TIP #9: Develop good habits - Beginner Guide to Charlotte Mason

A key part of the Charlotte Mason philosophy is for your child to learn to develop good habits over time. The reason behind this is because the more something becomes a habit, the less you need to think about it. If a child is regularly and consistently taught to behave in a disciplined and obedient way, it eventually becomes second nature to them, something they naturally do without thinking. 

This is easier said than done of course! Charlotte Mason proposed a five stage process to help your child to learn good habits:

1. Inspire: Motivate why the child should learn the good habit.
2. Set clear expectations: Clearly explain what the habit looks like e.g. show them what you mean by a "clean room".
3. Follow through: The hardest part by far, never let your child fall back into old habits. Agree on a signal to show to your child they're veering from the new habit, so that you don't have to nag.
4. Dangerous stage: Don't let your guard down when you feel your child has mastered the habit. Stay consistent.
5. Celebration: Allow your child to enjoy the natural reward for learning their new habit e.g. if they complete their work quickly, they have extra leisure time to do as they please.

Below are some examples of good habits that Charlotte Mason encouraged:

• Habit of observation
• Habit of attentiveness
• Habit of excellence
• Habit of good attitude
• Habit of truthfulness
• Habit of self-control
• Habit of service