Meet "Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room"
Get Your Kids Excited About the Idea of Decluttering
Unsure of how to introduce your children to the concepts of decluttering and a clutter-free life? Meet…Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room!
As someone who works with parents and young children, I was excited to get my hands on the children’s book, Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room. Geared for children ages 3-8 years old, I was delighted with the cheerful rhymes and story that follows Lenora in her journey of learning about the power of letting go and giving to others.
Its author, Deanna Yates, is the host of of the top-ranked podcast Wannabe Clutter Free (3+ million listens and counting), and she helps high-achieving women and modern moms stop drowning in stuff and start living with more purpose, ease, and happiness.
I wanted to know more about Deanna’s inspiration for the book, and she shared some wonderful gems with me. I hope you enjoy our conversation below! ⭐️
What inspired you to write this children’s book?
Through my podcast and coaching, I often hear from parents who want to instill the joy of giving and living with less in their children. However, they often struggle to know what to say or how to get their kids excited about the idea of decluttering. It can be emotional and challenging when we go through our things and part with them, so having a resource to turn to is a great option. I’ve found when trying to teach my daughter something new, like learning to play an instrument or play a sport, a neutral third party can often make things much, much easier.
Anything surprise you during your own personal experience of decluttering with your daughter?
I would say the biggest surprise was that sometimes she didn’t have an attachment to something - a toy, a doll, or a book - but I would. Whenever that happened, instead of second guessing her or making her keep it, I would ask her if I could keep it and moved it to be with my stuff. It didn’t happen often, but it did happen.
I was also surprised sometimes by the things she was willing to part with. There was a stuffed animal that was super important to her for a while and then one day she was ready to let it go. It had gone through the regular stages of bed to basket to bottom of basket, but it was still a surprise. She trusts her gut and I’ve learned to, too.
My advice would be to go into decluttering with your kids with an open mind and heart. Be gentle when they want to hold on to things and open when they are ready to let them go.
Where does your family like to donate your daughter's items?
Recently, my daughter and I joined a philanthropic organization and we have been donating her clothes to one of the charities we’ve volunteered with. It feels so good to know that the items will be used by those in need in our own communities.
Also, our friends run a preschool so we like to donate puzzles and toys to them, but our daughter is getting older so those days are probably numbered.
Over the years we have found ourselves buying less and less and wearing our things out more, so more often than not, I send my clothes in for recycling and our linens go to the an animal rescue.
When possible, I like to help locally, but there is no shame in donating wherever is the most convenient to you. I recently talked about having a “free-sale” where I put everything on my driveway, invited my neighbors over (they took a few things and added to the piles) and posted it on my local Buy Nothing Group. I just wanted it all out of my house as quick as possible, you know?
What do you wish every parent knew about teaching their children clutter-free habits?
I wish every parent knew that your children are learning so much by watching you. The little habits you cultivate make such a big difference as does your attitude toward decluttering. I know decluttering can be difficult work, but if you play fun music, limit the amount of time you spend on it at a time, and try to make it a little more fun, you will get your family on board in no time.
Then, do the work with your stuff too, so that you kids see you modeling the behavior you wish to see in them.
Also, stop buying so much throughout the year if clutter is really a problem for you. It’s okay to limit getting new things to the major seasons of life like the holidays, birthdays, back to school, and true necessities. Bringing less stuff in means you have less to declutter.
Personally, what’s currently sparking joy for you in life?
This summer, my daughter and I went to the county fair and saw the flying trapeze show. I actually took lessons about 20 years ago when I lived in Chicago and as I sat there, I remembered the feeling of flying through the air and I even did some of the tricks these professionals were doing! I suddenly longed to do it again. I looked over at my daughter and asked if she would be interested in trying it too. She had a huge smile and shook her head up and down. It was an immediate yes and we’ve been taking lessons for a couple months now. My body hasn’t been this sore in ages, but I love it and it’s become the highlight of my week.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I know it can feel like your home is going to be overrun by toys forever, but the time will pass quickly. So do what you need to do to get the toys and chaos under control so you are more present with your family, but don’t worry about getting it perfect. As Gretchen Rubin says, "the days are long, but the years are short" so it’s important we enjoy the journey.
More about Deanna Yates:
Deanna Yates wrote Lenora and Her Super Duper Messy Room to help families experience the freedom of enough and share the joy of giving with their children.
When she’s not helping women transform their lives one drawer at a time, you’ll find her hunting down the best breakfast burrito in San Diego, planning her next family adventure, or cozying up on the couch pretending she’s not already thinking about the next space to organize.