CHARLOTTE MASON'S PRINCIPLE #4:
The Sacredness of Personality
These principles are limited by the respect due to the personality of children, which must not be encroached upon, whether by the direct use of fear or love, suggestion or influence, or by undue play upon any one natural desire.
In this Principle, Charlotte discusses ways in which we tend to ENCROACH upon the personality of children.
Encroachment is defined as “to enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possessions or rights of another” or “to advance beyond the usual or proper limits.”
Whoa! Those are strong words! Have you ever considered that, as a parent, you might be encroaching upon your child’s RIGHTS? I certainly never did – until I read this chapter! It’s quite an eye-opener!
Charlotte gives us a LONG LIST of things NOT TO DO when requiring obedience from our children. We’ll cover each one in the video.
But don’t get discouraged! In the next Principle, Charlotte tells us what we CAN do – in fact – what we MUST do as parents to ensure that our child receives the education that he deserves.
Video for Principle #4
HOMEWORK FOR PRINCIPLE #4
Be sure to read Chapter 5 in Volume 6. The entire chapter, as well as some study questions and the “LIST OF DONT’S,” are included in the FREE PDF Download.
Keep your LIST OF DON’TS nearby and try to notice if you happen to use any of them in your efforts to obtain obedience.
In what ways do you tend to encroach upon your child’s personality?
If you have any questions or comments, please post them here or in The Plenary Facebook Group.
Tell me what you think about this Principle! What questions do you have? I would love to hear your perspective!
And if you are enjoying this study, please share it with your friends.
I hope to chat with you soon!
Other Posts in This Series:
Finding Your Way with Charlotte Mason's 20 Principles
Introduction
Principle #1
Principle #2
Principle #3
Principle #4
Principle #9
Principle #10
Principle #11
Principle #12
Principle #13
Principle #14
Principle #15
Principle #16
Principle #17
Principle #18
Principle #19
Principle #20