Updated: June 25, 2021
Originally Published: August 5, 2015
It’s become a lighthearted running gag among my spouse’s colleagues that we resemble a “modern Amish family.” This label has less to do with our attire (let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a bonnet, and I doubt any Amish folks sport T-shirts featuring superheroes) and more to do with their misunderstanding of our uncomplicated lifestyle as being “sheltered.”
I wouldn’t categorize my family as sheltered. We own a couple of cars, utilize smartphones, and are quite dependent on electricity (the coffee maker is my personal lifeline). We even navigate the world of social media to stay connected with friends and family through platforms like Facebook. We are far from socially isolated, nor do we keep our children confined at home to shield them from the “big bad world” outside our modest dwelling.
However, some of our choices—like opting for movie nights at home or considering a visit to the playground as a fun outing—are often perceived as hermit-like in today’s fast-paced society.
Dining out is a rarity for us, and travel isn’t a frequent occurrence. We don’t have cable or Wi-Fi at home, and the latest gadgets? Not so much. Our largest annual expense is our grocery bill, as food is, after all, a fundamental necessity. We embrace a simple lifestyle—not out of necessity but by choice.
I firmly believe children don’t need exposure to every trendy experience or the latest gadgets to truly enjoy life. I don’t consider myself an irresponsible parent for making our home their primary source of entertainment and recreation.
In my experience, a busy life often leaves little room for reflection or the opportunity to create lasting memories from the experiences we do have. The saying “Less is more” resonates deeply for a reason.
When I reflect on my own childhood, it’s the simple moments that linger in my memory. I don’t recall every detail of our annual trips to amusement parks or the high-end toys I received for the holidays, but I do remember digging for worms with neighborhood friends and curling up on my mom’s lap as she read me stories.
Much like diamonds formed from coal, my most cherished memories arise from the ordinary and mundane, yet they shine brilliantly, with clarity and value that are irrefutable. Those are the types of memories I aspire to create for my children.
I want them to treasure moments like:
- Stealing fruit snacks from the pantry and sharing them with siblings while building an elaborate blanket fort.
- Transforming a pile of stuffed animals into a pirate ship and “walking the plank” into a sea of pillows, while Captain Hook jabs with a makeshift weapon.
- Mixing “witch potions” in the backyard, stirring mud and leaves in a bucket, and eagerly awaiting Mom’s reaction when asked to taste the concoction.
- Creating art with broken tree branches in the gravel driveway.
Other vivid memories could include:
- Hosting picnics in the backyard, sharing spooky stories by a campfire, and engaging in hedge-apple battles with neighbors, proudly displaying our “battle scars.”
- Wearing Mom’s old bridesmaid dresses for a fashion show in the hallway.
- Playing marathon Monopoly games on snow days, sipping hot chocolate topped with colorful marshmallows.
- Lying on the ground as a friend outlines your shape with sidewalk chalk, erupting in laughter when Dad surprises you with a hose.
- Savoring cake batter off the beaters and pleading for another taste of raw cookie dough.
- Splashing around in a kiddie pool with friends or setting up a sprinkler on a warm summer day.
I want my children’s memories to be filled with the essence of childhood—not a blur of lavish vacations, fancy restaurants, or expensive gifts. I want them to understand the beauty of being a kid, recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary, and finding joy in simplicity.
Because once adulthood arrives, life inevitably becomes more complex. From my perspective, I’m not shielding my children from reality with our lifestyle; instead, I’m revealing to them all the wonders it has to offer.
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Summary:
Living a simple life is often misconstrued as being sheltered. While some believe that avoiding the hustle and bustle of modern life limits children’s experiences, the author argues that it fosters deeper and more meaningful memories. By prioritizing simple joys and family togetherness over material distractions, children can appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, ultimately preparing them for the complexities of adulthood.