• About
  • Contact

Simplicity Relished

minimalism for the adventurous heart

  • SR
  • Philosophy
    • Minimalism
    • Spirituality
  • Practice
    • Simplify
    • Self-improvement
    • Mindfulness
    • Money
  • Lifestyle
    • Wardrobe
    • Home
  • Discovery
    • People
    • Travel
      • Travel Tips
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • South America
      • United States

Lessons I’ve Learned From Kids Who Live With Less

July 24, 2015

We’re finishing up our time in Ecuador today. We’ve spent the past 3 weeks at Casa Victoria, volunteering with children in a low-income neighborhood in Quito.

I can’t wait to write more about our travels in Ecuador, but first I want to share about the kids we’ve worked with. They need encouragement, love, and a firm hand just like all other kids, but there are a few values they hold that I really appreciate.

In fact, I’ve noticed these trends among underprivileged children around the world. As a volunteer, I’ve spent time teaching children in Asia and Latin America– children who were not necessarily in crisis, but certainly came from low-income families. I’ve learned that their owning less, though often seen as a disadvantage, can yield some beautiful lessons.

_DSF4566

Lessons from Kids Who Live With Less

1) Generosity is not dependent on what you own.

Every time I’ve worked with kids overseas, they’ve shared little gifts with me. Sometimes a few pieces of fruit, or a handmade bracelet. Their generosity inspires me– giving out of abundance is one thing, but giving out of need is even more admirable.

2) You don’t need toys in order to have fun.

It’s amazing how creative the kids in these neighborhoods were. We Americans tell “horror” stories about how the Great Depression had children playing with oatmeal boxes and cardboard boxes. Rarely do we realize that this is still reality for many children. And while perhaps we’d like them to enjoy some more sophisticated toys, they’re not unhappy with what they’ve got.

3) School and teachers are awesome.

I’m about to say something controversial, so bear with me. Having worked as a tutor (both volunteer and paid) for years in the US, I feel that we educators often find ourselves begging kids to go to school. We beg them to do their homework, to work hard, and to graduate. Children who live with less, usually in other countries, seem to have a completely different attitude. They appreciate their teachers and even their homework. They recognize its value.

4) You help family members in need.

This is also a cultural thing, I believe. In less individualistic societies, the wellbeing of the family as a whole takes more priority. What this means for many kids is that they’re constantly thinking of their siblings. They will buy two pieces of candy instead of one, so that their little sister can have one too. Kids willingly work at their parents’ shops (much like they did a hundred years ago in the US) without complaint. It’s part of what it means to be family.

5) Food is not to be thrown away.

In the US, we collectively throw away a lot of food. In fact, the amount of food we lose or throw away in the US amounts to approximately $1 trillion (source). Just think of the last time a child didn’t finish what was on her plate and scraped it into the trash can. I see this happening much less among children who live with less. They finish their food, period. They rarely complain. They rarely ask for another option.

_DSF5013

Less doesn’t have to be the cure

I’m an advocate for simple living, but not necessarily for experiments in suffering. Instead, we should simply realize that many of us live with plenty. Perhaps we could want a little less and give a little more. Perhaps we can practice creativity with our resources instead of expecting money to solve our problems.

I’m indebted to the opportunities I’ve had to live and spend time with children who grew up with much less than I did. I’m grateful for the chance to share myself with them– to allow our worlds to collide so that we both leave a bit changed.

_DSF4974

5 secrets from children who live with less. via @daisylinshih #travel #minimalism

Click To Tweet

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Email

Related

16 Commentsminimalism, People, Uncategorized

Hey! I’d love to grab coffee with you. But for now…

Get my weekly letters and free ebook on courage.

* indicates required
  • Kiki

    I knew from the moment I saw the title this post was going to bring tears to my eyes. I have such a soft spot for child. Always have. Becoming a mom has only escalated that. When I think of all I have done for my daughter, all she has, I get really emotional. I can’t help but think about the hundreds of thousands who don’t. I can only teach my daughter how very blessed she is, and pray God has his hand on their shoulder giving them hope. One day, I’d Joshua and I would love to adopt or foster, to give someone another chance.
    It’s sad to me that some of these kids that have so little can still find reasons to be thankful, still have a thirst for knowledge. It’s beautiful. Thank you for inspiring me today. <3
    http://www.accordingtokiki.net

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Aw Kiki! Thank you for your kind and compassionate words– it means a lot to me! I’m sure your daughter will grow up very self-aware and hopefully she’ll become as warm-hearted as you!

  • Brittany Bergman

    Yes, I have seen this at play so many times! I remember being blown away by the generosity and the family-first mentality of people/children who live with less. They understand the value of taking care of others and showing hospitality with what they do have. It’s amazing how the culture in America makes me feel inclined to stinginess, but remembering these lessons helps me break out of that mentality and open up my home and share my space, time, and food to help care for others. Thanks for this reminder!

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      So glad this resonated with you Brittany! I think your point about opening up our homes is really poignant– we’re so obsessed with privacy and “me time” here! Those values have their place, but I’m definitely inspired to share more too.

  • Heather Jost

    I totally agree! I’ve seen kids in Rwanda and Ecuador play with the simplest of toys, but they’re joyfully playing with these things for hours each day. Meanwhile, kids I know in the US from upper-middle-class families get SO MANY toys and gadgets and by the end of the night they’re bored with them all, some still unwrapped. Someday when I have kids I want to just get things like blocks and dolls – toys that can get the imagination going rather than just stimulate the senses – and hope that they’ll learn what the kids with less already know.

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thank you Heather! I love the idea of finding toys that spur the imagination! I remember having less interest in toys and more in just playing “pretend,” and I’m hoping my kids will be the same way!

  • Meryl @ Simple Family Home

    I love this post. I spent a long time volunteering in Mongolia, Nepal and India and had similar discoveries. The way children could imagine whole worlds without needing toys has always stayed with me, and I’ve encouraged my kids to play with less too.

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thank you Meryl! Your experiences abroad must have been amazing– those are all countries I want to visit one day. And I hope to do the same as you– encourage my future kids to play with less, and be creative!

  • Emily of Em Busy Living

    I love this post. We surely could do better to be appreciative of what we have and do a better job of using our resources more responsibly.

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thank you Emily! Yes yes!

  • Brittany Houchins

    I love this post Daisy! So well written and such good points! My mother is from the Philippines, and when we go back to visit I notice the exact same things that you pointed out. Children are always helping and sharing with their siblings, they give us the sweetest handmade gifts, and they LOVE school. We ship a huge box of school supplies there every year and you’ll be so surprised how happy kids are when they get just one notebook or a pack of crayons. They cherish it so much. Thanks for sharing this!

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thank you Brittany! I’m so glad this resonated with you and it’s so so cool that you’ve been to the Philippines! The kids who grow up with less excess definitely cherish gifts more, and oddly they give gifts more too!

  • Christina @ Embracing Simple

    What a beautiful post Daisy! I’ve discovered that even my 1-year-old prefers non-toys over her toys. It’s totally possible to have fun without toys present! And in many cases, kids actually prefer it! They don’t need to have a million toys to have a fun and magical childhood.

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thank you Christina! I love that you’ve discovered this so early– it’s a joy to see kids be creative with what they already have!

  • Frugal in France

    A very beautiful and well-needed post in our affluent world. And as a teacher, I’m not at all shocked by your entry about “begging”. In fact, I think that a greater emphasis should be put on manual jobs and children should have the freedom to leave school at sixteen to start meaningful employment instead of having their parents trying and failing to make them go to school. School should be enjoyed, not suffered ! xx

    • Daisy @ Simplicity Relished

      Thanks friend! I tend to agree with you– education is important but it’s impossible to *force* someone to learn!

Hi! I’m Daisy.

Simplicity Relished
Welcome to Simplicity Relished, where I share about my minimalist lifestyle and thirst for adventure. I believe in paring down, choosing courage, giving generously, and traveling often. If you agree that the best things in life aren't things, then grab a cup of coffee and make yourself at home!Let's be friends.

Find me here

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Get access to exclusive content and my free ebook!

Let's inspire each other.

* indicates required

Newest Posts

  • Discovering Unselfish Reasons to Simplify Your Life
  • 4 Ways Minimalism Redefines Beauty
  • Reader Survey! (with a gift card giveaway)
  • Yosemite National Park: A Quick Guide
  • How To Fall In Love With Mornings (and become a morning person)

Search

Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

Readers Are Loving

  • Plant Parenthood: How To Avoid Killing Your Succulents
    Plant Parenthood: How To Avoid Killing Your Succulents
  • Our 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
    Our 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary
  • 7 Reasons We Buy Things We Don't Need (and how to avoid them)
    7 Reasons We Buy Things We Don't Need (and how to avoid them)
  • 48 Hours In Seville, Spain
    48 Hours In Seville, Spain
  • 5 Minimalist Secrets to Saving Money
    5 Minimalist Secrets to Saving Money
  • How To Plant A Succulent Container Garden In A Bowl
    How To Plant A Succulent Container Garden In A Bowl
  • Why We Need Rituals (and how to develop your own)
    Why We Need Rituals (and how to develop your own)
  • A Quick Guide to 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California
    A Quick Guide to 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California
  • My 40-Piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe (and a step-by-step guide)
    My 40-Piece Summer Capsule Wardrobe (and a step-by-step guide)
  • The Life-Changing Magic of Finding Your Purpose
    The Life-Changing Magic of Finding Your Purpose

Snapshots // @simplicityrelished

Pin With Me

Visit Daisy S Rosales's profile on Pinterest.

Join Our Travel Community

Wanderlust Stories Group Pinterest Board

Get the free ebook!

7 Days of Courage: Finding Brave in Your Everyday Life

Grab A Button

Simplicity Relished
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.simplicityrelished.com" title="Simplicity Relished"><img src="http://simplicityrelished.com/wp-content/easy-cache/others/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/200x200_Button.jpg" alt="Simplicity Relished" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Archives

Search

THANK YOU FOR VISITING SIMPLICITY RELISHED.

Disclaimer: Simplicity Relished is a for profit blog. Any company that I collaborate with is chosen by me and chosen because they fit the theme and readership of my blog. Copyright: If you see something you like here, please be encouraged to share it along with a link back to my site. All of the images and content here, unless otherwise noted or linked, is my own original work.

© 2014–2016 Simplicity Relished. Theme by The Lady Errant

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.