Rebel Parenting

By Helena Zachariassen.

Parenthood is raw, messy, and brutally honest. It's not the sanitised version we see plastered on social media or the fantasy sold to us by parenting books and Insta glam. In today's relentless, hyper-demanding world, being a parent often feels like running a marathon with no finish line. The pressure to be everything: a perfect parent, an ideal worker, and a flawless partner is soul-crushing. Simplifying parenthood isn't just a choice; it's an act of defiance against a system designed to break us.

Here are unfiltered truths and fundamental strategies to reclaim your sanity and joy as a parent: 

Get real about what matters

Society constantly tells us what to prioritise - success, appearance, busyness. Forget that noise. What truly matters to your family? Love? Laughter? Simplicity? Decide on your family's core values and unapologetically stick to them. Screw what anyone else thinks.

Authenticity check: Sit down and ask yourself what your family actually needs to thrive. Hint: It's probably not more stuff or activities.

Busyness is bullsh*t

We're conditioned to equate busyness with worth, but it's a trap. Being overscheduled doesn't make you a good parent; it makes you stressed out. Rip up your overloaded calendar and ditch the commitments that drain you.

Real talk: Life is short. Say no to everything that doesn't light your family's fire.

Declutter your life and your mind.

Stuff everywhere? Laundry mountain? Mental load crushing your spirit? Enough. Start clearing the chaos. This isn't about minimalism for Instagram likes; it's about creating breathing room.

Connection tip: Get your kids involved. Decluttering isn't a punishment, it's a life skill and a gift for life.

Forget the productivity cult

Stop treating parenthood like a project to manage. You're not a CEO of some family corporation; you're a human being raising other human beings. Simplify by focusing on systems that help your family survive and thrive. Delegate, automate, and, for the love of all things holy, stop trying to do it all yourself.

Perspective shift: You're not failing because you need help. You're succeeding because you're smart enough to ask for it.

Show up, flaws and all

Your kids don't need a perfect parent; they need a present one. Perfection is a lie sold by marketers. Put down your phone, forget the laundry, and just be with your kids. Those messy, unplanned moments? They're the real deal.

Reality check: Screw perfection. Show your kids what it means to be authentically

human.

Stop overthinking family meals

Who decided every meal had to be a culinary masterpiece? Keep it simple. Rotate five go-to meals and call it a day. It's the shared moments, not the gourmet dishes, that matter.

Pro tip: Burnt toast happens. Laugh about it and move on.

Reclaim play as a radical act

In a world obsessed with grades and achievements, playing feels rebellious. But play is where connection, creativity, and joy live. Make time for it and join in.

Reminder: Playtime isn't just for kids. It's for you, too.

Take care of yourself without guilt

You can't pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn't indulgent; it's survival, a non-negotiable. Whether it's a solo walk, a coffee with a friend, or five minutes of deep breathing, take it, guilt-free.

Honest advice: Teach your kids that taking care of yourself is an act of strength and empowerment, not selfishness.

Flexibility over tradition

Traditions are beautiful, but they're not sacred. If they're causing more stress than joy, it's time to adapt. Let go of rigid rituals and embrace what works for your family right now.

Key insight: Life changes. Traditions can, too.

Celebrate the chaos

Parenthood is messy. Embrace it. The chaos, the mistakes, the ridiculous

moments, this is where the magic happens. Forget trying to make it look perfect; make it real.

Takeaway: Your kids won't remember spotless floors or colour-coded schedules. They'll remember the love and laughter that filled the mess.

Where does this leave us?

Parenthood isn't a picture-perfect fairy tale. It's raw, chaotic, and fiercely beautiful.

Simplifying it isn't about giving up; it's about rising up. By rejecting society's unattainable standards and focusing on what truly matters, we can create a life where our families thrive, not just survive.

This is the rebellion, and it starts with you.

Helena Zachariassen is a mum of 2, an expert in simplifying and home organising, and a lover of all things beautiful in life. A certified KonMari Consultant and Lifestyle Coach, she is the founder of Switzerland’s first KonMari and Lifestyle Coaching Consultancy - My Happy Home. She is passionate about empowering and inspiring people of any walk of life by organising their living spaces according to the KonMari Method by simply choosing joy.

Having her roots in Finland, the Nordic country of pure, quiet, and beautiful wilderness, and being deeply inspired by nature, beauty and simplicity, Helena lovingly encourages and supports her clients in transforming their homes into havens of serenity.