie