Simplify Your Life with Kids: 1 Ways to Make Family Life Easier and More Fun

This is a wonderful book. It has very short, 3-4 page "chapters" on differt topics. The book is broken into sensible sections on topics that anyone with kids struggles with (the workload, discipline strategies, etc.). It is very simple to read and you can skip to the section that applies or appeals to you that day. Plus, it's a really cute little book.

Children grow up so fast. The book gave me a perspective on what is more important in life. What I liked about the book is that she talked about how to make daily routines less stressful and gave suggestions on simple parenting strategies and discipline strategies.

"I've heard from many parents who've reported that the best step they've taken to simplify their lives with kids is to get rid of the television altogether. While this is a plan I heartily recommend for simplying anyone's life, I realize it's not a desirable option for many families." So writes Elaine St. James, one of her 100 practical and wise ideas for improving your family life. Through a family vote at a weekly family meeting, seven years ago we took the step of removing TV from our family life, a simple step that has greatly improved the quality of our family life together. "Simplify Your Life With Kids" is a how-to idea book organized under 14 main headings including, The Daily Routine, The Workload, The Plugged-in Family, Simple Discipline Strategies, Conflict, At School. One area she overlooks completely is family spirituality through prayer, devotion, worship and celebration. I still highly recommend this book for the busy parent looking for creative ways to improve your home and deepen your joy as a family. Also recommended: The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home, by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, 2000, 192pp., trade paperback)

This is the second book I have read by Elaine St. James and once again came away feeling that I could really make a difference in my family life by implementing some, if not all of the suggestions in this book. I have a one and two year old and after reading her suggestions, I now feel I can get some control over the family. This book is packed with very user friendly advice that anyone can implement in their own home. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make their family life more of an enjoyable experience.

How did Elaine St. James get so smart? Mothers can't do it all and we shouldn't try. Some of her wisdom I had discovered for myself, but there are half a dozen suggestions which I hope I never forget!