CLEAN WITH US after a day at home!🧹🗑🧺 (Minimalist Family Life 2019)

Come and clean with us! The kids were home for their last day of break and it was still a little cold out to spend too much time outside, so they were playing while I worked...and yes...the house looks like it! But, of course, we know now, that any mess can be cleaned up in a matter minutes because of our simplified space 😊
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Eliminate Paper Clutter Video Part 1: • Eradicate Paper Clutte...
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[@emmayeager5864]

I love seeing that your house isn't perfectly clean all the time. I mean...I knew that, but it's still nice to see :-) Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you for watching! We appreciate you so much!!😘 And I think I accidentally cut out how long it took: ABOUT 15 MINUTES!!!! And for those who have asked, how I got my hair this way: Bed Head waving curling iron amzn.to/2I6bYWw

[@bethanyatkinson6944]

The whole thing took 15 minutes? Are you sure? LOL that's incredible! I can only imagine only spending 15 minutes to pick up the house

[@80meesh]

😃😃😃😃😃niiice!

[@trutreats1267]

Wow!!

[@irenapaul8506]

thank you for posting it, i was just about to ask about your hair :)

[@smokingrooves1]

That is a really good tip regarding not leaving a room that you are cleaning. I definitely will stop to go put something away in another room and get distracted with something else that needs to be done. Thanks for the tip!

[@beckyharding6571]

I took that away as well. I'm terrible at getting sidetracked!

[@sibongilethwala7080]

It's the simplest ideas that are most effective.

[@michelejaclyn258]

Please start doing more cleaning videos!!👍😊

[@TheMinimalMom]

You got it! ;)

[@tawnytuppence5573]

The “party approach” to cleaning up is what works for us too. My kids work more happily when I work alongside them, and we finish more quickly. It’s worth the couple of minutes it takes.

[@jessicatankersley2726]

This video was SO encouraging. I sometimes feel like I’m not doing minimalism “right” (silly, I know! There’s no right way!) because at the end of the day our house is so messy. It feels like often people who are minimalist are naturally tidy, but that’s just not me or my family at this stage. It was nice to see from your video that it’s not how messy things get, it’s how quickly you can put them back where they go. 😊

[@TheMinimalMom]

YES! I used to think the same thing, too, that I wasn't doing it right because our house could still look like a train wreck at the end of the day, but now I realize that we're the type of people (who aren't naturally neat or organized) who need it the most!!

[@AdventureswithAmirah]

I've often felt the same, especially after hours of organizing and I realize "This place looks worse than when I started". Lol I was thinking "Surely, I am doing this wrong". But it is a slow process for our family, and when they see the final product they always say "WOW!" We are not the naturally neat family either, and would much rather be doing all the family activities that create the mess rather than clean it (games, arts, crafts, cooking, building forts, etc.) 😊 It's the process of putting it all back together after enjoying life that we struggle with.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Living is not neat, for any of us. But I know being a minimalist or close to it allows you to right the messes before they get out of hand. Great video Dawn!

[@ally3929]

It’s crazy how much entertainment there is in seeing others tidy up their homes, is it inspiring me to clean mine or distracting me from it I wonder 🤔😂 thanks for the share

[@TheMinimalMom]

Hahaha, I have those exact same thoughts!!! ❤️

[@thecatfamily3299]

You are such a lovely, good, normal mom! I love how the things you say resonate with me so much! All of it! I know what you mean momma! Keep up the awesome!!

[@kellymary2444]

I too enjoy cleaning in quiet, I would rather clean everything at the end of the day rather than try to keep it up all day long, I'm right there with you on the bathroom cleaning as needed, I've tried check lists for cleaning before and they we're useless, I agree with everything in this video. There are so many people on KZbin who are annoying and you really are enjoyable to watch, quite the breath of fresh air we need on here! Thanks 😊

[@TheMinimalMom]

Wow, thank you so much, I really appreciate this!! ❤️

[@lookmumimadethis]

😂 I agree about some of the other youtubers being a tad annoying. Love this channel because it feels more like getting tips from a friend..... and I never have to scrub through senseless raving .... all content I have seen is valuable.

[@MeandMyAveyMcGee]

This was one of my favorite videos of yours! It really drives home the whole point of minimalism as a whole to see how quick and easy it can be to tidy up even the entire house at once. That is honestly my favorite part about simplifying our lives...it doesn’t take forever to clean up and feel like a decent human 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@alison2984]

Same I "let My house go" for a few days and I have deep cleaned my entire house, hovered, mopped, went in a cleaned every room fully ... in 2.5 hrs (including breaks so more like 2 hrs) My house is now immaculate and it only took a couple of hrs 🥰 before if I done 2 hrs of cleaning I wouldn't even be half way through and that would be maybe 3 rooms and a general tidy in the rest of the rooms .. not a deep clean, hover and mop in every room in the house

[@rosarioortiz93]

Thanks for sharing those cleaning tips: not leaving a room until you're done cleaning and the "party" approach with kids to help clean up. Will try out both! 😊

[@cvdheiden1]

Those were also the two biggest takeaways I got! 😃

[@lalahdz9553]

Corbin is awesome! Points for him! I do have a mess all the time but notice it doesnt take long since ive been minimizing. Love your cleaning video it was encouraging with tips. Love it included the kids cleaning. Alot of videos show moms doing it all. I dont live here by myself so I would like some help please!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Amen!!! 👍❤️

[@iamsusankate]

I second that “Amen!”

[@mangedelaviande]

Please do more Clean with Me-type videos!! I got excited to see you did one of these! Provides great inspiration to minimize your house, and to get up and clean;) ❤️

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU! Will do!!!❤️

[@melaniefarmery7691]

I've taken your advice on many things but downsizing toys especially. Since the holidays I've taken notice to what my boys really play with. They are 3 and 6. Hot Wheels cars and accessories (tracks), monster trucks, play dough, tractors, legos and a few toy toolset are the categories I have kept. Everything else went in a tote. Since then they never asked for anything that's was in the tote and they play more with what is out. I never thought downsizing toys would make my boys play more. I love how creative they've become together ❤️

[@TheMinimalMom]

"I never thought downsizing toys would make my boys play more" -- SO crazy isn't it!! But so awesome!!! Way to go!!!

[@melaniefarmery7691]

The Minimal Mom thanks for being such an inspiration!!

[@MyBlessedNest]

I will say the rooms I have decluttered are the easiest to keep clean!

[@annezehring9006]

This is great! I have found, in teaching my kids to clean up, that they need more direction. I can’t just tell them to go clean up. They need to tackle smaller tasks, like “Put all the books on the shelf. “ That helps my kids not feel overwhelmed with a larger mess.

[@robinhamrick8628]

I love your videos! Just now starting my journey to minimalism. My house is sooo cluttered so this will take a while. But since my hubby has finally said it’s fine, well he’s agreeing but not agreeing, I’m running with it. Lol However, I do know not to do to much to quickly or I’ll scare him off. But anyway you are a great teacher. Thank you.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Good wisdom Robin! And thank you for the kind words, it means more than you know!!! ❤️😊

[@gratituderanch9406]

YES!!! My kids do sooooooo much better when we do it together. My grandma always said that too. I am dense though so I seem to still try the yelling while I’m cooking method. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I love these videos too as they help me want to pickup. Also- I have that same drying rack! It’s been good for us too.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Grandma's are so smart, aren't they??? 😉

[@downtownbrownization]

"Yelling while I'm cooking method"... Lol. Guilty

[@sulagnapanda3332]

Such a realistic and inspiring video! Thanks for sharing.

[@88midknight]

How long did it take you to clean up, total? It’s hard to tell since it’s fast forward. I’m just looking for a reference point :). Also, what do your kids do while you make dinner (since they already picked up their toys)? What is your evening routine; clean up, make dinner play, bed? Thanks! I love watching!

[@bluesouthpaw6326]

Our house is super easy to pick up just like yours. I feel like when you have only the things you use and roomy space to store all those things it's a lot easier!!! It makes all the difference. And yes, get rid of the toys!!! Kids will find other things to play with. Toys were designed by adults not for kids to play with but to make money on. And to fill the landfill up with a bunch of plastic.

[@TheMinimalMom]

"Toys were designed by adults not for kids to play with but to make money on." SO right on!!!

[@jennifersonafrank9272]

I really enjoy your videos, and like the music. However, I wish that you would stop the music when you're talking, please. : )

[@lisakrushinski9436]

You did it right! 😀 Thanks for sharing this motivating video! May God continue to bless you and your family! Grace and peace to you! 💜

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thanks Lisa!! 😉❤️

[@keyisme1356]

I hate cleaning schedules too. Occasionally I make one, but I never follow it. I love spontaneous-ness. Schedules feel like a drag! I'd rather just clean what looks dirty today, than "do the list."

[@emilyswinarski]

Quick cleaning is my favorite part of a more minimal lifestyle! Love seeing how you pick up your home at the end of the day!

[@nancylanderson8012]

Yes, it's much easier to clean now that I've decluttered. I use a feather duster which makes dusting easy. I'll spray the bathroom floor with cleaner and push a rag around with my foot and voila, the floor is clean. I have simplified everything including the way I clean.

[@debbierobson9214]

For your load of laundry a day... are you still keeping kids clothes, towels, kitchen towels... etc separate? Or do you wash all sorts of everything together?

[@grinchy56]

You should play some fun music while cleaning. It makes it more like a cleaning PARtY!!!

[@sarahteunissen5016]

Alright! Here I go! Time to clean, I’m not leaving the room till I’m done ✅ 🤪

[@TheMinimalMom]

You can do it!!! 😉❤️👍

[@caseywieben5506]

I have a 2 month old baby (my 4th child) and my little sister came to help me recover from delivery and just be there for my other 3 kids. She introduced me to your youtube channel and you have changed my life!!! My house is so much cleaner than ever before and it takes a small fraction of the effort it used to with little satisfaction after a long day. Thank you so much for being real and relatable! I also love your twin sister, you guys have such a special bond! Tom adds so much humor and light-hearted laughter to your channel too. I just wanted to thank you! I actually feel like I'm good at my job now haha! ❤️

[@linnieh.2846]

EnJoy your videos. I am wondering why you are looking above the camera when you are talking to us?

[@tanya2269]

Did you always have that coffee table? It looks like something Darci Isabella would make :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Right!?! Yes, we've had it for a couple of years, Tom's sister and husband made it from pallette wood for us. It's indestructible! ❤️

[@pamelanemeth6850]

Enjoy your videos, but wondering why it looks like you are looking above the camera?

[@TanjaHermann]

Great information! I just wish your music was a little quieter. As a non-native speaker I find it hard to concentrate on your words.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Ah, I can work on that!

[@HomeschoolGlue]

Loved seeing more of a DITL kind of video (not completely but you get what I mean)! I also hate cleaning and cleaning schedules. Thankfully our home is pretty easy to clean as well

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh good, I'm always glad to find others who hate cleaning schedules!!!! 😉❤️

[@tiarina3350]

Wow, I know that I forget what I am doing when I leave the room, but for some reason I never thought to just stay in the room. So simple, yet brilliant!!!

[@jeanettehime]

What about cleaning after finishing? Why no put things away right away you are used?

[@amandavia6671]

You're so cute, I love your hair wavy. It looks nice.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Amanda!!! ❤️

[@roseschulze1647]

Is it wrong to be watching this as an empty nester? I just love your videos and positive attitude!

[@DawnofCooking]

This is what we did with our 5 kids who were all close in age and it worked so great! I sat down and wrote jobs down in a jar and they all did them together. Like: Clean off kitchen counters, vacuum living, room, unload dishwasher etc. They would draw 2 jobs out of the jar and everyone would do what they picked. It took all arguing out of the picture!

[@TheMinimalMom]

LOVE this!!! :)

[@theproductivemommy8169]

Ah! I am in the process of minizing things and seeing your ‘dirty’ house is so inspiring haha!!!!

[@robertafarmer]

I am sooooo glad you have shared your house at the end of the day! I have been trying to be minimal at home, but my house always looks like that at the end of the day, and was worried i need to minimise more to avoid this! So glad to know i am normal!

[@hkhkhk2019]

Ask the kids not to leave any dirty clothes on the floor can make life less stressful

[@chanellergful]

Any tips for homeschooling moms that have more stuff in their homes??

[@iamjane9628]

I love it that your children are CREATIVE in their play. The ability to entertain themselves will benefit them so much as they grow older, even into adulthood. It reminds me of how my brother and I used to play together, decades ago. It seems like something that is disappearing as everyone becomes so glued to screens! It was so sweet also to see your son empty the dishwasher and put the dishes away. :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

They are SO helpful now, it is awesome 👍❤️

[@mamasaurusrex5915]

I have been binge watching your videos for the past few weeks. You’ve inspired me so so much! I’ve been going through my house and simplifying everything bit by bit and I feel fantastic! Even my kids are naturally following suit and randomly filling up bags of toys and clothes they don’t want anymore and bringing them to me to drop off for donation-without being prompted. I think they’re just noticing how much nicer it is to live with less stuff. Thank you so much for making videos and sharing your wisdom!!!

[@lhs1221]

This video was so useful and beneficial. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into your videos!😊

[@paulveg8524]

Your little lad emptying the dishwasher does a better job than my son who is 22! 🤣

[@kaltaylor01]

Why did I not think of limiting horizontal surfaces? That is such a great tip! It's so true how clutter just finds its way to those places. As I continue to furnish and decorate our home, I will definitely keep that in mind!

[@livingstrategically]

This cute song from Barney is always a hit with little ones who need some cleaning motivation: "Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere...clean up, clean up, everybody do your share...." 🎶🎵🎶

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh yes! I remember watching Barney when we babysat our cousins! I'll probably have that song in my head all day now!!! 😉

[@petmomful2260]

OMG, I hate Barney! I am afraid if I played that, I would have to leave the house! lol

[@80meesh]

I love the idea of working together with the kids! They often get distracted or don't fully clean up, take too long, etc. GREAT idea! You have so much to the point, practical, advice. Thanks so much!

[@sibongilethwala7080]

I love how you let your kids play and they are happy to help clean up.

[@traceyputt9064]

I loved this video! I love all your videos!!And I totally geeked out when you responded to my comment last week! 😆 I told EVERYBODY 😆 Thanks for sharing your mess with us!

[@TheMinimalMom]

That's really sweet, THANK YOU Tracey!!! ❤️😊

[@traceyputt9064]

You’re welcome Dawn!! ☺️☺️

[@signingwithMrsRachel]

I love your table cloth! Do you have a link to it?

[@d.watkins8302]

So inspirational to see how simple cleaning is for you! Your hair looks adorable!! I noticed you had two loveseats in your living room. I am wanting to do that in our living room, my husband is concerned it won’t be enough seating for company which we only have a couple of times a year🤷🏻‍♀️do you find it to be a problem?

[@TheMinimalMom]

Good question! They're a little bigger than a love seat, but not as big as a full couch, so kind of in between! Three people can sit in them, but we have extra chairs we pull out for entertaining and it hasn't been a problem!

[@ellencampbell5997]

I love that you don’t have a cleaning schedule! Neither do I. I have always struggled with keeping up with a cleaning schedule and kept thinking “what is wrong with me.” I just clean as needed. I wash a load of clothes every day as well. Thank you for the validation!!!!

[@CocoaBeans1919]

You said you started about 4pm, I'm wondering what time you finished :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

I think I accidentally cut that out! About 15 minutes later :)

[@rebeccaarcher3851]

Those little random things that end up collecting, I call it "room poop". It is a big problem for me. Bogs me down!

[@blessedtobemom6236]

I just started watching you and I have to say I LOVE your videos! I agree with clutter accumulating on flat surfaces. We actually got rid of our coffee table & bedroom nightstands. Where did you get your table cloth?

[@theresabrown1272]

Blessed To Be Mom yes it’s pretty ! I also love the pictures on the wall behind the table ( or to the left if you are looking in from the family room)

[@haleyshaw8963]

Yay I've been waiting for a clean with me! Thank you, and please do one again in the future. :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU and you got it!!! :)

[@storybear5706]

Great video. You inspire me to also minimlize. What is that flower things your kids played with?

[@swedeswifey]

I think you're referring to Brain Flakes (we have them too) :)

[@angiemiller566]

I love this party method of cleaning! I'm going to try it, or maybe a beat the timer game while still working together! I love your ideas! Thanks so much for a great video

[@TheMinimalMom]

Beat the timer, that would be fun, too!! ❤️👍

[@enjoyinglifewithsuzie375]

Yes I’m still in process of simplifying our home! What I have done has already helped me with my sanity. I want to keep going even after I’ve done a room, a few weeks later I feel I need to do again. This month I’m excited to switch bedrooms with my boys. I’m giving them our bedroom since it’s bigger and three boys will be sharing (my husband is not thrilled about it) I’m excited to go as minimal as possible for them and us! I feel once I finish my husband will love it. He already sees the difference in our house so I’m hoping he catches the minimizing bug 😆🙂 Enjoy all your videos!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Trusting he will! Way to go!! 👍❤️😘

[@bluesouthpaw6326]

That's what we did. We gave up our room for our boys. Kids have more stuff than us. They need the space, especially when there is more than one kid sharing the space. What we will do for our kids. Hope your boys enjoy the new space!

[@enjoyinglifewithsuzie375]

L S thanks, I’m sure they will. I have two step daughters that each have their own rooms already. We could have my oldest son his own room in the basement but I like the idea of them all sharing one bigger room together since it’s just across the hall. The basement is where all their stuff can go since it’s already their playroom. I figure they can have their own rooms when they grow up and move out😆 They will make a lot of memories together by sharing. Now if I could only get my husband on the same way of thinking for the girls, that would be great. When we buy a house in the future I don’t believe we can afford a 6 bedroom house 😆🤷🏼‍♀️ nor do I feel we need all that.

[@elianar8103]

Why do dark clothes go on drying rack??

[@carissacoal9280]

Why do you hang dry darks? Do they fade less if hang dried?

[@suzie2080]

Great video as usual! Where were you when I had 3 kids home. I really could have used your calming and encouraging nature back then.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Suzie, that means alot to me!!! ❤️

[@staceyleinberger7455]

my daughter and i love your videos

[@dollreemappmmk14]

Minimalist cleaning seems SO much LESS stressful. ✌️❤️😊

[@spinnyjb1]

I love your sweet family. You’re so real. And your kids are creating such good HABITS at such a young age :o) All the work you are putting in having them pitch in now will be such a huge pay off in the long run! I really like this style of video :)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Jen! I greatly appreciate that!!! ❤️😘

[@barrysparksofficial]

I love your hair wavy!!!😍 Nobody's house is clean all the times! I prefer tidying up at the end of the day, before we go to bed when it comes to toys but I'm a clean as you go person when it's kitchen/cooking related stuff because I know that unless I do it right away, I'll never get it done!!😆

[@vernamyspencer2158]

I have the kids clean up whatever they aren't using throughout the day and then we do a bigger clean-up before dinner. Minimizing our possessions has helped immensely! The kids are so much happier without so much around and I am more relaxed. I have more time to relax in the evening and it makes it easier to keep the house tidy. (BTW, I see that others have mentioned it, too, but your hair looks really nice today. It always looks nice, but I like the waves.)

[@SchnauzerMom]

Could you share with me what styling tool you used for your hair in this video? Your hair looked so cute ☺

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU!!! I used a waving curling iron by Bed Head, you can find it here: amzn.to/2I6bYWw

[@CPR4THEBODYlivingaenrichedlife]

Nice cozy and inviting home! Tfs

[@qlauraq912]

Perfect! I watch tons of clean with me's, and I love having you explain both how and why it's fast, and how you get the kids involved. We have decluttered 4 rooms in our house so far (kitchen, dining room, living room, and daughter's bedroom) and I've found that those are the rooms I clean first. For one thing, they are done SO FAST! And, once done, they look so nice. No visual clutter! But the remaining rooms (school/office, guest room, master bedroom) are the LAST rooms I clean, and even when I do I lack any sense of satisfaction because there's still all the piles and piles of clutter everywhere that we still have to deal with.

[@patmulh4245]

Seriously...is your camera on the ceiling?

[@savannaskiles6203]

Your hair looks so cute!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you!!! :)

[@Ladyborg]

I discovered you recently as I’m on the road to decluttering and minimalism. It seems I have always had this mindset, I just didn’t know it.). I have been a compulsive organizer and labeled since I was a kid :) thanks for all the encouragement and lovely videos!

[@Ladyborg]

I discovered you recently as I’m on the road to decluttering and minimalism. It seems I have always had this mindset, I just didn’t know it.). I have been a compulsive organizer and labeled since I was a kid :) thanks for all the encouragement and lovely videos!

[@stricklandfamily928]

Love your channel for the honesty and transparency. Thanks for sharing the real life...

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you, I really appreciate that!!! ❤️

[@kiwirose9537]

I love your table cloth!

[@amys3079]

I agree with working together. We call it the community clean. Too bad they don't want to get rid of more stuff😃 work in progress

[@anitarud7482]

Awesome video! Super motivational!! Thank you!

[@mrsjaynesarah1923]

Your home is minimal but still warm, perfect 💚

[@shirelife8002]

Love your hair wavy! It looks really cute! Thank you for sharing your cleaning routine.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you!!! 😊❤️

[@patmulh4245]

I love the content of your videos! Found a solution to my whole issue...I listen while I clean...or in my car on blutooth...I just don't or can't watch. I learn tons from you, though.

[@jodyb1460]

I have that drying rack and I want to second your opinion. It IS awesome. Good addition to a laundry room. Thanks once again for a realistic look at cleaning and minimalism.

[@katepearlzorn7275]

I am curious about your lack of art on the walls - did you used to have more art? Did you just feel it was unnecessary?

[@mardiltz]

Hi! My name is Angela. Thank you so much for your videos!! I have just begun this journey and not sure if I’m doing it right or not. The one hang up I have in my kitchen are the CANISTERS!!! Where do I put that stuff! Or just leave in the bags (rice, almond flour, coconut flour, xylitol, stevia...) I have cabinets but not as much as what you have. Can you give me some ideas on this topic? Thanks again! Very inspired by you and your family!!

[@staciemurray514]

Loved this and your hair is adorable like that! Looks awesome straight too😉

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Stacie!!! ❤️

[@abbykartzinel2292]

Your son emptying the dish washer!!! ❤️❤️❤️ What a WONDERFUL life skill he’s already so good at! I have struggled with how to approach this since most of my dishes go in upper cabinets. I love that he just puts the ones he can’t reach on the counter! We are transitioning to doing that THIS week! Thank you Dawn!!!

[@mrsjudys]

What a good helper....he did an awesome job on that dishwasher. And the girls not only cleaned up but we're so cute. The desk with crafts is such a good idea. Being creative is the best childhood activity. You know that every time you learn or do something new you put a wrinkle in your brain. They earned lots of wrinkles today and that's a good thing. They made this G-ma smile. Mother of four. Grandmother of four. Raised two grandchildren. Homeschool. Retired English professor. Good job Mom! ❤️

[@thedrwenckes9082]

Random: how do your children play so nice together!? Ours are 5, 4, 2 and it’s fighting nonstop most days. Would love some of your parenting tips. Love love love your channel.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Good question: having fewer toys has helped ALOT. For sharing, if one child wants something that another has they ask "when my I have a turn with that, 1 to 3 minutes" and then the child that has the toy chooses when they will give them a turn, in 1, 2, or 3 minutes...that has made a huge difference with fighting over toys, the child with the toy feels empowered because they get to select the time when they have to give it up. At first Tom was like "well obviously they'll always choose 3 minutes (the longest time)" but you'd be surprised how often they say 1 minute or just hand over the toy because it wasn't being demanded from them or ripped out of their hand. If they don't follow this and they fight over a toy I take it away...they know I'm serious about that now and it doesn't happen very often anymore. I'm also trying to get better at rewarding positive behavior: "if you guys play quietly for 20 minutes while I make dinner then we'll play a game afterwards." Also, I've noticed that when they get outside to play more they seem to be less crabby and in better moods...hope this helps a little!!!

[@bethanyatkinson6944]

I love that sharing method, I'm going to have to give it a try :-) for squabbles in general we've had really good luck with using starter sentences. We always tell them they need to talk to each other before they come to a parent. When they forget we encourage them to start with "I don't like it when..." (even kids who don't want to take responsibility for trying to work through their own problems can't help themselves but finish that sentence lol) followed by "that makes me feel..." (So they can practice identifying feelings other than just angry). we've done this consistently for over a year, and it amazes me how much more responsibility they take for working through their own problems--and how much more empathy they have for each other when they realize that their actions are causing other people to feel negatively. about 90% of the time that they are able to either work through the problem themselves, or with just those sentence prompts. You would think that after a year we wouldn't have to promt them anymore, but such is life LOL. (My kids are 6, 5, 5, and 2)

[@TheMinimalMom]

@@bethanyatkinson6944 oh this is really good Bethany!!! 👍❤️

[@leahericksen2005]

@@TheMinimalMom I love this idea. I'm keeping that tip in my back pocket!

[@guillerminastover7099]

Your house, your children, your ideas...they remind me so much of my lovely niece!!! Thank you for being on KZbin, Dawn!!!

[@elliesorota8911]

In some ways my house is messier than before we started minimizing. The paper!!!!! My kids are so incentive. Paper costumes, scripts, painting, writing books, building sets, inventions, etc. I remind myself that I'm happier with this kind of mess ;)

[@l.m.herrera8690]

I have been watching a lot of minimal videos. Yours are one of my favorite when it comes to ideas and tips. I am what you would call a “wannabe minimalist, but not really”. While I realize I do have items I don’t use or don’t need, I have been working to reduce my clutter. I love the reality of the Messy Minimalist and Erica Lucas you can actually see real life happen to them. Joshua Becker has insightful views on explaining all the different kinds of benefits which are clear and to the point. The only problem I find with this kind of living is how cold and uncheerful it appears. I am happy to see the pop of color you add to your home. Where you have other minimalist, who’s color pallets are white and gray with some earth tones. I realize minimalist is different for everyone, thats why I still have family pictures on the my walls, vases with colorful seasonal flowers and candles in every room, my 1940 breadbox and Mexican molcajete and Hoya de Barro on my kitchen counter; along with lots of plants through out; I am a “Wannabe horticulturist” too 😏 and yet I have 100 different pens and markers I just can’t see to get rid of!

[@LizCByrne]

You're so right about staying in one room to clean. I love the "make a pile and distribute later" plan, it's totally a secret KEY to success here. This video is great, thanks so much for your work. Two friends recommended your site on FB and I wanted to check it out. This is my first visit and I'm so impressed with you. I was a Professional Organizer for 12 years before I had kiddos and then got into minimalism. Organizers are getting hip to minimalism, but, we still call it "organizing". You hit the nail on the head, thank you. Your message really resonates with me. Your style really resonates with you. j

[@helenazeristruchelut678]

Hi Dawn, thanks for your video. I am a minimalist, my kids are 3,5 years old and 7 months old. Having a second baby has complicated our house routines. my son is at the age where he starts to help, and the baby girl needs a lot of time. So I have the feeling that your children getting older (3 or more) and you becoming a minimalist both helped toward the simplification of the household! Especially with 4 kids! Don’t’ you think? Thanks again for your sharing, your smile and helpful videos!

[@kristinf.1098]

How do you remember when to do the occasional cleaning chores without a cleaning schedule? I keep my house tidy but aside from the daily chores (sweeping/vacuuming, wiping down counters, keeping up with laundry and dishes), I wouldn't say it's usually "clean." I don't mind it but feel like I'm expected to do more being a stay at home mom. I'd love your input because I was thinking an extensive cleaning schedule was the answer.

[@happyhalfdozen]

It is definitely getting easier to clean!! 6 boxes of toys stored away for now, sommuch trash thrown out. I bought an IKEA shelf because we have a small space and we will be setting that up to organize books, toys, and craft supplies very soon. I feel like I’m taking back control of my home and am learning to love it again. And it makes me want to focus on my family more, which is sad and weird to say. But less stuff means less distractions and mental clutter and more focus on what’s important. Thank you thank you thank you for your videos!! 😁💗

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Two years later (I’m kinda late to this vid lol). I realize how easy it was to make muffins today. How things were so easy to get out and find and plenty of counter space to use etc. Combine that with how quick and easy it was to just rinse dishes off immediately and the tip about just sticking them in the dishwasher and running it even if it’s not full. And after a day, not so many dishes pile up either. Makes me wonder what rock I used to live under and how easy it could’ve been a long time ago. 😅😅 Heck, idk how many tips I used today (between all three ladies), but it just all came together like a beautiful symphony. Lol. Easy peasy and I feel like I live on an entirely diff planet than I used to. Lol.