Welcome to another episode of the Willoughby Hills podcast!
My guest today is Kim John Payne, educational consultant and author of several books including Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of to Raise Calmer, Happier, More Secure Kids.
For nearly three decades, Kim has served as a family counselor, consultant, and trainer for more than 200 public and independent schools. He believes that reducing the time commitments and physical stuff in a child’s life can lead to greater harmony, more creativity, and a more connected and empathetic child.
These are counterintuitive ideas in our modern society, where marketing messages push the notion of bigger, faster, cheaper, and more at nearly every turn. But through his books and his podcast Simplicity Parenting, Kim shows that even small changes can make a big difference.
Not surprisingly, after reading Kim’s book, I felt an instant kinship. I have often used this podcast and newsletter to offer counter-programming to the consumption narrative. I really enjoyed getting to connect with Kim and to hear his take on “less is more.”
We also discussed his educational consultant work through Integrative Student Support, which attempts to look beyond diagnoses and to help children who may display problematic behaviors in the classroom rebalance and turn their weakness into a superpower.
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112. Author Kim John Payne on the Power of Simplicity