As the Halloween sugar rush fades and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself diving headfirst into the holiday season. Forget the “wait until after Thanksgiving” mindset; I’m all in with glittering ornaments, twinkling lights, and vibrant candles! However, there’s one aspect of the festivities that I dread—the inevitable influx of stuff.
Every year, I prepare for the holiday clutter by clearing out toys and clothes that are no longer in use. I strive to make thoughtful purchases and kindly remind family members that experiences are more meaningful than material gifts. Yet, despite my best efforts, the post-holiday mess still sends my anxiety skyrocketing.
For many of us, the chaos of clutter can be overwhelming. I’m definitely one of those people. Living with kids makes minimalism a challenge, which is why Marie Kondo’s methods caught my attention after I watched her Netflix show last year. Initially, I was skeptical about the so-called “life-changing” KonMari method. Let’s face it—if I followed that approach to the letter, I’d be left with nothing!
However, after exploring the show and understanding the KonMari philosophy, it all clicked into place. Armed with newfound strategies, I attempted to transform my family’s approach to tidying. My personal belongings were reasonably organized—no overflowing drawers or shoe avalanches—but my family’s clutter was another story.
“Boys, we’re decluttering today!” I announced, ready to motivate. We spent an afternoon boxing up toys and clothes to donate, tossing out heaps of paper and miscellaneous junk. We even rediscovered items we thought were lost, and I introduced the “fold it in thirds” method to maximize our space.
Fast forward ten months since my KonMari epiphany, and our home has gradually accumulated clutter again. We’ve kept up with folding, but life has allowed excess toys and gadgets to creep back in. Now, I find myself needing a refresher and, more importantly, a way to instill the “less is more” mindset in my kids. I want them to appreciate the magical simplicity of the KonMari approach, making organization an instinctive part of our lives. But convincing kids to part with their possessions feels like an uphill battle.
Fortunately, Marie Kondo has just released a new book to help children understand the essence of tidying—not just the how, but the why. In “Kiki & Jax,” Kondo shares the story of a young girl named Kiki, who realizes that her excessive belongings are impacting her friendship with Jax. Together, they embark on a decluttering adventure, creating emotional space for their friendship.
“I’ve seen the profound impact that books can have on children,” Kondo shared in an interview. She emphasizes that kids learn by example, so it’s essential for parents to start their own tidying journey before encouraging their kids to join in.
To tackle that common “I can’t let go” mentality kids often have, Kondo suggests helping them understand where their belongings belong. “By returning items to their homes, children develop an awareness – and ultimately, an appreciation – of what they already possess,” she noted.
Kondo also addresses misconceptions about the KonMari method. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about eliminating everything. “When I began tidying as a teenager, I thought it meant owning as little as possible, but I found no satisfaction in that approach,” she explained. Instead, tidying is about focusing on what truly brings joy.
She further clarifies that her method doesn’t ignore our consumer-driven society. “By identifying and discarding items that no longer spark joy, you enhance your ability to recognize what brings you happiness—you become more mindful,” Kondo stated. “After tidying, clients are more thoughtful about their purchases and tend to avoid excess buying.”
Let’s be honest, tidying isn’t exactly a favorite pastime. Yet for those of us particularly affected by clutter-induced anxiety, the KonMari philosophy offers a pathway to a more serene atmosphere for both ourselves and our children. Marie Kondo’s “Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship” is a delightful picture book co-created with seasoned children’s author Salina Yoon. You can find it at konmari.com and other retailers.
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In summary, “Kiki & Jax” serves as a valuable resource for instilling the joys of tidying in young readers while helping families embrace a more organized lifestyle. By teaching children the importance of decluttering, Kondo’s book fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the items we choose to keep.
Keyphrase: Marie Kondo children’s book
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