We have an R.O system for our drinking water and we fill this jar about twice a day. It takes a good 20 minutes or so to fill it and for most of the time it's filling it's chattering away like a little brook. As I or the kids go about doing life, one or more of us is often keeping an eye and ear on it, until one of us, usually me, yells out alarmingly, turn the water off! The jar is more than full and is spilling all over the table and floor. This has happened several times and each time I feel the pang of annoyance with myself for not setting the timer because I was sure I'd catch it before it was full this time!
Charlotte Mason spoke a lot on the topic of habits and how, when they are intentionally built, they create "smooth and easy days" for us and our kids. But the building of habits is work and time consuming and we can tend to deceive ourselves into thinking that if we just keep an eye on our kids they'll develop the character and good habits we want for them. As my years as a parent increase I am more convinced that this is just not so! If I had set for myself the habit of setting a timer, every . single . time I filled the water jar, I would not have cleaned my floors as many times as I have with R.O water!
May we be diligent in building and maintaining habits in ourselves and our children knowing that we will have work either way. I'd rather not have to clean up spilled water quite so much.
In what ways do find habits to help you have "smooth and easy days"?
