Summer is such a refreshing time! There are so many things to do, see, and experience, making it a wonderful time to get the family together! I love how summer family activities can range from relaxing to adventurous, expensive to cheap, and home-based to world-wide travel.

You may enjoy the holiday parades, continuous trips to the splash pad, or the thrill of the amusement park. Whatever it is, you probably want something new, refreshing, and affordable, too! I love this list of summer family activities that any family can enjoy together. No one in the family should be left behind!

Let’s check them out…

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1. Touring Your Hometown

We live in the Keweenaw Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and sometimes I forget how many wonderful places we have to explore, especially in the summer! There are various trails, waterfalls, and natural places to visit.

But, there are also new restaurants, ice cream shops, and farmers’ markets to check out! If you live close to town, have the kids hop on their bikes and ride somewhere new with you. Or, make it a game and roll the dice to see where you should explore next!

We often forget to explore the area we live in, when there is still so much to see and discover. Don’t let these summer family activities pass you by before winter comes again.

2. The Lake/The Beach

This is probably our favorite of all the summer family activities! Pack a lunch and head to your favorite lake or beach spot. And while the kids play, bring along a good book and enjoy the time to relax.

Our kids could plan in the sand and water for hours on end. We save used plastic containers and old kitchen utensils to bring along. Sometimes we even pick up a new dollar store toy. And if you don’t have a sandy beach nearby, try bringing fishing poles and net to a lake spot!

These are the memories our family will cherish for a long time!

Related Post: How To Teach Homesteading Skills To Your Children (Over 50 Ideas!)

3. Local Events

Another fun thing about summer is all the local events that pop up. Check in with local towns to see what festivals, parades, markets, and events they have going on throughout the summer! Then, be intentional about checking them out!

The library is also a great place to check for fun kids events that are usually free. You never know who you will meet, what new things you will learn, or how much your children will end up loving something new they experienced.

4. Museums and Zoos

Since school is out for the summer, have your family visit some local museums! It is a great way for your children to experience new parts of the world on a budget. Or, check out your local zoo and meet the animals they have this year. There are even gardens and nature areas that are often free in the summertime.

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5. Berry Picking

Before fall harvest season begins, be sure to visit your local u-pick farm. It’s a great way to bring home fresh berries at a great price. It’s also a fun way for your children to learn about plants, or a new skill like making and canning jam!

Plus, when you pick berries together as a whole family it’s a great teamwork event. Everyone pitches in and then everyone can reap the harvest!

Related Post: 19 Fun Things To Do For Free With Young Kids In Each Season

6. Family Vacation

It is always fun to get away as a family, especially to go visit other family members you don’t see very often! Summer is a great time to spend time away. If you don’t have a specific destination or person to visit, spend one night in a fancy hotel.

Go swimming in the pool, enjoy the hot breakfast, and explore the new area around you. Or check out a house renting site like Airbnb where you can really fell like you are living somewhere new! Whatever your budget is, go on an adventure as a family to a new place and create those life-ling memories together.

Which of these fun and stress-free summer family activities will you be enjoying this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 6 Fun and Stress-Free Summer Family Activities Everyone Will Love appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

As wives and moms, we go through different seasons of life, and some seasons require us to implement a daily routine. Not only does a daily routine help keep us grounded and focused on the tasks at hand, but it also makes sure no tasks go missed!

When life starts to feel overwhelming, I know that I need to implement my daily routine again. Of course, I am doing most of these things all year round, but sometimes there is just less structure involved. A daily routine like this can be written down and placed somewhere where you will see it all day.

Then check off things as you go or just look down at it as a reminder of what you need to do next! When I share how to implement a daily routine below, it is simply the basics. Use it as an outline to customize your own daily routine!

As a stay-at-home mom, homesteading (and future homeschooling) mom myself, my routine below reflects my current season of life. If you work outside of the house or your kids go to school, you will need to make some edits to the flow of your day. Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of where to start.

Let’s check out how to implement a daily routine today…

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Morning

1. Personal Devotions/Meditation/Prayer
2. Make Bed
3. Get Dressed
4. Brush Teeth
5. Get Ready/Hair and Makeup
6. Tidy Bathroom/Wipe Counters
7. Start Load of Laundry
8. Empty Dishwasher/Put Away Dishes
9. Make Breakfast
10. Clean Up Kitchen

Mid-Morning

1. Chores
2. Feed Animals
3. Play Outside
4. Read Books
5. Move Laundry To Dryer/Hang Dry

Afternoon

1. Make Lunch
2. Clean Up Lunch
3. Make/Prep Dinner
4. Quick Tidy
5. One Extra Deep Cleaning Tasks

Examples: wipe baseboards, dust all surfaces, mop floors, deep clean bathroom, wash sheets and towels, wash windows, declutter storage areas, deep clean living room, clean out fridge, wipe cabinets, etc.

Related Post: The One Easy and Simple Spring Cleaning Checklist You Need From A Busy Mom

6. Fold Laundry And Put Away
7. Nap Time/Quiet Time

Mid-Afternoon

1. Snack Time
2. Play Outside
3. Do One Looming Task or Enjoy Your Hobby
4. Finish Making Dinner

Evening

1. Serve Dinner
2. Clean Up Dinner
3. Tidy House
4. Family Game Time
5. Bathtime
6. Get Kids Ready For Bed
7. Family Devotions
8. Prepare For Tomorrow
9. Prepare For Bed

Related Post: The One Easy and Simple Spring Cleaning Checklist You Need From A Busy Mom

Time Stamps and Things To Consider

When you consider how to implement a daily routine for yourself like the one above, there are several things to consider. First, what time will each of these things take place?

Some people prefer to have specific time blocks and make a more rigid schedule, while others often find a flow or relaxed rhythm to the day works better. Feel free to add in the specific times each of the events will take place when you create your daily routine.

Second, what time should I get up in the morning and go to sleep at night to be most productive? And third, how can I involve my other family members, so they are active contributors to the routine?

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How To Stay Productive

There are several keys to keeping your daily routine productive. First, start your day off right. It is so important to be in the right headspace before conquering the day. Each day is fresh with new mercies, so start it off with prayer, gratitude, and meditation. I would recommend a journaling Bible like this one to get started!

Second, own less and lean into minimalism. When you have less, there is less to clean, take care of, fix, move around, etc. And you gain time freedom back! Get rid of everything that is junk and not currently serving you.

Third, eliminate your distractions! That means keeping your phone put away for most of the day! And writing down all the tasks you need to accomplish today, the night before. Having something physical to look at and remind you of everything, instead of just trying to remember it all, keeps you focused.

Lastly, don’t forget to put people first. If your neighbor stops by, don’t worry about the schedule. Invite them in and enjoy your time together. If someone calls or needs a favor, serve their needs joyfully! I tend to get so caught up in what needs to get done that I will even push my children away when they are trying to ask a question. Remember that the tasks will eventually get done, so take care of the emotional needs of your family as well!

How will you begin to implement a daily routine? I’d love to hear about yours in the comments below!

The post How To Implement A Daily Routine To Keep Your House In Order appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

Now that summer is here on the homestead, I’m so excited to do all the things that are free with young kids! We spent the last two summers building our house, which made the summers stressful with a lack of fun activities.

This summer we are recovering and enjoying all the fun things to do around us! The best part is that most of these things are completely free. Right now, in the summer, the kids love going to parades, library events, the beach, etc., but we also do lots of free and fun things all year round!

Our oldest child is only four years old, so these are specifically things you can do with babies, toddlers, and young children. Often, that means squeezing it in before nap time or packing snacks along to keep them going.

We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which means we have long and harsh winters but beautiful summers. It’s important for us to find fun things to do all year so we can fully enjoy each season that comes. I love that we get to experience each season so deeply where we live!

Here are our favorite things to do for free with young kids all year long…

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Spring

1. Community Events

Each spring, community events start popping up as people desire to get out of the house more after a long winter. Our community always hosts a fun event each spring where kids get to receive new books, knick-knacks, and other toys. It’s a way for various organizations to remind you they are there to support you if you need it. But it’s also just lots of fun for the whole family. Sign up for newsletters of local organizations or check their Facebook pages to see if there are similar events near you!

2. Playgrounds

After a long winter, each playground is new and exciting! We haven’t visited them in a while, so the kids are always so excited to go back and explore. Which playgrounds are new and exciting to your kids in the springtime?

3. Disc Golf

My husband loves to play disc golf, and so we make it a whole family event sometimes! We throw the discs, walk the course, and spend time outside together as a family. The nature walk is so relaxing and good exercise too. Most disc golf courses are free, all you need is a disc or two to throw!

4. Biking

It’s so exciting to pull out all the family bikes each spring! We love biking on our property, but we also go on bike rides down the roads or to parks. It’s especially fun when the whole family bikes together. With young kids, you can often walk next to them while they bike!

5. Zoo Visit

Spring is a great time to visit the zoo! Often, they have free zoo days if they are opening up again for the new season, or offer special promotions. In Minneapolis, when we were visiting family, we found that the Como Zoo was free and just asking for donations! Is there a zoo your family might be able to visit for free?

Related Post: 7 Rewarding Habits For Mom To Manage The Day With Little Kids

Summer

1. Beach

We love going to the beach in the summer! It’s the perfect time to go for our climate, and we get to enjoy beautiful Lake Superior, or many inland local lakes. Most beaches are free and easy to access, at least by us. Check out what beaches are nearby to you, or consider a weekend trip to one!

2. Farmer’s Market

I look forward to the farmer’s market each summer! Ours typically runs from June to September due to our shorter growing season, making them a perfect highlight of summer. We have so many local ones, you could hit a different one almost every day of the week. Not only do they have fresh produce, but also bakery items, preserved foods, crafts, face painting, blankets, clothing, and so much more! It’s so fun for the kids to see all the creative things people are making and selling!

3. Fishing

Another thing my husband loves to do outside is go fishing. Now that our children are getting a bit bigger, it’s even more fun for him to take them along. They love learning all about it and seeing the fish that are caught. If you don’t have your own fishing pole, check and see if you can borrow one from someone or ask for it as a gift at Christmas! You may need a fishing license as well, depending on where you are fishing.

4. Parades and Festivals

Going to summertime parades and festivals is a highlight for our family each summer! Not only are they free but they are simply just a blast! Some examples by us are Bridgefest, Library Summer Reading Program Party, Strawberry Festival, Fourth of July, and more. Be sure to check other nearby town’s as well to see when they have celebrations throughout the summer.

5. State Parks

State parks are often free or cheap to visit. In Michigan, you just need a recreation passport on your license plate to get in, which is often a yearly fee. State parks have so many unique things to offer, from mountains to beaches and everything in between! Be a tourist in your area and see if there are any state parks you haven’t even visited yet.

Related Post: The 11 Best Open-Ended Play Toys For Toddlers And Young Children

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Fall

1. Scenic Drives

The fall colors by us are simply stunning each year, and we love to just drive around and soak them in! Find your favorite scenic drive and enjoy fall to the fullest before winter comes in. It’s one of the easiest things to do for free with young kids.

2. Hunting

Hunting season also arrives in the fall time and if a great time to get outside and see some wildlife. If you have a friend to go hunting with or have the gear already, then all you may need to pay for is the hunting license. Sometimes you can hunt for free on state land. Be sure you are following all of your local laws before you go hunting!

3. Hiking

While we go hiking all year round, I think the fall is a great time to go for free with young kids! You can see various animals, plants, waterfalls, etc., and often the bugs have died back. There are many resources available to find local hikes and trails near you, so start exploring today! Plus, it’s so great for young kids to start learning to love nature. Wear a toddler backpack like this if you are going on a longer hike.

4. Craft Days

Perhaps you have craft fairs or craft events in your area! I know we have a few that pop up each fall, and it’s fun to go to the event and just look around, even if we don’t always buy something.

Related Post: How To Teach Homesteading Skills To Your Children (Over 50 Ideas!)

Winter

1. Ice Skating

With winter comes lots of snow and cold, but also lots of fun winter activities! Personally, my favorite is ice skating. We have a local pavilion where an ice rink is poured each winter, and it’s free for anyone to come and skate. There is also a free open skate at a local indoor rink if you have your own skates already! With young kids, we often pull them behind us in a sled or push them in front of us in a stroller while we skate. It is a blast for them and a great thing to do for free with young kids in the winter!

2. Sledding

Of course, there is always lots of free sledding to do! It’s as simple as finding a hill and going down it, especially if you have a sled already!

3. Library Visits

I have noticed that we visit our local library a bit more in the winter. They have a fun kids’ area with coloring pages, toys, and of course, books. It’s a great place for young kids to play and get some wiggles out when they are cooped up all winter!

4. Meet Up With Friends

We also try to meet up with friends a bit more in the winter. Having friends over for play dates or meeting somewhere fun to play is a great way to keep winter fun and exciting. Plus, it’s one more thing to do for free with kids all year round!

5. Obstacle Courses

While being cooped up at home in the winter, we like to make an obstacle course for our kids. For example, first jump on the couch, then crawl under the table, then roll up in the blanket, and run down the hall! It’s a fun way to get their energy out inside while the snow falls outside.

Which of these fun things we do for free with young kids will you be trying next? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 19 Fun Things To Do For Free With Young Kids In Each Season appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

While I fully embrace these slow living hobbies as a homesteader, you by no means need to homestead in order to live a relaxing and calm life! In fact, I think it is so important for everyone to have hobbies like these in their lives, no matter where you live.

When you choose these hobbies, or similar ones, over binge-watching a show, for example, you are making wise decisions for your health, both physical, mental, and spiritual! I have to admit that when I feel drained, I often resort to watching podcasts or YouTube videos. But it’s the times that I am intentional about picking up my hobby that I feel fulfilled, productive, and energized!

Slow living hobbies like these can be difficult to start because there is often a learning curve. The struggle to learn something new can cause us to give-up or put it aside for a while. It takes a level of resilience and diligence to first learn them, and then enjoy them. But, that’s what makes them so fulfilling in the end!

Here are some ideas of slow living hobbies you can pick up and start today…

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1. Reading

Reading is so good for our brains! Our family takes weekly trips to the library, and we pick up new books every time. Each time we read something new, whether fiction or non-fiction we are sparking creativity or a new thought.

Reading relaxes you, and is better for you than screens, especially at night time. Try just reading 15 minutes before bed every night. Or, read something like your Bible or a devotional each morning when you wake up to start your day right. You can even read books about simple living like this one!

Related Post: My Top Books Of 2024: Homesteading, Homeschooling, Homemaking And More

2. Researching A New Project and Blogging

I had to include this on the list because I am a researcher at heart. And, as a homesteader, I am always researching something new to try. It could be a new animal to raise, a new food preservation method, or an old-fashioned hobby. I find that I do this so often that it really is one of the slow living hobbies I enjoy most!

In fact, I consider my blog here my favorite hobby. I simply do it because I love it. I love researching topics, trying them out, and then sharing the results with my audience. I also blog a lot about the books I’ve been reading, the first hobby I listed here! If you want to start your own blog, check this page out.

Related Post: 5 Empowering Slow-Living Motherhood Practices For The Whole Day

3. Doing Something New

After I’ve researched something new, I have to try it out! Trying something new is one of the best slow living hobbies because you are expanding your knowledge, getting out of your comfort zone, and experiencing more of what this world has to offer.

If you need ideas, try volunteering somewhere new, signing up for a new sports league, or attending a new event in your community. Even host a new weekly game night at your house! Don’t be scared to try new things and embrace the uncomfortable.

You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn. Just sitting at home and being lazy is not good for you and does not help anyone else. Let’s be people who make a difference in our communities!

Related Post: 17 Homemaker Habits And Skills That Will Make You The Best Homemaker

4. Being Outside and Exercising

Going for a walk every evening after dinner is a great way to burn those calories and have a new healthy hobby in your day. It’s so simple yet it makes a world of difference. It’s also so beneficial to get the morning sunlight thirty minutes after waking up.

This is hard for us to do in our long winters, so instead we have to be intentional about embracing winter sports and activities. That includes ice skating, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing. It can be easier to stay cooped up inside, but getting outside certainly makes us happy people in the end.

As a homesteader, I would also include animal husbandry, foraging, and selling at the farmer’s market as outdoor hobbies I especially enjoy!

Related Post: Can You Be A Minimalist And Still Homestead? Here’s How We Successfully Do It!

5. Gardening

Gardening does not have to be overwhelming! In fact, it can be as simple as tilling the ground and putting a few seeds in. It can also be just growing pots of plants on your porch or deck. Even herbs on a windowsill are wonderful to grow all year long! Once you grow something and its fresh flavor you will love this hobby!

Here are some gardening books I recommend for beginners and those with some experience.

Related Post: The Top 10 Cookbooks Every Homesteader Needs In Their Kitchen

6. Knitting

This past winter, I found my old knitting needles with an unfinished project on them. I decided to finish the project and remembered how much I loved just sitting around and knitting as a child. Knitting is quite simple and a fun way to make hand-made gifts for the whole family. You can find many tutorials online to get started. Plus, there are easy crochet and knitting kits to try, too!

7. Sewing

On that same note, I also pulled out my sewing machine to fix some of my clothing items. I also made aprons for my children to wear while we cook together. It was fun and a great way to stay busy and productive. Plus, there are so many other fun things I have in mind to sew next.

You can quickly get started sewing with a sewing machine like this, fabric, and an online tutorial!

Related Post: How To Teach Homesteading Skills To Your Children (Over 50 Ideas!)

8. Board Games

We don’t play enough board games anymore. They are so fun and a great way to connect with others. Have you tried a new board game lately? Invite a group of friends over and host a board game night instead of just staying home by yourself!

My husband and I also enjoy playing board games together regularly. It’s especially nice that many board games have versions available for two players. We play Splendor Duel or Code Names Duet, for example.

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9. Playing Piano

I haven’t played piano much since I was a child, but now that I’m older this is one of the slow living hobbies I want to pick up again. Once we have a piano in our new house I will start taking simple lessons again on Hoffman Academy. It will be a fun way to learn a new skill while also bringing joyful music to our home!

10. Cooking From Scratch

As a new wife and mom, I had to practice cooking from scratch a lot. I didn’t have a lot of experience so each day I would have to try something new and allow myself to fail. Over time, I learned the kitchen skills I needed and now I make nearly everything from scratch!

In the winter, I especially love trying new recipes from cookbooks and baking more than normal. It’s a delicious way to stay busy and create something meaningful with your hands!

Related Post: The 7 Best Cookbooks On Cooking From Scratch With Real Farm Ingredients

11. Warm Shower or Bath

Lastly, I consider just relaxing without stimulation one of the slow living hobbies we need to encourage others in. Taking time for yourself doesn’t have to be crashing on the couch in front of the T.V. Instead it can be taking the time to take care of yourself, such as a warm bath with candles and Epsom salts.

Allow yourself the time to relax after a busy day in the quiet, without media, news, and advertisements constantly grabbing your attention. Pray, meditate, and just be still. Our culture is always so busy that we need to be reminded that taking time to ourselves and letting our mind wander is beneficial to our health as well!

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, so let me know, which slow living hobbies do you enjoy? Leave a comment below!

The post 11 Slow Living Hobbies I Embrace As A Homesteader appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

As soon as your child can talk they can begin memorizing scripture! But you may become overwhelmed when you try to teach your kids to memorize scripture.

Do you sing songs? Pick short, easy verses? Which verses should you start with? All these questions flooded our minds as we considered the best way for our toddlers to memorize Bible verses.

We knew we wanted them to learn large chunks of scripture, and hide them in their hearts for life. We didn’t want the classic short verses to be the only Bible verses they had memorized. And, we wanted these verses to come to their minds each year of their life and not escape their memory.

Our strategy was habit stacking and consistency. And to our surprise, it worked exceedingly well! Our 2-year-old and 3-year-old both have large passages of scripture memorized, including full passages like Psalm 1, Psalm 8, and Psalm 23. They have also almost completely memorized Romans 12. We don’t say this to brag, but to show you that it is possible (and easy to do)!

Here are all the details on how you can begin having your children memorize today…

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Our Secret: Habit Stacking              

You may have heard of habit stacking before, particularly in books like Atomic Habits. I didn’t realize this was what we were doing at first, but then I noticed it was exactly what we were doing and it worked just like all the professionals say!

Habit stacking is taking a habit you already do, something you may not even notice you do every day, and adding another habit to it. It’s much easier to accomplish your goals when you habit stack than trying to implement something completely new into your routine.

For example, if you brush your teeth every night before bed, you can habit stack a new goal on top of that, like saying a Bible verse you are trying to memorize. It forces the habit to stick and not be forgotten.

When we sit down to eat a meal as a family, which is every meal almost every day, we start by praying for our food and then we recite our memory verse. When our verse ends we begin with our meal. We habit stack the scripture memory onto our prayer before each meal.

It forces us to say our verse(s) three times a day. And we can’t eat until it’s said!

Because we do this daily with our toddlers, only 2 and 3 years old, they already have almost 10 large passages of scripture memorized! They can remember the verses so quickly and easily just by being consistent.

Sometimes we add hand motions to our verses to help the kids stay focused on longer passages. You could also make the verse to a tune or song to help too! Just remember to keep it consistent and pick a time to habit stack that best works for your family. It needs to be something you do every day, preferably multiple times a day, for it to work.

Related Post: How To Simplify Your Life as a Christian Woman To Grow Closer To God

Keeping It In Their Minds

We have noticed that after they have one passage of scripture memorized and we move on to the next, they can forget some of the previous passages over time. The way we combat this is by having an additional scripture memory time in the evening during family devotions.

After our family devotions conclude, where we read the Bible and pray together, we then have the kids stand up and say a passage of scripture that we pick at random.

We only give them the Bible reference and then expect them to remember the passage from that. It works so well at keeping every single passage of scripture that they have memorized fresh in their mind. Sometimes we also let them pick which verse or passage they would like to recite to keep it a bit more fun for them.

Once your kids have memorized a verse or passage of scripture, be sure to keep bringing that passage up again over the weeks and years so they don’t forget it. It will stick like glue!

Related Post: How To Put On The Whole Armor Of God As A Mom Today

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How To Teach Your Kids To Memorize Scripture: Creating Family Culture

I didn’t dive into the “why” behind memorizing scripture. Why is it so important? Why start at such a young age? Can’t they just learn it later at youth group or Christian school? I hope to dive into a blog post on this topic later.

But if you agree with us on the importance of scripture memory, then give habit stacking a try! And also, remember to keep bringing those verses up again throughout the weeks, months, and years ahead.

You are giving your children a gift of eternal knowledge that will stay with them their entire lives. Start as early as possible and stick with it! It creates a family culture and a bond, where our children know the importance of scripture at a young age.

As parents, we find so much joy when we randomly hear our children saying verses in the car or while playing around the house. Or, when they break out in song singing “Jesus Loves Me” or “The Doxology.” Nothing fills our hearts more than to hear our children reciting and singing the truth!

Will you implement these tips to teach your kids to memorize scripture? How will habit stack scripture memory into your day? Let me know in the comments below!

The post How To Teach Your Kids To Memorize Scripture Starting at 2 Years Old appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

My husband laughed at me the other day when I came home from the library again with more books than I could carry (a lot of which are on this top books of 2024 list). He asked how I even knew so many books existed, let alone wanted to read them all, and we laughed.

Yes, I’ve read a lot of (mainly nonfiction) books this year! So, I thought I would compile a list and share some of my favorites with you if you were looking for some good reads. Plus, if you have any book recommendations you think I would like, please leave a comment and share them with me and all of us!

Here are my top books of 2024…

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1. The 4-Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson (April 2024)

I started keeping a record of my top books of 2024 in April, but I wish I had started at the start of the year because I know I read some good ones, I just can’t quite remember all of them!

I’ve really enjoyed listening to this author’s podcast and reading her books. They are so encouraging to the homeschool mom, which I plan to be very soon! This book talks about what we really need in education – an unhurried approach in the loving and safe environment of the home! (I also love her book The Unhurried Homeschooler)

The reason I enjoyed it so much this year was because it reminded me to slow down and enjoy these years with my children. I am educating my children for life, and skills that can’t be measured on a standardized test. I love her analogy of the greenhouse effect and it is something I will remind myself of for years to come.

My goals in these early years of home education (if you can even call it that yet as my oldest is almost 4) are: providing a simple, consistent routine; inviting my children to do my daily activities with me; slowing down to allow them the chance to ask questions; and creating the life I want to have each day with my children by setting the example.

Check it out on Amazon here!

2. The Real Simple Method to Organizing Every Room: And How To Keep It That Way by The Editors of Real Simple (May 2024)

I really enjoyed the tips of this book and how it is laid out. As I consider moving into our new house later this year, and I already know the basic information on decluttering, I want to focus on organizing the new house well.

I love that this book has information on not just organizing but maintaining it and finding creative solutions for small spaces. There are also lots of tips on keeping the space clean and inviting. The pictures are so helpful and relatable. I’ll have to read it again for reminders once we officially move in.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: The Top 10 Best Interior Design Books for Beginners To Read Today

3. Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (July 2024)

This book was encouraging to read as not many people in the spotlight choose to follow Christ, and do it genuinely! When I saw an interview of Sydney sharing about her book before the Olympics began I knew I had to read it.

I was skeptical reading it, I’ll be honest. Many people claim the name of “Christian” these days without actually making God and the Bible the true authorities of their lives. After reading her book I can tell that Sydney is someone who truly pursues Christ each day!

It was fun to read about her love story with her husband and how he played a vital role in sharing the gospel with her. Sydney used to be crippled by fear and anxiety when she faced competition on the track, but now she gives it all back to the Lord and runs for His glory!

It’s a book I will continue to recommend, especially to other athletes, as it shares how we can fully trust God and give Him our lives completely!

Check it out on Amazon here!

4. 8 Errors Parents Make and How to Avoid Them by Michael Brock (July 2024 – Top Books of 2024)

A podcast I enjoy listening to recommended this book and so I decided to check it out. It was actually a really great book because it combined so many parenting philosophies that I have heard over the years from family and other authors. I found it helpful to have someone put all that information together in one book after pulling the concepts and ideas from other people (that are all based on Biblical principles.)

It helped me recognize some areas where we are weak in our parenting and strive to correct those. I appreciated the honest, brutal truths from Scripture and also very tangible ways to implement those each day. It’s a book that is staying on our bookshelf!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: 7 More Books On Christian Parenting That You Can’t Miss Out On

5. Until the Streetlights Come On: How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future by Ginny Yurich (August 2024)

I loved reading this book because it was such a wonderful reminder to me of what truly matters concerning the education of my children: outdoor play and boredom for creativity! I desire a slow-paced life and yet I still compare myself to other moms. They are teaching their children to read already or ordering curriculum before they are ready. Instead, I want to enjoy these little years and let learning come naturally!

We build our family culture, and a slow-paced life is something that needs to be fought for in today’s world. I am choosing to be intentional with these things thanks to the encouragement of this book! I highly recommend it to all other moms.

Check it out on Amazon here!

6. Swimming Against the Current: Fighting for Common Sense in a World That’s Lost its Mind by Riley Gaines (August 2024 – Top Books of 2024)

I was so excited when I saw this book on the “New Books” shelf at my library! I know Riley’s story and have heard her on several podcasts, but I didn’t know all the details that she shared in this book.

I am so proud of everything she is advocating for, all the research she included, and all the details regarding the harm of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. It was a great reminder for me, that while I may not be facing the same hate she is currently facing, times are changing, and normal, everyday persecution of Christians is coming quickly!

Check it out on Amazon here!

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7. House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith (August 2024)

With the excitement of having a brand-new house to decorate and enjoy this year, I have read so many home design books. Some of them just seem unrealistic for a homesteading mom of young children or the design tips are hard to implement in our very cabin-esque house.

This book was by far my favorite to read and actually apply the principles! Some of my favorite tips are “combine the opposites” where she shares that to live in a rustic cabin without it feeling like Cracker Barrel, add in some shiny, modern, reflective, and light pieces to intentionally balance it all out. Also “respect your boss” (which would be our wood walls, floors, and ceiling interior) and “pattern fills a room.” This is where I will need to focus on neutralizing the room instead of adding more pattern because of the cabin-style and large amount of wood elements.

I also shared about this book in this blog post!

Check it out on Amazon here!

8. Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life without Adding Them to Your Personality by Emily Morrow (August 2024)

This book was so fun and cute to read, especially since I have seen the author’s comical Instagram reels! While the information on toxins was very beginner-level and nothing new to me, it was fun to read about her experiences with how we interact with others when it comes to these things.

I appreciated her take on being kind, not judgmental, and yet still providing information where necessary when in conversation. It was a unique take on the growing trend of being toxic-free and provided a great perspective on not making it your idol or dumping your opinions on others.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: The Ultimate List of Toxic-Free Products To Swap Out At Home

9. The 100 Most Asked Questions about God and the Bible: Scripture’s Answers on Sin, Salvation, Sexuality, End Times, Heaven, & More by S. Michael Houdmann (August 2024)

I have enjoyed reading different Biblical arguments and information on GotQuestions.org over the years. When I saw that they compiled some of those questions into a book I was excited to read it!

I’d have to say the most impactful questions for me were “What is the difference between sheol, hades, hell, the lake of fire, paradise, and Abraham’s bosom?”, “Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?” and “What happens after death?”. I had never considered these differences in places and that there is actually more than just heaven and hell but also a “sheol.”

Also, the section about end times was so helpful and a great reminder of things that are often difficult to understand.

Check it out on Amazon here!

10. The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t by Erin Loechner (September 2024 – Top Books of 2024)

What a beautiful book on reminding parents that we need to know our children better than the algorithm does! That we have the power to opt out of this technology-deep world and choose real-world experiences every day!

A few months ago I got off of social media. Then after listening to a podcast interview with this author, it pushed me to completely delete all my social media accounts, and wow how liberating it was! I knew I wanted to read her book right away to stay firm in being an opt-out family!

I loved her constant reminders of how real-world things truly make the impacts we need in our families – a shoulder squeeze, eye contact, boredom for creativity. That’s why it’s one of my top books of 2024. How refreshing life is when we are invested in it fully and completely!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: How To Limit Distractions As A Mom: The One Small Yet Huge Solution

11. Raising Amazing: Bringing Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes without Being Asked by Monica Swanson (October 2024)

This book was so solid! It reminded me of all the important things to focus on each day, especially when it comes to parenting. That includes keeping God first, our marriage a priority, and raising our children to have good character.

But beyond that, it was helpful practically. I was reminded to do things like allowing natural consequences (and giving consequences) to teach our children life lessons. Also, keeping watch over the influences on our children, being able to say no, letting our children face adversity, and preparing them for spiritual battles were some more good reminders. I appreciated the perspective of the dad and one of their sons at the end of each chapter. I have also enjoyed the other books by this author: Boy Mom, Becoming Homeschoolers, and all of her resources!

Check it out on Amazon here!

12. The Mountain Rose Herbs Book of Natural Body Care: 68 Simple Recipes for Health and Beauty by Shawn Donnille (November 2024)

I love purchasing from this company so when I saw that this book came out I was excited to read it! The recipes in it that I especially loved were the Chamomile Rose Hair Rinse, Foot Mask, and Menthol Vapor Chest Rub. But I also enjoyed the first few chapters where they go into detail on ingredients and how to properly DIY herbs.

Check it out on Amazon here!

13. Revolutionary Parenting: Raising Your Kids To Become Spiritual Champions, What the Research Shows Really Works by George Barna (November 2024)

I have to say I think this might be my favorite parenting book to date, which really surprised me. It’s not a book you quickly hear recommended or see on book lists. Yet, I think, as the author describes, that the research behind this book really does make it stand out from all the others. The author doesn’t give a formula to follow (because there isn’t one) and instead gives key things to consider, or pieces to the puzzle, that you want to make sure you aren’t missing.

Parenting is all about relationships – our relationship with God, our spouse, and with our kids. These each have to be real, intentional, authentic, and based on love and trust. From that comes setting rules at the right pace and consistent discipline, distinct to each child. You are modeling everything for your children!

Check it out on Amazon here!

14. Healing Mushrooms: A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health by Tero Isokauppila (November 2024)

I really enjoyed learning all about the amazing benefits of mushrooms! Especially the top 10 mushrooms that this book focuses on – reishi, chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, shiitake, maitake, turkey tail, enoki, oyster mushroom, and tremella. And next, I’m excited to try some of the recipes in this book to incorporate them into our meals more often!

Check it out on Amazon here!

15. Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake (December 2024)

I have been journaling through this book and it has really helped me with the anger/mom rage that I have experienced lately. It goes through many practical things that affect us as moms, and how we can respond Biblically in each one of them. This is a book I will be purchasing and keeping on my bookshelf for years to come! 

I wasn’t sure if I’d finish this book before publishing my top books of 2024, or even if I’d want to include it in my list of top books of 2024, so I was glad to finish it just before the new year!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Have you read any of the books on my top books of 2024 list? Let me know in the comments below!

The post My Top Books Of 2024: Homesteading, Homeschooling, Homemaking And More appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

I think I truly first realized how different men are than women when I got married. But, now that I have a son who is toddler age I feel the need even more to read Christian books on raising boys. Their minds are so different than girls!

And how beautiful that is! I want to do a great job raising my son to be the man that God created him to be. Of course, that begins with prayer and meditating on Scripture. But, it also comes from reading new research and information that comes out on the brains of boys.

I also enjoy hearing from other moms and their experiences. While boys all have different personalities and preferences, some qualities are undeniable to who God made them to be. These Christian books on raising boys have helped me discover that even more so!

Let’s check them out…

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1. Raising Boys to Men: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Raising and Homeschooling Boys by Durenda Wilson

I love Durenda Wilson because she shares so much wonderful wisdom on motherhood, parenting, and homeschooling in her books and on her podcast! This book is no exception. It is simple and straight to the point on everything you need to know about raising boys to men that love and serve God with their whole heart.

As moms, we feel lost when it comes to little boys’ minds simply because we have never been little boys ourselves. God made them to climb, build, wrestle, and take risks all day long. It’s scary, intimidating, and upsetting at times yet with the Lord’s help we can raise them to live into their boy-ness with love and respect!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: The 7 Best Books On Getting Children Outside More For Parents

2. The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life by Michael Gurian

This is not a Christian book, and it focuses on regular schooling, not homeschooling, yet I had to include it on this list. It was so fascinating to read about how different boys’ minds are from girls. It also encouraged me even more in the decision to homeschool our son in particular (and the author agrees that boys benefit greatly from homeschooling).

The school system is set up in favor of female minds. The statistics in the book prove it quite easily. Plus, boys need an environment where they can wrestle, move, tinker, take risks, and explore. They learn through doing! This book provides so many ways for parents to help children, despite their schooling environment.

The book also covers our current crisis (which has only gotten worse since the book was published): how boys learn, how you can teach boys better throughout each stage of life, motivating boys to learn, and so much more. While this book is becoming dated now, the information is still so relevant and extremely important to understand!

Check it out on Amazon here!

3. Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men by Meg Meeker

This book taught me so much about boys and why they do what they do! It covers all the necessary topics from emotions, sex, attacking you, being there while also letting go, and so much more.

I also appreciate that faith and how laying a solid Christian groundwork can make the biggest difference in a boy’s life was discussed in a whole chapter. My husband can attest to this himself. His testimony shares how when he went astray in his teen years, having Bible verses and songs memorized helped him return back to the truth he was grounded in.

An impactful line from the book for me was on page 16, “As we think of ways to express affection, it is helpful to remember that while women bond through verbal communication, boys bond to others by doing things with them.” I never knew that focusing on quality time could impact the relationship I have with my son so much!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: How To Teach Homesteading Skills To Your Children (Over 50 Ideas!)

4. Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons by Meg Meeker

Here is another book by Meg Meeker that dives deeper into the topic of boys. The seven secrets are: encourage your son, understand his needs, recognize he was made for the outdoors, he needs rules, he needs virtue, teach him the big questions of life, and remember that you are the most important person in his life.

These topics are explored in great depth. I appreciate the author covering topics of all ages and sensitive topics like pornography and religion. At the end of the book, there are Ten Tips For Making Sure You Get It Right.

These tips are genuine and deep. It’s about setting the example, being willing to encourage their masculinity and discipline them correctly, teaching them to serve and helping them find their purpose. Our boys need us, and while the role isn’t easy, it’s worth it!

Check it out on Amazon here!

5. Bringing Up Boys: Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men by James C. Dobson

This was such a fun book to read! It made me laugh so often reading about all the silly things boys do, yet it also changed how I view boys. I give them more grace in some areas because I understand their point of view better. (“They value change, opportunity, risk, speculation, and adventure.” Pg. 27)

However, we should also demand excellence from them in other areas. The author discusses the differences between boys and girls, the harm surrounding boys today, the need for a father, the role of a mother, busyness and isolation, homosexuality, single parents and grandparents, competition, feminism and heroism, school, predators, staying close, discipline, and more!

There is also an amazing question-and-answer section at the end of each chapter that goes into detail on some hard topics, making this one of the best Christian books on raising boys! Plus, it all comes from a genuine Biblical perspective with Bible verses and topics to point you back to what truly matters.

Check it out on Amazon here!

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6. Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most From You by Monica Swanson

I know this blog post is only The 5 Best Christian Books On Raising Boys In Today’s Culture, but I had to include this 6th book on the list when I discovered it! I love Monica Swanson’s other books about parenting and homeschooling, so I was excited to read this one as well. It is another great book on how to be intentional in raising your boys to love and follow Jesus!

Check it out on Amazon here!

BONUS: The Dangerous Book for Boys; The Double Dangerous Book for Boys; The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Know; The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys: Things to Do by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden

These are super fun books with every skill a boy age eight and up should know! It includes building, history, playing, food, creating, and even the Ten Commandments!

Which of these Christian books on raising boys will you be reading first? Let me know in the comments below!

The post The 5 Best Christian Books On Raising Boys In Today’s Culture appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

As a mom, I want to create a beautiful home that also functions well for my family. These books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home help me do just that!

Too many home design books are discouraging to moms because they are unrelatable. Just as I previously shared in this blog post, we have toddlers running around, pets requiring spaces, and school supplies dropped at the front door. We can’t have designer houses because they won’t function well for us. As I’ve gone through my motherhood journey I’ve wondered if I could have a beautiful home or if I had to be content with whatever we had for the sake of family life.

Yes, your home can be both! You may just need to get a bit creative, prudent, and minimalist to make it all happen. These books helped me on my journey of creating a beautiful home despite the demands of several family members in the house, and I know they can help you too!

Let’s check them out…

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1. Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life by Erin Gates

This is such a beautiful yet practical book for moms to read! It is encouraging to know that our homes can be stylish and functional at the same time, especially when we apply the tips from this author.

The book walks you through each room of the house with beautiful images, tips on what to invest in and what to get cheap, layout ideas, and several other things to consider based on the room. It is a simple read yet one of the most genuine of all the books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home!

The design principles are easy to understand, and the pictures are inspiring, not ignoring keep features of a family home. There is even a huge design resource buying guide at the back of the book.

Check it out on Amazon here!

2. Pretty Prudent Home: Your Ultimate Guide to Creating a Beautiful Family Home by Jacinda Boneau

While this book is a bit dated now, I enjoyed its wonderful tips for creating a beautiful family home. You will get to see how other people create a prudent home, find your style, define your palette, and try some DIY’s.

In fact, most of this book is just various DIY projects that you can try yourself or use as inspiration to create something for your home! So often we think that creating a beautiful home means going out to the store and buying lots of modern things.

But, in creating a home that is special and unique to us, it is being prudent in what we have. When you decorate your home with things you create and make yourself, it makes it that much more special (and often practical!). Our home is mostly wood my husband milled himself and created for our spaces. It is so much more special (and great for our budget) knowing that we made all of it ourselves!

This is one of the books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home that focuses on what resources you can use to create it all yourself! I love that it helps us switch our mindset from “What do I need to buy that’s trendy now?” to “What can I use to make this space both beautiful and functional?”.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: 5 Helpful Home Design Books For Moms That Need A Little Guidance

3. Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles by Amber Lewis

Need a simple book to walk you through some easy design features of your home? I love the layout of this book, as it is so simple and unique compared to other design books I have read.

The author walks you through her mind when she is designing a home. First, she looks at color and teaches you what to know about when choosing paint colors in your home. The examples are very inspiring!

After the paint is picked out, you will look at the details of your home. This includes tile, hardware, textiles, furniture, décor pieces etc. How you put them all together can make it or break it for the design of your home.

Then look at the space and flow of your home. How do the shapes and proportions work together? Lastly, the art of styling. I appreciated this chapter because I just need someone to explain it to me very simply because I have never been taught how to style my home, yet I know it is important.

Check it out on Amazon here!

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4. The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home by Shea McGee

I have to admit I was skeptical of this book at first. I wasn’t sure that it would be one of the books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home because some of the images seemed out of my league. However, the author begins by first walking you through the process of designing your beautiful and functional home.

It begins with finding and creating your mood, looking at the architecture of your home, and then designing a board where you can see your vision come to life. You next pick out your finishes and furniture before styling it all.

The author then takes you through each room of the house where she provides some tips and then lots of inspirational photos. The key when flipping through this book is not to become discouraged that your spaces don’t look like the photos, but instead take the tips and be creative to apply them to your spaces!

The guides in the back of the book are also very helpful. They include upholstery fabrics, pattern mixing, seating styling, rug sizing, mixing metals, countertops, lighting heights, paint, and so much more!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: 17 Homemaker Habits And Skills That Will Make You The Best Homemaker

5. Feels Like Home: Relaxed Interiors for a Meaningful Life by Lauren Liess

What a down-to-earth book! Making our homes beautiful doesn’t have to be expensive or a huge project. Simple changes and thrift store finds are sometimes all you need. I loved reading all the examples of how the author made a beautiful home with small and cheap changes!

The author also touches on important topics that reflect why we put things in our homes the way we do. This includes minimalism, nostalgia, individualism, atmosphere, perfectionism, habits, and gratefulness. It is one of the books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home that has wonderful design inspiration while also diving into deep heart topics making it a fascinating book to read!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Which of these books on books on creating a beautiful yet practical family home will you be reading first? Let me know in the comments below!

The post The Top 5 Books On Creating A Beautiful Yet Practical Family Home appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

If you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, you may not know how to find the rest you need. Balancing work and rest takes intentionality and practice. That’s why I want to share how, each day, I find rest as a busy stay-at-home mom, to the best of my ability!

Sanity-saving trips and tricks, home management routines, and schedules for everything may seem like the answer to being productive. But, without rest, we stay busy and crash, not maintaining consistent productivity.

It’s not my goal to be a stay-at-home mom who has it all together some weeks and other weeks falls apart. I want to be consistent and grounded in the work that I do. Not only for my sake but also for the sake of my family!

Of course, some seasons require giving ourselves grace when we don’t fulfill the tasks that we hope to accomplish. And sometimes we need to step away from our goals so that we can serve our family members better. When we have fulfilling rest as a busy stay-at-home mom, we maintain this consistency.

Here’s how I do it…

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Pausing In Prayer

When things get crazy, at any moment of the day, I am constantly learning the art of pausing. And, specifically, pausing to pray.

When I have two children start screaming and my husband walks through the door with a question while I’m trying to make dinner, I want to just erupt with my words. But, instead, I need to pause and calm myself down with some deep breaths. Then, say a quick prayer.

I need to create moments of solitude when chaos ensues. I do that by praying for strength from the Lord and waiting to speak and act for a few seconds or minutes. Sometimes this may even mean stepping into the other room for a bit.

Prayer has the transformative power to change moments as it refocuses my heart on what is important in the moment. It helps me choose to act in love before I can act in bitterness or anger.

Related Post: 13 Healthy Habits for Moms To Take Care Of Themselves In The Busyness

Create A Place of Solitude

Where do you go to feel refreshed and recharged? Place a chair in the corner of your bedroom and call it your quiet time chair. Use it only for reading, praying, or napping. Make it a comfortable place where you can be alone to become refreshed.

Spending time alone is important! And having a chair to retreat to makes that even more doable. Light a candle nearby, start the diffuser, and look out the window to have a relaxing atmosphere.

Make Quiet Time Non-Negotiable for the Kids

As a young mom of three toddlers and a future homeschooling mom, I make quiet time/nap time in our house a non-negotiable. Each day after lunch everyone spends at least an hour or so in their bed resting or reading books while I rest in my chair or on the couch.

Without this time, I would not have fulfilling rest as a busy stay-at-home mom. As the children get older, I plan to always have quiet time in place. The children need the time just as much as me to reset and rest halfway through the day.

I don’t do housework during this nap time/quiet time. I enjoy rest for myself. The children can help me with housework throughout the other points of the day. We try to tidy the house before quiet time so that the clutter doesn’t nag us when we want solitude.

If I have not done my devotions during the morning time, then I will read my Bible and pray during this time. And whatever you do, do not scroll social media during this time. (or ever, as I encourage you to get rid of all your social media accounts.)

Related Posts: 6 Practical Phone Boundaries For Parents To Set A Healthy Example

Less Is More

Make it one of your goals to live within your means as a stay-at-home mom. That means keeping your priorities focused by eliminating clutter in various areas of your life.

Debt, materialism, and physical clutter all lead to mental clutter. Lean into minimalism in various areas of your life and reap the benefits of peace and calmness in your home and life! I share more about this here!

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Rest Your Mind

It takes effort to train your mind to find rest, but that is the only way for your rest as a busy stay-at-home mom to be fulfilling. You need to form a new habit from thinking about your to-do list and worrying to enjoying the silence and being grateful.

I love to meditate on a Psalm, especially using this book or this one to help. The world is noisy and everyone constantly wants our attention. It takes intentionality to choose to meditate and be joyful in our life.

You can feel refreshed and fulfilled as a stay-at-home mom when you intentionally choose to pause and rest each day, and learn on the Lord for His strength. Let me know in the comments which new habit you will be doing first!

The post How To Have Fulfilling Rest As A Busy Stay-At-Home Mom appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.

I’ve been practicing “mom minimalism,” as I like to call it, for a few years now. And, as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve had to learn how to navigate decluttering and managing a home quite differently than a young single male would! This is why I have appreciated these books on minimalism for moms specifically!

They aren’t written specifically to moms because only moms can read them and glean from them. But, I think they speak directly to the heart of a mother. As moms, we must navigate everyone else’s things alongside our own, and that adds up to a lot of things!

Minimalism is a breath of fresh air for mothers because it allows us to manage less, making more time for things that truly matter! To some people “mom minimalism” may not look like minimalism at all. It may still mean having a stocked pantry, baby items in storage, plenty of books for the children, and outdoor toys. 

We don’t need a lot, and our children certainly don’t either, but we do need more than anyone without children! Especially, as a homeschooling and homesteading mom myself, I realize that I still need a wide array of things to help teach my children and become more self-sufficient. So while we choose to minimize most things in our lives, we don’t minimize things like good books, hand-me-down clothes, outdoor sports activities, scrap metal, or gardening tools.

As a mom, you will find where you thrive when it comes to minimalism. There will be some things that you just need to let stay for the sake of your tinkering husband or your energetic kids. That is where these books come in, to help you find where that line is!

Let’s check them out…

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1. Messy Minimalism: Realistic Strategies for the Rest of Us by Rachelle Crawford

This is certainly one of the best books on minimalism for moms because life sure is messy! This book had me hooked in because it felt like I was talking across the table to another mom. The author is real, authentic, and practical regarding books on minimalism!

The book takes you on a journey from learning why minimalism is a good choice, how to mentally get there, and then how to declutter and maintain the new lifestyle with habits! Moms, I know we benefit the most from minimalism yet have the idea in our heads that it is only for lonely single men or RV-traveling families.

It’s for the average mom, no matter how messy your life seems! I encourage moms to read this book first when they want to dive into the minimalism journey because it speaks directly to all of our pain points and brings more peace and order into our lives.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: The 6 Best Alternatives To Buying Kids Toys And Avoiding More Junk

2. Minimalism for Families: Practical Minimalist Living Strategies to Simplify Your Home and Life by Zoë Kim

I love that there are books on minimalism for moms that focus on family life. We’ve too often seen single people or just couples practicing minimalism and think, well they don’t have kids so it’s easy.

After my first child was born I had been gifted and given so many baby things to say it was overwhelming was an understatement. It took time to see what I truly needed as I raised my children and honestly, I realized that I just didn’t need much.

In this book, you will also discover what you don’t need much of. The book walks you through each room of your house, and what it looks like for someone with a family to declutter each space. I especially appreciated the bedroom section. Our children need so little when it comes to toys, clothes, furniture, and décor. (But, I do still keep quite a few books in our house.) Also, the author’s no-gift ideas reminded me so much of ours.

This is a great book for families and moms just diving into minimalism with several family members in the house with you!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: 12 Decluttering Habits To Help You Keep A Happy Home

3. Hello, Habits: A Minimalist’s Guide to a Better Life by Fumio Sasaki

If you want a book all about minimalism, then read the author’s first book Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism. But, if you want a book on how to make minimalism stick and be your new way of life, then read this one!

While this book doesn’t directly talk about minimalism, it does reference how minimalism and having less in our lives improves our habits, which in turn improves our lives. The book provides information on willpower and habits and then 50 steps to make new habits stick.

Some of the habit tips I had heard before, and you probably have to, but they were good reminders alongside the new information I had never heard. If there is any sort of habit in your life that you are looking to form or break, then consider this book. I think it’s best to go into the book with a specific habit you have in mind to get the most out of it. He also includes 14 good habit inhibitors!

Check it out on Amazon here!

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4. Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith

Yes, I am a cozy minimalist! That is, I’m a minimalist who still wants color, character, and warmth in my home. It doesn’t have to be industrial or blank walls. Our families need us to treat minimalism as simply a tool to create a cozy space for them.

As a mom you can still be a minimalist and live an extremely full life, actually a more full life! You can decorate your home and find time for yourself each day when you learn less is more. While other minimalism books written by men have helpful tips, I think books like this are truly where moms thrive!

This is one of the most encouraging books on minimalism for moms to read today because it shows you have less without sacrificing a beautiful home!

Check it out on Amazon here!

5. Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More by Courtney Carver

I had heard of Project 333 before – 33 pieces in your wardrobe for 30 days – but never jumped into trying it for myself. I like to think that everyone in our family keeps our wardrobe very minimal, but after recently completing the 100-Day Dress Challenge by Wool& I realized I could do even better.

Overall I loved reading this book because it was so honest about all the emotions that come into play when it comes to our wardrobe. Every single thought or worry you may have about simplifying your clothing is addressed. There are even four examples of real women who do the challenge!

If your wardrobe seems overwhelming to you or you get frustrated with getting yourself (or your kids) dressed in the morning then you need to read this book and do the challenge! I especially love the chapters about how even simplifying your wardrobe can spill into all areas of your life.

Check it out on Amazon here!

6. New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici

When I first saw this book, I was intrigued to read it because of its name. How could minimalism be new? I quickly learned that the authors were focusing on making minimalism more approachable.

They explained how they wanted to find the balance between traditional minimalism (almost scarcity) and over-consumption (way too many things). They had several helpful tips including the four personality traits of decluttering.

I saw myself with the personality trait of frugal, meaning it is difficult for me to let things go that have financial value. Whereas my husband is very clearly a practical guy, meaning he struggles with letting practical things go. Knowing the information they provided can help us declutter even further!

If you want a simple life without feeling like you are going to the extreme end of the spectrum then this book will be very helpful and practical for you! It may also help you encourage your kids or husband to declutter more as you try to learn about their tendencies.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Related Post: Can You Be A Minimalist And Still Homestead? Here’s How We Successfully Do It!

7. Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round by Myquillyn Smith

In this book, author Myquillyn Smith brings her first two books (The Nesting Place this post and Cozy Minimalist Home above) together and walks you through decorating for the seasons! That means keeping the imperfectionist mindset and cozy minimalist mindset in harmony.

In my opinion, the best part of this book was seeing her spaces in each season pictured together. For example, there are four pictures of her living room next to each other, one decorated for each season. The most subtle difference in her decorating really did make such a huge difference!

This book will help you first decorate for the season and then host celebrations for that season. First, she will help you change your mindset from a consumer to a creator in the season you are in, and then she will help you decorate with your senses.

Small changes in your senses are the key! What are you feeling, smelling, hearing, tasting, and seeing this season? Learn how to tweak your house to embrace those joys of the season. If you want simple and easy yet beautiful seasonal change without all the cheap clutter, then this book is for you!

Check it out on Amazon here!

Which of these books on minimalism for moms will you be reading first? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 7 Helpful Books On Minimalism For Moms To Read Today appeared first on GoodPointGrandma.