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Laying Down the Rails – Our first habit, input appreciated
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I haven’t bought any SCM books yet, but I’m definitely buying Laying Down the Rails after this morning’s experience. Let me briefly share:
We had gotten out of the habit of eating our meals at the kitchen table because we got a new puppy that we pen in the kitchen. It was just easier to eat anywhere else than to deal with the puppy. Well, I decided that we needed the habit of eating all meals at the table, especially breakfast so we’re not tempted to turn on the TV before our schoolwork and chores are done. So for about two weeks now, I’ve been going out of my way to crate the puppy and set everything out on the table for breakfasts. Well, this morning I allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in a bit, and my 5yo came in to wake me saying, “Mommy, I got out the milk and cereal, but I can’t reach the bowls. Will you help me?” My darling boy was trying to make himself and his sister breakfast by himself, and he had set out everything like I had been doing at the kitchen table. What a pleasant surprise! Talk about smooth and easy! My son is practically on autopilot, at least for breakfast.
So I e-mailed my DH at work and told him of the small success. He e-mailed me back that we needed to get the Laying Down the Rails book I’ve been talking about so we could work on other habits 🙂
My questions to other CM’ers: who has Laying Down the Rails? Do you love it? Do you use it? Tell me about your habits training. I just really discovered CM around the holidays, so now I’m thinking about slowing down our academic work for a week or two to just focus on getting a better routine and start working on habits.
And does anyone know if there’s usually a Laying Down the Rails workshop at the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention?
P.S. This is our first year of homeschooling, we have a Kindergartener and a toddler.
Congratulations on discovering the CM method while your kids are young and you can get good habits instilled early!
I have Laying Down the Rails and it is absolutely the best place to start with kids as young as yours. Basically, the book explains Charlotte’s methods of habit training, and then breaks down into chapters with the individual habits that Charlotte recommends teaching one by one. Some of the habits include: Attentiveness, Obedience, Orderliness, etc…many others.
Charlotte recommended that you work on one habit at a time, until it is well established before moving on to the next habit. And the habits are reinforced just as you implemented them -by setting the pace and positive expectation. Charlotte talks a lot about gently reminding the child of the habit – she really had a way with children and Laying Down The Rails helps you understand how to teach them without nagging or exasperating them.
As a mom of five, I can tell you that investing in Laying Down the Rails has been completely worth it for our family. I don’t think I would still be homeschooling today if it wasn’t for Charlotte’s philosophy and being able to function in a ‘smooth and easy’ way ;0).
God bless!
Heather
Um, I think the better question is, is it took late with 8, 10, & 12 year olds? lol I have the book and haven’t made time to delve into it. I guess I really should. Thank you for your encouragement and for starting this post OHmomIO!
Oh my goodness, 5 is not too late! Start wherever you are!
The wonderful thing about Charlotte (to me) is that you can pick up her principles and techniques wherever your kids are and there will be improvement in your household.
And, no, I don’t do all of it perfectly :). I only wish I had Charlotte’s patience and consistency.
I don’t have time for things that aren’t effective.
Every principle of CM I have used has been effective and beneficial for our family. Just pick it up where you are and move forward!
I just bought this book a couple months ago…after reading your post, I realize how much I need to pull it out! My plan is to write our habbit on my lesson plans to keep it fresh in my mind.
As far as too old, I’ve been using the techniques for one habbit at a time and think it’s made a huge difference in my day! And I’m much older than 12. 😉
Is it too late to use Laying Down the Rails with a 5.5 year old?
and
Um, I think the better question is, is it took late with 8, 10, & 12 year olds?
I suspect you’ll find plenty of things that even apply to the adults in your family!
It’s great for all ages. Mom’s included! If you have older kids, I would be tempted to let them read part of the book and talk directly with them, letting them choose a habit they can see would be beneficial and then be their guide/cheerleader as they work on gaining a new habit.
And does anyone know if there’s usually a Laying Down the Rails workshop at the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention?
We’ll have a booth at Cincinnati this year but Sonya won’t be speaking this time.
Too bad Sonya won’t be speaking….my kids are trying to convince me to go this year! I’m getting really suspicious about their wanting me to leave so badly. Hmmmm……
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