Clothing Edit With Kids

On growing up and letting go, and how we practice both.

For years, I’ve been letting my kids do their own clothes editing.

It’s a way for them to practice noticing what they still like, what doesn’t feel good on their skin, and how much they’ve grown.

In the past, I felt mostly relief and delight when they declutter.

But this time I got a bit emotional over a t-shirt I bought for my older son at the Bronx Zoo. It was one of our first outings after moving to New York.

I remember that day. The excitement of a new city, a new beginning, everything still feeling a little wide open.

He wore that shirt until it got too snug. Then it became his brother’s. And now his brother has outgrown it too.

My younger son picked it up without much thought.

But my older son looked over and said “That’s my old shirt!” with excitement in his voice. He began to describe where we were, what we saw that day.

That was a perfect example of how our belongings can hold so much, and why certain items are handled with more care.

For me, a heavier feeling lingered a bit longer…

My memories didn’t stop at the zoo outing, it quickly reminded me of that chapter of motherhood where I didn’t share my struggles, or express the loneliness of caring for a child in a city I had yet to make new friends in. And how far I’ve come to be open about the challenges I face, or asking for support even from strangers.

This is the kind of organizing process I love most — not just the before and after, but what happens in between.

The sorting and editing of what the drawers and life hold.

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Video Lesson: Now Available

In this 20 minute lesson, you’ll learn:

• How to turn a simple clothing edit into a meaningful experience

• How to help your kids tune into their body

• How to guide decision-making without taking over

• How to build resilience when letting go feels hard

P.S. I’m starting to pair these posts with short videos for those who want to move from reflection to practice.

This one is free.

For the cost of an oat chai latte a month, you’ll have access to mini-lessons and podcast episodes — including the upcoming first episode, How Many Toys Is Enough.

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