A tiny house? With kids? Heck, no. I’d have a meltdown for breakfast and then cry in my coffee for the rest of the day. No, sir, I need my space, and so do my kids.
This is exactly how most people imagine living in tiny homes, especially if they have kids. If you breathe on your toddler’s Lego tower, they start screaming, but that’s not all.
There’s also a mountain of laundry sitting in the middle of the kitchen, and dog toys that add to the clutter even more. The general assumption is that this is 24/7 stress, with occasional nervous breakdowns.
But do you know what’s the funniest thing about this? That chaos happens in every single house, regardless of its size. Even if you lived in a mansion, that still wouldn’t prevent your toddler from screaming, and you’d still have a mess to deal with. That’s just life.
I’m not trying to give you a lecture on minimalism, but the fact is, so many families get stuck in houses they can’t afford because they think that more space equals a better life.
In this article, we’ll debunk some of the myths about ‘tiny living’ that are circling around the internet. Let’s dive in!
Why Some Families Opt for Smaller Living Spaces
Have you ever seen those cartoons with little woodland creatures living in trees and tree stumps? Have you noticed how cozy it all looks? Well, part of the reason is that it’s so tiny and compact, so it naturally seems warm.
I’m not suggesting you go live in a tree, but it’s easy to see why some families choose to live in smaller spaces.
The biggest perk is financial relief.
Mortgage payments are anything but small if you have a traditional house, but if you go for a tiny one?
Your payments will go down A LOT if you don’t have to get a mortgage in the first place. That’s obvious, but it needed to be said.
When you picture tiny living, a lot of people will imagine a cramped, claustrophobic space that is neither comfortable nor appealing. But ‘tiny living’ is actually more about spending time outside, in the (family) living room, on the terrace/deck.
It’s about building closer and stronger family bonds, about making memories and finding deeper meaning in experiences instead of focusing on materialism.
It’s a conscious choice for a life that’s simpler and more connected, and as a bonus, it’s also easier on the planet.
Of course, the location is exceptionally important, more so than if you lived in a traditional home, because you’ll be spending more time outdoors.
If you want to live in flip-flops and spend your days on the beach, look into park model homes in South Carolina. It’s a climate made for being outside almost all year. Suppose you’re not into long summers.
Colorado might be a better choice. You could have your very own affordable mountain getaway, with a cozy wood stove and no massive price tag. In Michigan, you could live in an affordable home surrounded by Great Lakes beauty.
Kayaking in the summer and a snowy winter wonderland around Christmas? I’d move tomorrow!
Parenting Myths That Don’t Hold Up
You’re probably thinking that, as great as all this sounds, parenting in a tiny house is impossible. And the reason you think that is a myth or two that aren’t true.
Let’s go over the most common ones.
1. Kids Can’t Share a Space Without Fighting
Sharing a room certainly has its moments if you know what I mean, but it also teaches kids how to do stuff together and compromise instead of being at each other’s throats all the time. And the fact that they’re spending so much time together will inevitably make them closer and teach them respect.
2. A Small Kitchen Makes Family Meals Impossible
It’s not like you need a restaurant-sized kitchen to cook a meal. Tiny homes are designed with efficiency being the prime driver. Efficiency is the foundation of these types of properties. That extends to kitchens, too. Everything is within easy reach, which means that meal prep goes faster.
Another plus is that you can turn cooking into a family activity; you don’t need to do it on your own.
3. A Big Family Needs a Big Living Room
If you want to connect to your family, the size of the room doesn’t matter whatsoever.
Yes, it’s nice to have lots of space, but is it absolutely necessary? No. You can spend quality time with your family in a small living room, on the porch, around the kitchen table, in the yard, wherever.
All that really matters is that you’re together.
Conclusion
If you’ve been thinking about living a simpler life, possibly surrounded by nature, let this be your sign to give it a go.
It’s 100% possible to live a comfortable life in a tiny home, and what’s even better is that you and your family will spend more time in nature instead of being glued to the screen.
A smaller space also means less clutter, fewer bills, fewer chores, and at the same time, more money and freedom.
When you really think about it, you end up raising your kids with more time, more adventure, and more family time.
