A mother’s character is not fixed. It is a work in progress.

A mother’s character is not fixed. It is a work in progress.

This entry is part 2 of 20 in the series Mother Culture Road Map

I concluded in the last post that as moms, we need to rise to the challenge of continuing our own education. Mother culture, loosely defined, is time we spend seeking out and taking in those ideas, usually through reading living books. But like most living things, our minds need a direction to grow in. If…

Mothers were born – and still are – persons.
|

Mothers were born – and still are – persons.

This entry is part 1 of 20 in the series Mother Culture Road Map

I have always wanted to be a mom. The stay-at-home variety, like my own mother. Given this fact, you might assume that my first child brought me complete contentment. I imagine that you know better than to make this assumption. Indeed, I became a mother, but contentment remained at bay. I loved my son, had…

The Truth About How Much Time Our Kids Should Spend Outside
|

The Truth About How Much Time Our Kids Should Spend Outside

In Home Education, Charlotte Mason famously (or perhaps infamously) says that children should spend four to six hours outside every day – a bit less in winter. Time and time again, I have seen parents respond in one of two ways. Some panic at the thought that they are failing their children by not meeting…

Four Questions to Ask Yourself when Your Kids Don’t Listen
| | | |

Four Questions to Ask Yourself when Your Kids Don’t Listen

Raise your hand if you wish your kids would listen better. And by listen, you mean follow instructions and do what you ask. The first time. If your hand is in the air, then mine is waving right next to yours. Sit in our house long enough and you will see plenty of examples of…

How to Troubleshoot a Habit when Habit Training isn’t Working
| | | | |

How to Troubleshoot a Habit when Habit Training isn’t Working

[sc name=”Habit Training Workshop”] In a previous post, I set out my plans for incorporating habit training into our home. The mission was simple: have my kids get dressed before breakfast, setting us up for a day with more opportunities, less rushing, and generally more fun. I also promised to post updates to give real-life…

Five Ways Mom Can Take Five Without Her Phone
| | |

Five Ways Mom Can Take Five Without Her Phone

I come to the same place at least a few times a day. A place where I want to temporarily ‘check out’ of my current circumstances. It’s a combination of tiredness from physically caring for my family, and of weariness from near-constant conversation with young children most of the day. I want to tune it…

Foundations of Habit Training: Getting Started with the Educational Tool of Discipline
| | | | |

Foundations of Habit Training: Getting Started with the Educational Tool of Discipline

Habit training, thus far in my Charlotte Mason journey, has felt like a bit of a unicorn. It’s concept is beautiful (setting patterns into motion that lead to ‘smooth and easy days’ ahead? Yes, please!), but actually managing to do it… that has been beyond me. I’ve been reviewing Charlotte Mason’s motto recently: Education is…

Parenting like a queen: Charlotte Mason’s words on authority
| | |

Parenting like a queen: Charlotte Mason’s words on authority

Some times I read something that is so significant I text a picture of it to my husband, so that he can read it, too.  This summer, I am reading through Charlotte Mason’s third and fourth volumes, starting with School Education.  The first two chapters are on docility and authority, and Miss Mason sets up Queen Elizabeth…