In my mind minimalism and crafting rarely ever go hand in hand. 

I am not a crafty person. If a project doesn't have a purpose and can't be used in a meaningful and practical way, it doesn't make sense to even start the project.

My youngest daughter thinks very differently.

She is very passionate about crafting on a daily basis.

Her passion for crafting definitely challenged my minimalist ideas.

In the end, I found a way to still embrace minimalism while supporting my daughter in her crafting endeavors.

Check out our minimalist craft area for kids!

A Minimalist Craft Area for Kids

 

How to Use Small Spaces and Less Stuff When Crafting with Kids

Two major components of minimalism in our home are small spaces and less stuff.

Crafting challenges both of these ideas!

My first challenge was finding a small space I could devote to crafting supplies, one that would store as many as possible.

I chose the corner of our dining room, as my daughter likes to craft at the table. 

The dining room is right across from the kitchen sink used for clean up.

In this space I could utilize a set of shelves and a wall full of shelving as well.

Wall storage can help in small spaces so much!

Creating a crafting area was actually very helpful. It saved my husband and I from searching the house up and down for materials our daughter needed for each crafting project.

The second challenge was only choosing a small amount of craft supplies that would be used and not wasted.

Sunshine, my daughter, has crafting preferences, so I chose to focus on those. 

When interests changed and she had used all of the craft supplies associated with those interests, I would put new items out.

How to Train Your Dragon Crafts for Kids

Usually my daughter and I would plan out crafts ahead of time for the month with a specific theme in mind, to help us know what crafting materials we did want out on the shelves, and which we wanted to pick up from the store.

How to Observe and Follow a Child's Interests When Crafting

Crafting is fun and enjoyable when the projects are preferred and not too difficult.

My daughter would come up with a theme that interested her.

Together we would search Pinterest for crafting ideas that piqued her interest.

Once we found one she liked, we would study out the process and items needed to complete it.

Sunshine loved looking at the directions in pictures to decide if it was something she was willing to try.

After knowing all the details, my daughter would make the decision whether or not the craft was for her.

There was a phase where she did not want to complete any crafting activity that required glue or waiting time for things to dry.

Another time Sunshine was hyperfocused on enjoying sewing and jewelry making tasks. We spent a long time making necklaces to go with every single one of her outfits. Lol.

Crafting brought my daughter so much joy, which is why I chose to embrace it. 

Minimalism is so much about choosing the things that bring us joy.

What to Include in a Crafting Area for Kids

Every child has different interests and passions, so no set of art shelves is going to be the same.

Different children enjoy different crafts at different ages and abilities.

In our home my daughter's shelves consisted of a variety of materials that are perfect for her skills and abilities.

On the top shelf from left to right there were:

• Colored pony beads
• Foam sheets of varying sizes
• Small dowels
• Rulers
• Paper straws
• Pipe cleaners
• Paper
• Paper bags
• Paper plates
• Scrap paper pieces

The second and third shelves contained bins that were themed or material based:

• Sewing materials
• Ribbons
• Homemade playdough with cookie cutters
• Yarn
• Wooden stamps
• Stamp pads
• Glue
• Clothespins and popsicle sticks

Wall storage in our craft area is designed based on age, skill, and ability.

Items I don't want my daughter to use unsupervised are on the top two shelves, out of reach.

She must ask for them.

Crafting supplies on the bottom shelves can be used at any time.

From bottom to top, here's what's on our shelves:

• Erasable colored pencils
• Pencil sharpeners
• Washable water based paint
• Watercolors
• Paint brushes
• Paint trays
• Glitter
• Acrylic paints
• Fancier paint brushes
• Adult water paints

How to Store Craft Material for Kids

Every child is different when it comes to organizational and storage needs.

Some kids love to dump.

Other kids struggle to open containers.

Choose storage solutions that meet the needs of your child to provide positive and independent experiences.

My youngest daughter is not a dumper, but can struggle with specific storage containers.

Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

I wanted to make sure she could access all of her craft supplies easily and on her own (except for the items she requires supervision with).

Our craft shelves include:

• Bead Storage Container
• 3 Drawer Storage Containers
• Dollar Store Plastic Bins

Our wall shelves are sturdy enough so that children can grab items off them, without worry of shelves falling.

Where to Store Finished Craft Projects from Kids

Craft projects that are unfinished or need time to dry are stored on cookie sheets on top of the shelves. One small cookie sheet fits on each side.

Once craft projects are finished, my daughter stores them in her room.

Sometimes crafts go in a special drawer.

She sorts through this drawer when it becomes full, keeping the projects she loves most, and throwing away projects she doesn't want anymore.

Other craft projects she uses as toys.

My daughter uses some crafts to decorate her room.

We usually take pictures of her most special craft projects upon completion, so no matter what happens to it, we always have a special keepsake.

Crafting sessions have brought such joy to my daughter. 

I'm so happy that she's happy.

It turns out crafting and minimalism can go hand in hand!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is such a rare diagnosis. 

It's hard to understand who has it and who doesn't, based on when trauma occurred, when behaviors began, and how soon struggles were observed. 

Due to the complications of receiving a diagnosis of RAD, some seek out famous cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder to compare.

Understanding famous cases can help caregivers of children with Reactive Attachment Disorder know what to expect, how to cope, and how to get help.

Many caregivers that are faced with the realities of Reactive Attachment Disorder wonder who else has gone through this experience. 

What does the experience of others look like? 

Is healing possible?

It's my goal to share famous cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder based on my own personal observations combined with knowledge of others that is available to the public, in hopes it may help caregivers.

Disclaimer: I am not a therapist. I am not a psychologist. I am not a developmental pediatrician. I cannot diagnose.

The list of people below are those whom I (and my family) believe could be famous cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder based on what they have experienced. 

Many have not been identified as such. Others are assumed to have Reactive Attachment Disorder, but this information cannot be confirmed.

Some of these people are actually characters in movies, tv shows, and books.

I am sharing, so that caregivers and others seeking information about Reactive Attachment Disorder can start to see a pattern in behaviors and struggles.

Please remember that Reactive Attachment Disorder is a spectrum disorder, which means that every case varies in severity and struggle.

Famous Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Before we dig into famous cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder, it's important to understand what Reactive Attachment Disorder is. 

If you are unfamiliar with Reactive Attachment Disorder, please read the resource below before moving forward with this article.

What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Please remember that children with RAD are victims of abuse and/or neglect.

Behaviors associated with Reactive Attachment Disorder are due to how the brain forms while the innocent child is surviving trauma.

It is our goal to support healthy and loving families where children with RAD can heal, if possible.

1. Beth Thomas

Beth Thomas is most famous for having Reactive Attachment Disorder due to the movie/documentary Child of Rage found on Youtube. 

Her story is well known to all in the Reactive Attachment Disorder community.

In 2010 Beth Thomas wrote a book with her parents about her journey.

What I love about the story of Beth Thomas is that we have a glimpse of her childhood and the story of healing from Reactive Attachment Disorder that she has shared as an adult.

The documentary of her healing can also be found on Youtube.

Please be aware her story is of a very sensitive nature. Some therapeutic practices that she experienced are no longer advised and considered traumatic and abusive.

Beth Thomas' story helps us know how hard raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder can be and that healing is possible.

She is a shining light that can bring so much hope to families.

2. Voldemort from the Harry Potter Series

I can think of no other character or individual who encompasses the most severe case of Reactive Attachment Disorder more than Voldemort.

The Worst Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder

He is an example of what could be without early intervention, unconditional love, and healing, after the most significant early childhood trauma (during the first 18 months of life).

I do not know if J.K. Rowling is familiar with Reactive Attachment Disorder. 

I do not know if she purposely developed the character Voldemort to resemble RAD.

I do know J.K. Rowling knows trauma.

She did a perfect job encompassing all that could be when it comes to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

J.K. Rowling also gave us a character who is the exact opposite of someone with Reactive Attachment Disorder: Harry Potter.

Both characters experienced significant trauma.

Both characters struggled in life.

Harry received love and attachment in utero, as a baby, and through that important time of brain development that forms secure attachment.

I have never met or spoken to J.K. Rowling, but if I were to have the chance, I would thank her profusely for bringing attention to the effects of early childhood trauma and how that affects attachment. 

I would thank her for her bravery writing these characters the way she did. 

Only a person who has experienced significant trauma would know the depths of these characters and how to portray them.

3. Ted Bundy

Some say that the serial killer Ted Bundy may have had Reactive Attachment Disorder based on early childhood trauma related to his birth and who his actual parents were.

Many of the traits that are typical of Reactive Attachment Disorder were displayed by Ted Bundy as a child and adult.

He would be considered a severe case and never healed from all that he experienced.

Much more about his life is written in the book, The Stranger Beside Me

If he did have Reactive Attachment Disorder, it does not justify what he did, but it does shed light as to why he may have been capable of doing what he did.

4. Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Series

Rocket Raccoon is such a perfect example of a character with Reactive Attachment Disorder who is trying to heal and attach, and struggles every step of the way.

He has learned how to survive by not trusting others. 

It takes a long time for his brain to learn to do something different.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 we learn of Rocket's early childhood trauma and exactly how his brain changed due to that trauma, causing that lack of ability to attach to others.

Rocket Raccoon's lines in all three movies depict the thoughts and feelings of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder so perfectly.

My oldest adopted daughter with RAD relates to the character Rocket Raccoon so much, as he says and shows so much of what she goes through on a day to day basis, when it comes to her relationships with others.

The great thing about Rocket Raccoon is that he is another example of a character who heals and learns to attach to others over a very long period of time.

5. Drew Barrymore

First, I want to make it very clear, I have never read anything that says Drew Barrymore had Reactive Attachment Disorder. 

No one that I know of has ever said this.

I have never met Drew Barrymore in person or talked to her.

At the same time, it is very possible that she did struggle with Reactive Attachment Disorder due to early childhood trauma.

When you read her life story, so much of it matches up to the life of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

None of this is her fault. She was a victim.

Despite all the trauma that she experienced and all that she endured, she has put in a significant amount of work to learn to attach to others in healthy ways and heal.

I love that her story speaks to the consequences of the instabilities of her caretakers and how that affects attachment.

Our family has agreed that the only actress that could ever play our oldest daughter, if we made a movie about our family, would be Drew Barrymore.

I love that Drew Barrymore is such an example to girls who have experienced trauma, of how it can be overcome.

She is a shining light to so many.

My oldest daughter absolutely loves her.

Healing is possible.

6. Aileen Wuornos

This famous serial killer is believed to have had Reactive Attachment Disorder as well.

She suffered early childhood trauma, coming from a very dysfunctional family, abandoned by her parents, and then abused by grandparents. 

Though this continued trauma throughout her life doesn't excuse her behaviors, once again it opens the doors to a discussion about just how much attachment affects one's life.

Aileen wrote an autobiography with a friend that sheds more light on who she is and what her life was like.

7. Feyd-Rautha from the Dune Series

In the prequels to the Dune Series the background of the character of Feyd-Rautha is shared. 

This background includes significant early childhood trauma, which then results in more abusive situations as he grows up.

In essence, the character Feyd-Rautha never escapes the trauma that changes his brain. It is of benefit to him, not to attach, in order to survive.

This lack of attachment and empathy allows him to become the character he does in the Dune series, giving an example of what happens when a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder does not escape trauma.

8. Jeffrey Dahmer

Many professionals have alluded to the idea that the reason serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer did what he did was because he had Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Attachment theorists state that it all began when he was an infant due to his mother's anxiety, drug use, and frequent absences.

This does not excuse what he did, but can shed light on attachment and how it effects brain development.

Jeffrey's father has been very open about trauma and dysfunction in the family in his book, A Father's Story.

9. Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother

When our adopted daughters with RAD were very little, my husband and I were very much into watching the tv show How I Met Your Mother.

We observed early on that the character, Barney Stinson had experienced significant early childhood trauma and struggled to attach to others in healthy ways.

One could say that he had Reactive Attachment Disorder and the show was his story of healing, which took a very long time.

My husband and I looked at Barney's story as the "best case scenario" when it comes to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

His adult behaviors were more on the mild side, but still clearly visible.

My husband and I learned to love this character as he gave us hope at a time when we were struggling with our own adopted daughters who had Reactive Attachment Disorder.

10. Helen Keller

Many believe that Helen Keller had Reactive Attachment Disorder. 

I like to consider this idea, because it sheds light on the fact that Reactive Attachment Disorder isn't always from abuse and dysfunction, but can be a result of medical trauma.

Helen Keller suffered medical trauma around 18 months of age, which led to her being blind and deaf.

Reactive Attachment Disorder comes from trauma experienced in the first 18 months of life, which means technically, Helen Keller's trauma may have counted.

The blind and deaf child exhibited many of the tell tale signs related to Reactive Attachment Disorder.

What is really cool about her story is that Helen Keller does heal and becomes an incredible historical figure, inspiring many!

Learning to identify probable famous cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder has helped my own family so much.

The lives and stories of these people and characters have brought hope and understanding into our lives. 

Stories of serial killers have motivated us to work on attachment and healing early and as much as possible.

Because of the stories of these people and characters, we're able to better navigate our own family's journey with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

These people and characters give us strength.

It is my hope that they can do the same for you.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

Clothing is a hot topic among those who practice minimalism. 

How many clothing items are too many?

How do you decide to downsize?

How do you make due with less?

How do you manage a family of six when it comes to clothing needs and minimalism?

The questions go on and on.

Today I'm sharing our family's minimalistic approach to clothing.

Minimalism looks different for everyone.

What may work for us, may not work at all for you.

One Family's Minimalistic Approach to Clothing

How Many Outfits Does Each Person in the Family Have?

At about age 8, our children learn to do their own laundry. 

Each child has a designated day of the week to wash their clothes and bedding.

You can read more about our minimalist Montessori approach to washing clothes in the article below.

A Minimalist Montessori Home Tour: Laundry Room and Half Bath

Our family's minimalist approach to clothing directly corresponds with each person doing their laundry one time per week.

Each family member has eight sets of casual clothing for each season, one for each day of the week, and an extra just in case.

Family members who prefer jeans or jean shorts, have four pair to match eight tops.

Those who don't wear jeans usually have eight bottoms to go with eight tops.

Everyone has ten to twelve pair of underwear and socks.

Girls and women have two bras to wear underneath every day clothing.

Each person in the family has two sweatshirts. With that said, most in the family have more than two sweatshirts. They've been gifted sweatshirts associated with local sports teams they participate in or support.

Teens in our home tend to wear hoodies on an almost daily basis during cooler seasons.

Everyone in the house has one bathing suit for beach and pool excursions. 

When it comes to sleep attire, the goal is for everyone to have 8 pair of pajamas for each season. There are definitely times when we have less.

How Many Sports/Exercise Outfits Does Each Person in the Home Have?

In our family, exercise is encouraged at least five times a week, which means we strive to ensure that everyone has five work out outfits.

Some of our kids are swimmers, so some of these workout clothes are bathing suits.

Other kids have belonged to sports teams and wear uniforms.

My teen boys usually wear athletic shorts and t-shirts all summer long, so they usually only need winter exercise attire separate from their regular wardrobe, outside of organized sports and swimming.

We have not reached the point in any sports journey that requires special footwear. If we do, that will also be purchased.

How Many Dress Outfits Does Each Family Member Have?

We are a church going family.

The men in our home have one suit. 

It's the goal to build up to two suits just in case one needs cleaning and for different season, but we aren't there yet.

Girls and women in the home have two to three dresses or skirt outfits for each season.

Our teens are at an age where they are attending formal events. 

The teen boys in the house wear their suits with an appropriate tie.

Teen girls in the home build a collection of two to three formal dresses to wear to these events.

How Does our Family Plan for Holiday or Vacation Related Attire?

One of our family traditions is everyone receives a new pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve.

We also celebrate the Icelandic Christmas Cat. This means that everyone receives a new outfit on Christmas day.

Boys and men in the home receive a new tie and socks every Christmas and Easter season and build a collection to rotate each season.

Girls and woman receive a new dress or skirt outfit each Christmas and Easter seasons.

When it comes to purchasing wardrobes for each season, we try to make sure that these include a Star Wars shirt for Star Wars Day, something that is green for St. Patrick's Day, etc.

If we know we're going on a vacation to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, we'll make sure that wardrobes include themed items to wear during these trips.

All holiday and vacation apparel (except Halloween costumes) is included in the eight outfits and eight pajamas per person.

How Many Pairs of Shoes Does each Person in the Household Have?

Each family member has two pair of sneakers to alternate for everyday use and casual sports. 

We've found two pair are necessary, especially as we love to travel and visit theme parks.

They also keep an old pair of shoes to use for mowing the lawn, painting, and other messy activities.

All boys and men have one to two pair of dress shoes to match suits.

Girls and women have two to three pair of dress shoes of different colors to match all outfits.

Now that we only have teens and adults at home, some of us choose to have two pair of casual dressy shoes as well. 

In our home, this tends to be a female thing. If we tended to minimize further, these shoes would probably be the first to go.

Each person in the family has one pair of winter boots for snowy weather.

Everyone also has one pair of rainboots.

All family members also have a pair of flip flops for pool and beach use.

What Outerwear Does Each Family Member Have?

Each family member has a 3-in-1 jacket that serves as a raincoat, light coat, and winter coat.

Everyone also has a pair of snow pants.

Our family is from upstate NY. 

Even though we live in Virginia where it only snows a few times a year, our family loves to go outside and enjoy it.

How Does Our Family Shop for Clothing and Shoes?

I must confess, I hate shopping. 

It completely stresses me out and feels so overwhelming.

For this reason I usually stick to the same stores.

My favorite clothing stores are Eddie Bauer, Gap and J. Crew.

My husband and kids also find these stores to be very likeable.

One of my sons loves pants from American Eagle.

All sports attire usually comes from Lids.

Bathing suits are most often from Lands End.

Underwear are purchased at Jockey.

Bras come from Third Love or Victoria Secret.

When we had little ones, we were huge fans of Children's Place, Gymboree, Hanna Andersson and Lands End.

Our family rarely ever visits a different clothing store, which helps so much to minimize overwhelm when shopping.

Vacation attire usually comes from Disney and Universal Studios as these brands usually last the longest. We've had poor luck with ordering online through Amazon and other companies.

I choose all of the stores mentioned above because the clothes last and keep so well. They are also very sensory friendly.

My husband and I wear clothing that is a decade old and many pieces still look fabulous.

Everyone in the house would prefer to have a few nice outfits, rather than a larger wardrobe of items that don't last very long.

But, please know, just because we prefer expensive stores, doesn't mean that I am willing to pay a lot for clothing.

Everyone in the family knows that unless clothing items are 50% OFF or more, we don't buy it. 

We make a trip to outlet malls once or twice a year, to ensure that we can get great prices. 

I clearance shop, watch for sales in my e-mail, and use rewards and coupons year round to keep clothing expenses low.

I happen to love clearance sales because there is less to choose from. They really help my minimalistic brain. Lol.

Thrift stores are very overwhelming to me as require customers to search through every item on the rack, so I usually avoid them.

The one exception to all of these rules is purchasing clothes for my youngest daughter who resides in a residential facility. 

She goes through a wardrobe every six months. 

Clothes are either destroyed, lost, or stolen.

Her wardrobe comes from Walmart now that she's in women sizes, as it's the cheapest way to go, while matching sensory needs.

When I see an outfit she will like, I pick it up and build wardrobes one year in advance.

Another strategy I use while shopping is that I never purchase a clothing item, unless I already have something to go with it, or I can find an entire outfit.

My kids and husband also do this while shopping.

I have found this minimizes what we buy so much!

Ever since the kids were able to make their own decisions about their clothes, I have followed their lead so long as they follow the 50% OFF or more rule and put together matching outfits.

How Does our Family Store Clothing?

A Minimalist Montessori Home Tour: A Little Girl's Room

There are no closets in our old farmhouse.

Rooms are VERY small. 

Other than suits and formal wear, which hang on a hanger on a hook in each bedroom, all other clothes are stored on shelves or in dressers.

All clothing purchased needs to be able to be folded. 

Our kids have storage beds.

A Minimalist Montessori Bedroom: A Preteen Girl's Room

Fall and winter clothes are stored on one side. Spring and summer clothes are stored on the other side. 

Sweatshirts hang on hooks.

Shoes are stored in a wall organizer.

My husband and I each have one dresser to store clothing.

We follow the Marie Kondo method of folding to maximize room.

A Minimalist Montessori Home Tour: Parents' Bedroom

As our youngest as grown older, but still needs extra supports, we've come up with fun and creative ways to help her.

Part of this extra support has been in the way of clothing storage. 

You can read about these other clothing storage ideas in the article below.

Dressing Supports and Resources for Kids

Once everyone in the family has their eight outfits, the proper sportswear, footwear, and outerwear, no other items are purchased unless they are destroyed beyond repair, or a child outgrows them.

If I see items on clearance sales online for the next year that I know are necessary, I will pick them up.

Otherwise, our family does not shop for clothing or shoes AT ALL.  

We don't even visit clothing stores.

Our family chooses to minimize clothing to one week's worth only.

We choose to minimize through clothing storage, which cuts down on so much clothing care time.

If we know we can't hang clothing up, we don't choose items that need extra care.

All items, besides suits and formal wear, can go through the washing machine.

Every family may choose to practice minimalism differently.

This is just one family's minimalistic approach to clothing. 

If you enjoyed this post, you may like the resources below.