Charlotte Mason Principle #7

"Education is a discipline" focuses on habit training. Charlotte believed that good habits were to be practiced in a thoughtful and consistent manner. This includes habits of the mind, body, moral and "mom" habits; like putting your shoes away when you take them off.

For this reason, it is important for us to habit train so that we can cultivate good habits including habits of right thinking and right acting. Charlotte believed that "children must do the work for themselves."

Our routines form our habits and our habits cultivate our character, which is embodied in our identity.

Charlotte believed the best way to habit train was to start with the big three:

* Attention
* Obedience
* Truthfulness

The way to form good habits is by creating a system that is easy to follow, whether it be checklists, or a habit tracker.

Start by focusing on only one habit. While working on a specific habit, make small changes rather than big ones so that the task is easier to accomplish.

Once that habit is more or less established, we can then move on to the next habit.

Lastly, be consistent. Consistency is the art of discipline. But remember, when habit training, it is important that we mothers not be overbearing. Our attitudes may actually turn off our child from trying to inculcate in the new habit.

Charlotte believed that the outcome of habit training led to "physical fitness, morals and manners." She believed that the habits of a religious life would be delightful and lead to a more "godly, righteous, and sober life."

What are some habit training tips you have to share?

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