Teens and toddlers both get a bad rap because they are seasons of development when control-based parenting fails (The nerve of those dastardly developing brains for having thoughts and feelings of their own!). But on the gentle parenting path, I have loved both! Teens are awesome! Your relationship will thrive through this season if you honor both the space and support that they show you they need. In this post, I mean literally.

Tweens are moving away from the toy sets and floor play of early childhood and into longer-term projects and table work, but they still thrive in a soft, simplified sanctuary. They are taking greater ownership of and spending more time in their space, while still relishing and resting in the love you infuse into the room.

Setting up a calm and restful sanctuary that supports your child’s needs is one of the most powerfully effective points of minimalism in a family. I cannot emphasize enough what a profound difference it makes for a child when they have a space where they feel soothed (protected from any powerlessness or chaos in the broader home environment) and competent (able to be successful in meeting their own needs).