Volume 1 Study - pages 96-134

This section is called "Habit is Ten Natures" and the first time I read the phrase I thought maybe it was another list of principles and guidelines. It is not a list, but rather the MOST IMPORTANT THING!!!!  It means more than anything - more than curriculum, more than genetics, more than activities, instilling positive habits in your child is the key to giving them a successful life. My kids are fairly young (6 and 8) and as we have continued on this journey of a CM education I have seen the fruit that has come from being diligent in training up my kids.  And also, I've seen where I have fallen short in not doing my best at instilling certain habits.  First of all, I believe that as mothers we should all give ourselves grace.  We aren't going to be perfect.... our mothers weren't perfect.... and guess what?! Charlotte Mason was not even a mother!  So, while reading these chapters and principles please allow yourself grace.  When you feel a connection to something written and you decide that you should work to plan a course of correction, do it!  If you fail, try again! I promise you that when reading this you might even find your thoughts turning to where you can personally improve your own habits (for me, this reading is coming in at the beginning of the year when I find myself struggling to work towards that ever constant resolution to be healthier! LOL!)

I also found the chapter to be philosophical (which I personally love!) but if you are a more practical person and would like to see a program that teaches HOW to "lay down the lines of habit" I recommend the book Laying Down the Rails by Simply Charlotte Mason.

Additional reading:

This ebook from Living Books Curriculum (pages 31-34)
Brandy Vencel's CM 101 (pages 5-6) along with Habits Part 1 and Part 2.  There is also The Discipline of Habit,  Habit Formation 101 and The Primacy of Habit.

The questions I post after each page are adapted from the back of Volume 1. 
To see a full list of questions see page 360-364

Pages 96-97

What analogy does she give regarding habits in the hands of the mother?

Pages 98-100

What does it mean that education is a "cul-de-sac?"
What are three great educational forces and why aren't they sufficient?
Why are children incapable of steady effort?
Why should children be spared from the effort of decision?

Pages 100-104

What affections are common to us all?
What is the significance of heredity?
Why must a child not be left to his human nature?

Pages105-107

How does habit work as a lever?
How does a mother form her children's habits?
How does habit force nature into new channels?

Pages 107-111

How do the habits of adults influence children?
Does education in habit interfere with free-will?
How should habit rule our thoughts?
How is habit powerful even when the will decides?

Pages 111-118

What is the danger of a persistent train of thought?
What are the aims of moral and intellectual education?
What are the key ideas of brain tissue and physical activity at an early age?

Pages 119-124

What should you do if nothing works?
What qualities does a mother need to form habits in her children?
What is the dangerous stage?

Pages 124-132

How can the habit of obedience be a safeguard?
Distinguish between neatness and order.
How does irregularity lead to self-indulgence?

Pages 132-134

How important is daily physical exercise?
Describe good manners.
Contrast the mother of this section with a "helicopter parent"