Parenting With Purpose.

One of the crucial lessons I have learned about parenting is to be careful with the things we do around our kids because they are capable of imitating their parents’ behaviors, personalities, lifestyle, and others. We might feel they don’t understand the things we say or do, but somehow, they’ve registered those things in their brains.

They end up doing these things we do, believing it’s right or safe because, as parents, they expect us to be perfect. They trust what we do and want to live like us during their early years.

Balancing parenting and minimalism has never been an issue, even though my child is less than two months old. I took the responsibility of becoming a father to my younger siblings many years ago, and my experience so far is worth being proud of. It gives me strong assurance of handling my kid well now that he’s here.

Raising kids today can be challenging, but things are easier when we show them the right way to live. It’s not just about telling or forcing them; it’s about showing them.

Kids learn from us as parents or guardians. They imitate our behaviors and values in their early life, which has helped me balance minimalism and parenting. I have never had to push myself too hard in teaching them how to live because they see the things I do and follow my steps, even without telling them to do so.

I do some talking or scolding—kids will always behave naughty sometimes—but living the best way I can has saved me so much stress. Whenever I reflect on their lifestyle, I smile because it screams minimalism since I exposed them to my practices naturally. I practically involve them in cooking, cleaning, disposing stuff, recycling, and some mindful practices.

For example, last month, my third brother had exams in another state and I consider been away from home a true test of what he has learned and how I have impacted him. It was his first time away from home without a family member, and my mom was worried. I was sure he would be fine because he’s learned so many things from me growing up; it’s fair to call him my replica.

He came back home with close to half the money I deposited in his account. When I asked why and how, he said he preferred cooking. Since the school lodge had a cafeteria where they could cook under supervision, he didn’t hesitate to do so. At 16, he could prepare any kind of our local food, something he learned from home.

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Like I had my freedom early in life, I ensure my siblings are free to do things they want while I guide them. They can make choices, learn from their mistakes, and air their thoughts on issues. I am always available to teach them, especially when they are stuck, but interfering with them while they work things out themselves is not my thing.

Many repairs I do at home happen in front of them, and they not only learn but also find joy in these tasks, just as I do. When celebrating, they prefer solo celebrations with the family instead of going out, and even when they must go out, they insist on family outings.

Simplicity, contentment, and mindfulness are practices they’ve cultivated, and I feel proud seeing them grow this way.

One thing I would love to do is have fewer kids—two at most—to avoid draining myself physically and mentally as a father. When the number is tight, it’s easy to live as you please, but otherwise, I don’t think it’s fun. While minimalism is a way of life and parenting a different topic, combining both shouldn’t be a problem.

Just being real makes it easier, and seeing my siblings embrace the lifestyle makes it better. They won’t be around me forever and can choose a different lifestyle, which is fine because there are times we have to be lost so that we can find ourselves again.

Imposing my lifestyle on them isn’t something I would do, but impacting them positively with my knowledge, lifestyle, and values is non-negotiable.

_{Image Used In The Post Belongs To Me.}