CMP Review 2026-01-20

January 20, 2026

“First, and infinitely the most important,” writes Charlotte Mason, “is the habit of obedience. Indeed, obedience is the whole duty of the child, and for this reason—every other duty of the child is fulfilled as a matter of obedience to his parents. Not only so: obedience is the whole duty of man; obedience to conscience, to law, to Divine direction.”

This categorical statement by Charlotte Mason in Home Education (p. 161) leaves little room for question about the place of obedience in the Charlotte Mason method. Indeed, it is a topic that Mason returns to again and again in her six volumes, consistently insisting that “the mother has no more sacred duty than that of training her infant to instant obedience.”

And yet we read in Ecclesiastes 7:18, “It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes” (NIV). Could there be an extreme side even to this prince of virtues? Could there be an excess even in this most sacred duty of parenting?

An insightful and thought-provoking answer was written in 1921. Published in the Parents’ Review during Miss Mason’s lifetime by a PNEU insider and branch leader, this profound article elevates obedience to its proper place of respect, while frankly acknowledging its limitations in the raising of children who are persons. Read, listen, and share your thoughts. Find it here.

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🖼️: The Fine Art Academy by Dermod O’Brien