Adopting a minimalist approach is applauded by some children’s health professionals as well. In his book, The Good Life, psychotherapist Graham Music asserts that although kids are smarter today than ever before, their capacity for empathy and compassion has reached new lows, thanks to growing consumerism. If you’re about to become a parent and are considering a minimalist approach, you may want to reflect on these tips from author and co-founder of the Inner Kids Foundation, Susan Kaiser Greenland:

For more tips to simplify, see “14 Way to Parent Lite.”