In the wake of Halloween festivities and with Thanksgiving approaching, many families are gearing up for the holiday season. While the excitement of decorations and gatherings is thrilling, the inevitable influx of gifts and clutter can be overwhelming. Each year, in preparation for the holiday rush, I aim to declutter our home by sorting through toys and clothes that are no longer in use. I strive to be thoughtful with gift-giving, encouraging family members to consider experiences over material items. Nevertheless, the post-holiday mess often stirs my anxiety.
For some, the burden of clutter can be simply too much. I find myself in that camp, where excess items can lead to heightened stress. Leaning towards a minimalist lifestyle—at least as much as one can with children—I became intrigued by Marie Kondo after watching her Netflix series. Initially, I doubted the practicality of the KonMari method, thinking it might be a bit extreme for my household. However, after diving deeper into her teachings, I experienced a revelation that shifted my perspective.
Equipped with newfound strategies, I attempted to instill the KonMari principles in my family. While my personal possessions were relatively organized, my family’s items were another story. Motivated, I gathered my kids and declared, “It’s time to declutter!” In just a few hours, we filled bags with toys and clothes to donate, sorted through stacks of papers, and implemented the “fold it in thirds” technique, which freed up considerable space.
Fast forward ten months, and I find our home cluttered once again. Though we’ve maintained the folding method, new toys and gadgets have crept in. As I seek a refresher, I realize I need to instill the concept of “less is more” within my children. I want them to appreciate the magic of the KonMari approach and embrace organization as second nature. However, convincing kids to part with their belongings can be an uphill battle.
Fortunately, Marie Kondo has released a new book, Kiki & Jax, aimed at teaching children the joy of tidying and friendship. Through the story, Kiki learns how her excess belongings affect her relationship with Jax, leading them to declutter their space for a deeper emotional connection. Kondo emphasizes that children absorb lessons from their parents, suggesting a family “tidying festival” as a foundation for this learning process.
She also addresses the common tendency for children to cling to items, encouraging them to recognize where their things belong. “By returning items to their homes, children develop awareness and appreciation for what they possess,” Kondo explains.
Moreover, she clarifies misconceptions surrounding her philosophy. Tidying doesn’t mean discarding everything; rather, it’s about focusing on what truly brings joy. “When I started tidying as a teenager, I thought it meant getting rid of as much as possible,” she shares. “But I found that it’s more about understanding what you want to keep.” This perspective counters the fear that her method promotes consumerism, showing that mindful decisions about belongings lead to greater happiness.
Kondo also discusses how clutter can impact mental health and relationships. “A messy room can equal a messy mind,” she notes, suggesting that tidying can alter how we approach life and our interactions with others.
While tidying isn’t the most enjoyable task, for those of us particularly sensitive to clutter-induced anxiety, the KonMari method offers a pathway to a calmer environment for both ourselves and our children. Marie Kondo’s insights are beautifully captured in her latest children’s book, Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship, illustrated by Salina Yoon. This charming picture book is available at konmari.com and other retailers.
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In summary, Marie Kondo’s new book provides a valuable framework for teaching children the importance of tidiness and emotional connections, reinforcing the notion that a clutter-free space can lead to a clearer mind and stronger relationships.
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