Habits For The Homeschool Mom: The Habit of Simplicity
There are times in motherhood when life feels full to the brim. Tasks come quickly, decisions pile up, and the day can feel crowded before it even begins. In seasons like this, the heart often longs for simplicity.
Charlotte Mason gave us a wide and generous vision for education. She invited us to offer our children a feast of ideas, rooted in truth and beauty. But that invitation was never meant to overwhelm. It was meant to guide us toward clarity.
Simplicity is not a lack of activity or a rigid structure. It is the habit of focusing on what matters most. It is the quiet, thoughtful act of placing good things in the right order.
What Simplicity is and isn't":
The habit of simplicity calls us to pause and reflect. What is essential in this season? What brings peace to my home and purpose to my work?
In a Charlotte Mason home, simplicity might look like:
Fewer, richer lessons
A daily rhythm that supports rather than rushes
Creating space for rest and reflection
Letting go of extras that distract from the good work at hand
Simplicity does not ask us to empty our lives. It asks us to fill them with intention. It encourages us to let go of hurry so we can hold on to what is lasting.
How Mothers Can Practice the Habit of Simplicity
Here are a few ways to begin nurturing this habit in your own life:
1. Clear one space
Whether it’s your kitchen counter, the school shelf, or your mind, create one area where peace can return. Let that space be a reminder of what is possible.
2. Choose fewer inputs
There’s no shortage of inspiration online. But sometimes, too many voices cloud our own. Step back when you need to. Unfollow, unsubscribe, or simply pause.
3. Name what is essential
Ask yourself: What are the few things that, when done well, help my home run smoothly and my heart stay settled? Prioritize those.
4. Create a “no” list
We often write down all the things we want to do. Try writing what you will not do this season. Give yourself permission to let good things wait.
5. Begin your day slowly
Even five minutes of quiet—lighting a candle, reading Scripture, whispering a prayer—can shape the tone of the entire day.
Book Recommendations for the Habit of Simplicity
Here are a few rich and restful books that gently support this habit:
1. Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
2. A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot
3. Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
4. The Life-Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson
5. The Hurried Child by David Elkind
A Final Thought for Mothers
You do not need to be stretched thin in order to live faithfully. You are allowed to live simply. Simplicity is not something to strive for. It is something to practice with grace, over time. It grows in small moments and quiet choices.
Let this be the week you take one small step toward a more peaceful rhythm.
