Raising Kids Simply in a Complex World

January 19, 2026

Am I doing enough for my kids?

Have I provided every thing and opportunity that my children need?

In our complex world of endless educational opportunities, extracurricular options, and mind-blowing toys and gadgets, we as parents can worry if we are providing enough for our children’s future success and happiness.

But what do kids really need today?

It’s easy as a mom (or dad) to fall into the mental trap of “am I doing enough for my child(ren)?” We can beat ourselves up and wonder if we are really giving our children the best life possible, but in reality, our children’s needs are actually simpler than we might think.

What kids really need is to be loved and feel secure. When we as parents lavish that love upon them daily in verbal and observable ways, our kids really will be okay without all the fancy extras that the kids down the street might have.

Kids need nourishment for their souls. They need to know about a Heavenly Father Who loves them intensely. Our kids need to know of God’s higher calling and purpose for their lives. This calling will ground our children and give them a purpose for life like no other.

Our children need to learn to work hard. When we as parents instill in them a work ethic and daily nurture our children’s personal self-discipline, our children will develop personal resolve and a resiliency to face the challenges of living in this complex world.

If we have taught our children the personal character to push through every challenge, we will have succeeded. It won’t matter if our children finished every homeschool textbook or took every upper-level high school class, but if our children exhibit exemplary work ethics, they are ready for adult life.

What do I mean by raising children simply?

Our culture is lavish. It is rich and decadent. It is over-the-top and obsessive. It is not focused on the will and ways of God.

So how can we as wise parents counter this obsessive culture?

To my husband and me, raising our children simply means 2 basic things:

1.       Providing all of their genuine needs (physically, mentally, academically, emotionally, and spiritually)

2.       Equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and mental tools to provide for themselves and care for others someday

By raising our children simply, we are encouraging them to focus on satisfaction with basic needs met and a desire to accomplish their duties in life (ie work hard at whatever God calls them to do). Yes, we certainly provide our children many “extras” in their young lives (probably too many, quite frankly), but the extras and the pleasures of this life are not the focus or end goal of our parenting.

What are some benefits of raising children simply?

While raising children simply isn’t a magic formula for achieving certain goals, I believe that raising them simply with consistent teaching will gear children towards a right attitude and perspective in life.

Teaches Gratitude

Sometimes the more we have, the less thankful we are. Often, folks with little are some of the most genuinely thankful people. We want our children to learn to be grateful in every situation and for everything that God gives them. We can begin teaching them this mindset today by modeling gratitude for what we as a family currently have.

By living simply and focusing on gratitude for daily needs met, we are teaching our children the beauty of a simple and fulfilling life.

Sets Realistic Expectations

When parents lavish a luxurious lifestyle upon their children, it may have a negative impact on their children’s future—not always, but the strong possibility exists.

Children who grew up with abundance will often expect that same level of abundance even once they have “spread their wings” and are on their own. It can be very difficult—not impossible—for these young people to scale back their expectations and live within their new realities as adults.

By focusing on genuine needs and a few wants, we hope to set our children up for success by teaching them not to expect more than is realistic in their adult lives.

 

How can I raise my children simply?

There are so many nuances to raising children simply and appropriately, but here are a few ways that my husband and I implement simplicity in our parenting:

Limit the children’s personal possessions to genuine needs and some desires.

We simply do not have room for tons of toys and personal possessions in our home which has actually turned out to be a blessing. The children have learned, even at a young age, to hone their desires and only keep what is truly important to them.

Focus on age-appropriate duties.

From very young ages, our children are expected to start contributing to the overall family dynamic. From very young ages, our children are learning that they have a purpose and place in this life and that their work is important and constructive. We hope to raise young people who will turn around and care for others in their adult lives.

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Friends, I hope you found this post helpful as you seek to influence the young people in your life. Raising children simply relieves so many burdens and mental weights.

It’s not the stuff and lavish toys that raise a young person of character. It’s not being involved in 10 extracurricular activities that builds self-esteem. It’s not by “having it all” that predicts a child will grow up to a happy adult. By giving our children what they genuinely need—not everything that they want—we can wisely set our children on a course for personal and spiritual success!

-Ashley

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