Some Implementation

My first impression upon opening my large and somewhat intimidating volume set of Charlotte Mason’s Homeschooling series was a deep sigh from my soul.

Why do I say that?  I feel like I have been on the right track but going about it the wrong way.  In the crises I have encountered in my life there have been a very few people who have had the ability to simultaneously express sympathy, encouragement and deliver a strong rebuke all in the same breath.  The hug packed in a punch…or is it the punch packed in the hug?  But there is immense comfort in this.  Charlotte does this well!

Yes, I know, the mother’s role is crucial.  But how Charlotte puts it, “a thinking love”, “a role that calls for the highest diligence, regularity and punctuality which  men bestow on their professional labors”…to come “thoroughly furnished”…makes the role of homemaking take on a serious career mindedness.

Speaking of which, not sure if anyone has noticed but most info seeking forms – especially the industry category has no label for the status of home maker. I would like to know why the crucial, fundamental, indisputably indispensable role of Homemaker has been intentionally left out! I think it is not just politically incorrect, it is socially deficient that the very spoke of all social structures – the very source of generation – has no place. She who sets the pace for all walks life, she who is life-giver, doctor, nurse, chef, counselor, teacher, financial adviser – no room for her! Shocking! The very epitome of ‘industry’ is refused room in the halls she has built!

Not that I’m claiming to to be the best homemaker in the world – FAR from that! But knowing all that it entails and keeping in mind that I had the finest model – infact, ‘industrious’ doesn’t even do justice to her description, come one! I think these categorizers need help!

I digress.

Back to Charlotte’s wisdom:

She lifts up the indispensible need to rally to the cause – motherhood. Not just a role but an office – I have in my care not my own child to carelessly relinquish to another’s care but it is my responsibility to bring up my child not as my private pet but as a Public Trust. Indeed, the future of society depends on it. Will my child be a contributor of good, of honesty, of moderation, to better the world as it degenerates or will I be the responsible agent of producing a Sponge Bob like persona with no depth or character or a Barbie like bimbo who cares nought but for a pretty face and clothes? (No offense to Barbie appreciators – and I am not a plain Jane advocate, but seriously the Kardashians do nothing for that image!) Or will there be a meaningful impact that will credit my upbringing. A controlled child who graces everywhere.

“Children should have the best of their mothers,” says Charlotte and she emphasizes that I must never undervalue them. This is hard sometimes, when my mind is buzzing with all the details that are before me – and they are displaying an expression that marrs the word ‘intelligence.’ This is when the control I desire to see in them, MUST be exercised by me as well.

In her section on healthy brain activity, Charlotte brings out a most interesting point. Yes, food, rest, and occupation but she stresses the necessity of fresh air. “The gutter children who feed off the pickings of the streets are better off (and healthier looking) in this one respect than your cherished darlings, because they have more of the first essential of life – air.” It made me sit up and think (and honestly moan as I realized the truth of this and the entailing cost). We live in New Delhi in a small, very crowded apartment. But we are blessed to have parks in the areas. Small fenced in areas of green. After homeschooling, there is lunch and all the details that go with managing the home – there is also piano and tennis classes to run to. And the thought of lugging the children out is not very exciting – honestly. But Charlotte seems to say that getting out is crucial to a positive childhood and beneficial to education. And I have to say that her point is true. We do have so many street children and it really is shocking to see the brightness in their eyes despite their lack.

I decided to implement this and took the children to the park. It was cold and wet. In fact Brandon had a cold. But fresh air was in abundance especially since the nights rain had washed the dust on the trees. (Delhi is notorious for dust!) I was surprised to see how much they enjoyed themselves. They even sketched what they saw. Granted, Brandon ’s pidgeon looked like a pterosaur but I think his next sketch will be better since he will have his glasses on. Ria even detailed the stripes on their tails and captured the same squirrel in different positions.

I have a book about Indian trees, Common Trees by H Santapu but I am going to try to find a better one. We were trying to identify the names of some of the trees but it was difficult. The illustrations are not very clear and there are no photographs. Does anyone know of a good book to recommend? If only my mother were around. She knows all the names – I should have paid closer attention when I was little!