As the excitement of Halloween fades and Thanksgiving approaches, I’m diving headfirst into the holiday spirit. Forget waiting until after the turkey feast; I’m all in with glittery decorations, twinkling lights, and colorful candles. However, there’s one aspect of the season that fills me with dread: the inevitable influx of stuff.
Every year, I brace myself for the additional clutter by decluttering our home, sorting through toys and clothes that have outlived their usefulness. I strive to be thoughtful about the gifts I purchase, and I gently remind family members that experiences hold more value for us than material items. Despite my efforts, the post-holiday chaos often triggers my anxiety.
For some, navigating clutter can feel overwhelming, and I count myself among those who find excessive belongings stressful. I lean towards a minimalist lifestyle—at least as much as one can with kids around—which is why I was drawn to Marie Kondo after watching her Netflix show. Initially, I was skeptical about the practicality of the KonMari method. Let’s be real; if I followed her advice to the letter, I might as well set my house on fire.
However, after immersing myself in the show and learning about the KonMari technique, I experienced a revelation. It sparked a desire to implement her methods within my family. While my personal belongings were fairly organized, my family’s clutter was another story.
“Time to declutter, boys!” I announced enthusiastically. Over an afternoon, we filled boxes with toys and clothes to donate, cleared out heaps of papers, and even rediscovered long-lost items. Utilizing Kondo’s “fold it in thirds” technique, we created more space.
Fast forward ten months, and our home has accumulated a bit of clutter again. Although we’ve maintained the folding method, new toys and gadgets have crept in without us letting go of older items. I find myself needing a refresher and wanting to instill the concept of “less is more” in my children. I aim for them to appreciate the magic of the KonMari approach as I do, but it feels like an uphill battle with kids who tend to be pack rats.
Luckily, Kondo has released a new book aimed at helping children grasp the principles of tidying. In “Kiki & Jax,” which she co-wrote and illustrated with Salina Yoon, Kondo shares a story about a girl named Kiki who learns how her excess belongings affect her friendship with Jax. Together, they declutter their space to create emotional room for their relationship.
“I’ve seen how impactful books can be for children,” Kondo shared. She emphasizes that kids learn by observing adults, encouraging parents to conduct their own “tidying festival” before involving their children. To address the common tendency for kids to cling to their belongings, Kondo suggests teaching them to recognize where items belong, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation for what they have.
Kondo also addresses misconceptions about her method, clarifying that it’s not about minimizing possessions to the extreme. “When I started tidying as a teenager, I thought it meant getting rid of as much as possible,” she explained. “I learned that it’s about focusing on what truly brings joy.”
This approach doesn’t overlook the consumerist culture either. “By removing items that don’t spark joy, you enhance your ability to discern what makes you happy,” she noted. “After tidying, people tend to be more thoughtful about their purchases and avoid excess.” Such insight can be a game-changer, especially for those of us who sometimes indulge in retail therapy.
Ultimately, the clutter isn’t just about physical items; it also affects our mental well-being and relationships—an aspect Kondo highlights in “Kiki & Jax.” “Clutter distracts us,” she remarked. “A messy room can lead to a messy mind.” For those of us sensitive to the stress of disorganization, the KonMari approach offers a pathway to a more peaceful existence, for both ourselves and our children.
Marie Kondo’s “Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship” is a delightful picture book available at konmari.com and various retailers.
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In summary, Marie Kondo’s new book for children offers a refreshing perspective on tidying, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections over material possessions. It’s a valuable tool for parents seeking to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and organization in their children’s lives.