Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of Black Friday shopping and finding the perfect gifts for our kids. While it can be tempting to take advantage of all the deals and fill our homes with the latest toys and gadgets, it’s important to consider how the influx of new stuff can impact our children—and ourselves.
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The thrill of a new toy is often short-lived, but the clutter it leaves behind can last much longer. When kids are surrounded by an excess of things, they can become overwhelmed, making it harder for them to focus, appreciate what they already have, or even engage in creative play. More stuff doesn’t necessarily lead to more happiness, and often, it’s the simple, meaningful moments that our kids remember most. If you haven’t tried the “Three Gift Rule,” maybe this is the year.

Let’s face it - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Add parenting on top of whatever else is already going on in your life and it can be downright chaotic. The pressure to do it all, and to do it all well, can be intense. Here are a few strategies to simplify some key areas to help you create a more balanced and peaceful family environment.

Time Commitments: Prioritize What Matters
​Time is a limited resource, and how we choose to spend it profoundly impacts our family life. Sports practices and games, church youth group, band or choir concerts, dance, therapy, school clubs and other extracurriculars add up quickly; multiply it by a few kids and you can have a wild schedule to navigate.