Let the Mother Out to Play: A Year of Mother’s Education
Charlotte Mason famously encouraged mothers when she said this,
“If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play!”
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, full of laughter, love, and the occasional chaos. But let’s be real for a moment: how often do we, as mothers, find ourselves running on empty? Between homeschooling, meal planning, and managing a household, it can feel like there’s no time left for you. But here’s the thing that I needed to hear and you likely do too; you matter too. Your growth, joy, and curiosity are just as important as those of the little people you’re nurturing. Self care isn’t just a face mask.
For the last several years I’ve intentionally been pursuing my own Mother’s Education: an intentional approach to self-care through lifelong learning. It’s about carving out space to rediscover the wonder and beauty of the world, much like you encourage your children to do daily. Inspired by Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, this approach helps mothers fill their own buckets so they can pour into their families with joy and creativity.
Why Mother’s Education Matters
When we invest in ourselves, we’re better equipped to nurture our families. Charlotte Mason said, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” As mothers, we create the atmosphere in our homes. If we’re inspired, engaged, and growing, that energy spills over into our children’s lives.
But let’s get practical. How does a busy mom actually find time for self-education? One way is to think of it as play, a time to explore, experiment, and enjoy the world. Just as our children need time to play and grow, so do we.
A Year of Mother’s Education: Ideas to Get You Started
To help you jumpstart your journey, here’s a curated list of activities divided into categories. Think of it as a “Mother’s Education Bingo” mix and match ideas, or commit to trying them all over the course of a year. You can download a freebie or you can peruse these ideas for yourself.
Reading
Dive into a classic novel you’ve always meant to read.
Explore a book of poetry and read it aloud (yes, even to yourself).
Discover a new favorite children’s book.
Read a biography of a historical figure who inspires you.
Start a commonplace book to collect meaningful quotes.
Nature Study
Go on a solo nature walk and sketch what you see.
Learn the names of three local birds.
Observe the phases of the moon for a month.
Press a flower and label it in a nature journal.
Study the life cycle of a butterfly and draw it.
Art and Music Study
Listen to a symphony by Beethoven or Mozart.
Try your hand at watercolor painting.
Memorize the name and work of a famous artist.
Watch a virtual tour of an art museum.
Explore an opera or a classic folk song.
Homemaking and Handicrafts
Bake bread from scratch.
Learn a new embroidery stitch.
Create a seasonal decoration with your children.
Make your own herbal tea blend.
Start a small garden, even if it’s just a few pots on the windowsill.
Spiritual Growth
Memorize a Bible verse and meditate on it throughout the week.
Read a psalm aloud during your morning quiet time.
Reflect on a Charlotte Mason quote and journal about its meaning.
Write a prayer of gratitude.
Study the life of a saint or missionary.
How to Make It Work
Start Small
You don’t need hours of uninterrupted time, even 15 minutes can be transformative. Keep a book or sketchpad handy for those quiet moments.
Get Creative
Combine activities with your children’s lessons. For example, sketch alongside them during nature study or listen to classical music during lunch.
Set a Goal
Create your own “Mother’s Education Bingo” card. Aim to check off one or two activities a week.
Build Community
Invite other moms to join you! Host a book club, a craft night, or a nature walk. Sharing your journey adds accountability and joy.
The Ripple Effect
When you prioritize your own education and creativity, you model lifelong learning for your children. They see that curiosity doesn’t end after graduation, it’s a habit of life. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll find yourself refreshed, inspired, and better equipped to create a home filled with beauty and wonder.
So, let the mother out to play. Explore, create, and dream. A transformative year of my own education is exactly what I need, and I feel like you do too.
