RE: Luther’s Small Catechism, written for “the head of the family [to] teach [the faith] in a simple way to his household."

In the nearly 500 years since the Small Catechism was published, has that idea caught on much? If not, perhaps there are some good reasons.

The first (1529) edition of the Small Catechism was a short booklet. The 2017 edition "with Explanation" is over 400 pages long with 374 questions and 1,142 Scripture references. So how is teaching from it today "simple"?

At the link to the CPH catalog listing of the Small Catechism, there seems to be no basic guidance about such things as:
1. Planning instructional time and considering options for subdividing learning sessions.
2. Adapting teaching approaches for children of different ages individually or when there are children of varying ages in the same household.
3. Coordinating with church and Lutheran school instruction in the same material.

The Church is to teach its disciples. Busy parents who entrust the catechesis of their children to their capable and knowledgeable pastor and help with the assignments are to be commended.