Review of Smooth and Easy Days by Sonya Schafer

If you need a little boost in the attempt to teach your children good habits that will also help them to develop strong character, this little free e-book is a great way to begin. It can be found here: http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/smooth-easy-days-with-charlotte-mason/

I have attended some of Sonya Schafer's class on Charlotte Mason's methods at the NICHE homeschool conference in Des Moines last summer. Much of what she said is also part of this little book.

Here are a few things I've taken away from the hearing and reading of her comments which have helped tremendously.

Chapter 1: A mother (father, teacher) should "take pains' to form habits. It's a lot of work, but well worth it. The child will learn habits that will serve him his whole life.

Chapter 2: We help children develop character by training them in healthy and good habits.

Chapter 3: How do we train habits? ONE at a time!

Chapter 4: Before you begin--discuss the importance of the habit with your child so she will take ownership and see the point...and make progress on her own.

Chapter 5&6: Children's brains need to be trained to remember so don't nag and tell them what to do...simply say "I told you I would remind you..." and leave the remembering to them.

Chapter 7: My habits as a Mom are very important to the training of my children...they do what I do not what I say. But make certain to ask for the Lord's help and teach children to do the same.

Chapter 8: Find children living examples of that habit or trait. Children love heroes. (Many found in good books.)

Chapter 9: Employ natural consequences and you will be most effective.

Chapter 10: Use "expectant encouragement" rather than the "evil eye". Be on your child's team.

Chapter 11: When a habit is formed, it is a delight because it will aid the child for his whole life through. But don't "let it go this one time" or you will have to retrain. A habit is a good thing...not something to be "relaxed".

Chapter 12: If the road looks long and hard...we get there one little step at a time. Pull out one weed at a time and watch the flowers grow.

Chapter 13: We all have habits. If we don't train good ones, bad ones will result.

We're working on "cleanliness" right now for about 6 weeks. No nagging only, "I told you I'd remind you." with my eye on the toothbrush drawer, the clothes on the floor or the unmade bed. So far, so good!