If you spend time with homeschoolers that follow or appreciate the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy, you will eventually hear the phrase “mother culture” and may wonder what it means. According to Karen Andreola, Mother Culture is “the skillful art with which a mother looks after the ways of her household and herself.”
I have found the idea of mother culture to be very similar to my definition of biblical self care. Ideally, it means that a mother nourishes herself spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally in order to fully embrace who the Lord has created her to be and to be better equipped to joyfully fulfill her God-given roles.
If mothers could learn to do for themselves, what they do for their children… we would have happier households.
Charlotte Mason
What Mother Culture Looks Like for Me
There are so many different things you can do to nourish your heart, soul, mind and body. Some of the most meaningful activities for this mama include:
– Praying and reading the Bible daily
– Reading books (I try for at least one fiction and one non-fiction book a month)
– Studying new information or learning a new skill
– Listening to podcasts (At Home with Sally is my favorite)
– Spending time in nature (preferably walking or hiking)
– Eating healthy meals most days and taking vitamins/supplements regularly.
– Getting together with friends for adult conversations (usually as a playdate with kiddos)
– Calling or texting a friend to stay in touch when getting together isn’t possible
– Taking photos and interacting with like-minded moms on Instagram
– Resting or napping when I need to (which is quite often right now!)
– Spending a few quiet moments sipping hot tea or cold lemonade, depending on the weather
You may find other activities to be rejuvenating, but discovering a few ways to renew your mental, emotional and physical energy on a consistent basis is important. Taking time to do this—even for only a few minutes each day—can make such a difference in the atmosphere of our heart and home. Mother Culture or self care is not selfish when we have a godly motive and attitude.
Mother Culture or self care is not selfish when we have a godly motive and attitude.
Ultimately, it will benefit the entire family.
Homeschooling is a rewarding, but sometimes exhausting, calling. Let’s make sure we take care of ourselves, so we can thrive—not just survive—as homeschool moms.
