Charlotte Mason Principle #3

Charlotte Mason’s third principle discusses the importance of authority and obedience.

As mother’s we need to teach our children obedience without becoming a dictator. This is a tricky balance because on the one hand we need to establish authority in our home while still being gentle in mind and manner. Mason reminds us not to think we are superior beings because we are their authority. Our children need to trust our leadership without being fearful. Otherwise they will go elsewhere for leadership.

We model this by obeying God, the ultimate authority. We cannot command obedience when we ourselves are disobedient to our Creator.

Our God is a God of order. Order is good. And when we obey God with a joyful heart, we are able to have an ordered freedom where we do what went within boundaries.

Using God’s example, it is good to give our children the space to do what is right without hovering over them. This helps be the authority in a good natured way.

We follow, trust and obey God, because it is right and He is good. In doing so, he helps us in our formation.

The foundation of this principle helps children be attentive in learning, thus, cultivate a love of learning. We are equipping our children with the tools to love all that is true, good, and beautiful.

How do you balance authority and obedience?