Practising Slow Living as a parent means more than just slowing down our schedules, it extends to how we shape our surroundings, the way we consume, and the choices we make for our families. By collecting fewer toys, for example, we allow creativity to flourish. Through creating intentional moments in routines, like having shared dinners together, we can grow deeper familial bonds.
Child enjoying the outdoors.
Featuring Charlie Chair and Luisa Table. Photos by Graine Clothing.
Tips to practise slow living with children:
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Choose fewer and better
Prioritize quality over quantity to encourage appreciation and care for meaningful belongings. When toys, clothes, and furniture are chosen with purpose, they hold irreplaceable value and will be cherished more. Objects that are preloved, repaired, or repurposed not only foster a mindset of sustainability and gratitude but also carry a unique story.
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Value experiences over possessions
Create lasting memories by focusing on shared moments rather than material possessions. Engaging in activities with children that involve both physical and emotional experiences, nurtures positive early development. Travelling, visiting exhibitions, preparing a foreign meal, trying a new sport—these shared adventures spark excitement in facing the unknown. Through teamwork and collaboration, family members navigate challenges together and celebrate achievements. Shared memories and experiences strengthen bonds, creating connections that last a lifetime.
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Be present
Spend time with your children without a predetermined goal, allowing for spontaneous moments of connection, curiosity, and joy. A lot of meaningful connections happen in unscripted moments—whether it's lying on the grass watching clouds, drawing and colouring, or simply talking and listening to each other. Being present together makes children feel seen, loved and valued.
Imaginative play, hosting a tea party.
Featuring Charlie Chair and Luisa Table. Photo by Nina Davidson.
Case Study: The Art of Slow
“Mindful living to me means being aware of the world you live in, the moment you live in. Showing gratitude towards everything given, circumstances, family, friends, but also towards the goods you own and taking good care of them.” says the founder of OCRE, a platform that celebrates the Art of Slow, sharing her vision with ecoBirdy.
By consciously curating what enters the home, the space reflects personal values and inspires meaningful interactions. “Our home is quite minimalistic, with a cosy touch. We keep the things we truly cherish and try to let go of anything that is not of value to us. Even though we try to avoid it, we still find things piling up over time. I’d love to consume even less and step away from the constant overdose of styles and furniture pieces on social media. It’s so much more special to create a space that reflects your own character rather than following trends.”
“It’s so much more special to create a space that reflects your own character rather than following trends.” — Founder of OCRE, playing with her little one.
Featuring Luisa Table and Mabo Plate. Photos by OCRE.
This intention carries over into parenting as well. “We choose items that truly matter to our family, keep them for a long time and cherish them. We try to keep toys to a minimum, holding onto them only as long as they serve their purpose. Nearly all of our clothing is secondhand, and we resell the pieces again too.”
Making intentional choices provides space for meaningful moments, like those shared around ecoBirdy’s thoughtfully designed furniture. “My child immediately loved drawing on the Luisa Table, and used it for snack time. It naturally integrated into his space. I love how ecoBirdy combines design with sustainable values. It makes a product so much more attractive, and in today's world it should be the only way forward: buy less, buy mindfully, and take good care of what you own.”
Conclusion: Focus on the essentials
By removing the excess that is overwhelming, whether in the objects we bring into our homes, in the way we design spaces, or the pace at which we live, it’s possible to develop a more mindful way of living when kids live there too!
Growing up in nature.
Featuring Charlie Chair and Luisa Table. Photos by Nina Davidson.
