When you think of the word “habit,” what do you think of? Did you notice that if you look up the word “habit” in the dictionary, there are precisely 11 different definitions for that word alone? Well, I want to talk to you about a specific type of “habit”. The kind of “habit” that Charlotte Mason refers to in her teachings.
What is the exact definition of a “habit” by Charlotte Mason? If you look it up on Dictionary.com, it says this…”an acquired pattern of behavior followed regularly until it becomes almost involuntary.”
So how do we get these wonderful “habits” that Charlotte Mason talks about? Well, obviously, reading what Ms. Mason says, it’s going to take a little bit of hard work, but also, the earlier in our child’s life we start initiating good habits, the more beneficial it will be for us overall. However, I do not believe that Ms. Mason felt, in any way, that it is “too late” to achieve a new or better habit at any age or stage of life. However, it is something that needs to be worked on, and not just once, but again and again and again until it is etched in our minds and actions. In fact, Ms. Mason believes that to really get a habit ingrained in her life, she needs to focus on one habit at a time and stay focused on it for six to eight weeks at most. Then she moves on to the next habit, and the next, and the next.
Now sit back and think… what habits have you already instilled in your children that you are satisfied with? Don’t focus on the negatives yet, just the admirable ones. Start positive and think about the ones your children already know. Here are some that we are glad our children have learned.
1. They know how to clean, manage and manage a house.
2. How to care for children of all ages.
3. How to pay your bills and manage your money wisely.
4. Take care of animals of all kinds, and do what is best for them by supplying their needs.
Now, what could be some that you want to instill in your children? Traits like immediate obedience, being habitually honest, not joking around when you ask them to do something, or even something as simple as not only brushing your teeth before bed every night, but every morning after breakfast?
To find out more about Miss Mason and the habit formations she talks about, these sites will be a great help on how to do it.
http://www.charlottemasonmadeeasy.com. Take the time to learn for yourself, and then start putting on these new clothes right away.