A Charlotte Mason Mother’s Education
“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! If she would only have courage to let everything go when life becomes too tense, and just take a day, or half a day, out in the fields, or with a favourite book, or in a picture gallery looking long and well at just two or three pictures, or in bed, without the children, life would go on far more happily for both children and parents.” (Vol. 3 pp. 33-34)
At The Charlotte Mason Home, we believe education isn’t just for children. Mothers deserve a living education too—a gentle, enriching journey that nourishes the mind, heart, and spirit.
Charlotte Mason recognized that a mother’s growth matters deeply, not only for herself but for the life of her household. When a mother is inspired, attentive, and well-nourished intellectually, her home flourishes.
What is a Mother’s Education?
A mother’s education is a deliberate return to the posture of a student. It is:
-Reading with depth – engaging with living books, essays, poetry, and biographies that spark thought and reflection.
-Cultivating beauty – noticing art, music, and nature to refresh the mind and soul.
-Practicing attention – learning to observe, reflect, and connect with ideas in small, meaningful ways.
-Exploring creativity – through handicrafts, journaling, or simple hands-on projects that awaken the imagination.
-Building habits of study – carving out small, consistent moments each day to learn and grow.The History of A Mother’s Education
At the heart of Charlotte Mason’s work was the conviction that education is for the whole person—not just the child, but anyone shaping the life of a family. When she and others founded the Parents’ Educational Union in 1887 (renamed the Parents’ National Educational Union, or PNEU, in 1890), it wasn’t simply to offer materials for children’s lessons. It was a community for parents and teachers to learn and think together about the meaning and practice of education. Through the PNEU, Mason built structures for shared study: lectures, local meetings, and a monthly journal, The Parents’ Review, which explored not only child training but the intellectual and moral life of the educator as well.
In June 1892, responding to the real demand from mothers for serious, structured support, Mason began what came to be known as the Mothers’ Education Course. This was not a casual set of tips, but a true reading and reflection program rooted in her philosophy. Mothers followed a series of readings over 3 years complete with examination questions. The plan was cumulative and coherent: questions and reflections were meant to deepen both understanding and personal practice. The course touched on principles of physical, mental, moral and spiritual formation—mirroring the broad scope Mason believed was essential to living education.
By the late 1890s, the Mothers’ Education Course had dozens of women engaged in it, with some branches reporting around 80 participants actively studying the material. Through disciplined reading and discussion, these women strengthened their own intellectual lives and gained confidence to guide their children’s education from informed purpose rather than merely habit.
The course continued for more than twenty years, becoming an established part of the PNEU’s work. It was especially meaningful because it treated mothers as thinking, reflective persons rather than as helpers or assistants to a teacher. Mason insisted that mothers should understand why certain educational practices were recommended, not simply how to carry them out. Though the original PNEU structures faded in the early 20th century and the formal course ended around the time of the First World War, its influence lives on in the way modern Charlotte Mason communities return again and again to rigorous, thoughtful study for parents as well as children.
Why Mothers Need Education Too
Many mothers choose Charlotte Mason for their children—but in the early years it’s hard to realized they are invited into the same education themselves. When reading feels heavy, beauty distant, and the days harder than they should, it’s often a mother who has been left out of her own education.
Our approach is gentle and practical, designed for busy mothers. Fifteen minutes a day can begin a lifelong habit of learning, reflection, and creative expression.
How We Support Mothers
Mother’s Education Reset – a short guided program to restart your learning habits.
The Mother’s Circle – a community where you can read Charlotte Mason’s Volumes, discuss, and grow alongside other homeschooling mothers.
Resources and Guides – curated booklists, poetry selections, and study prompts for your daily inspiration.
Mother’s Education Seasonal Program – a carefully designed curriculum that unfolds throughout the year, offering focused study, reflection, community, and encouragement. The seasonal programs release in March, June, September, and December.
Education is not a chore—it is a gift you give yourself, which ripples through your family. Begin your journey today, and rediscover the joy of learning for your own life, not just for your children.
Testimonials
“I’m deeply grateful to be back in The Mother’s Education Course. When I finished home educating my children, I assumed I would naturally continue my own education with the same intention—but time is short, and even thought I read widely, I began to notice some gaps. Certain categories of books fell away. Practices I once kept—like keeping a variety of notebooks—were neglected. This course has given me direction, and a gentle kind of accountability. It has helped me return to habits that nourish my mind and spirit, not out of obligation, but desire. And perhaps most unexpectedly, the shared conversations with other mothers—talking about what we’re reading and noticing—have been a true gift. In a world marked by disconnection, this community has been a place of thoughtful presence. Thank you for creating and stewarding something so beautiful.”
-Member of A Mother's Education Seasonal Programs“Without intentionality we can be pulled into so many directions that will only take us away from our God-given beautiful lives and purpose.
love that you have a program for those who want/need it, and that you freely share on your blog, too.
I'm so glad I found you when I looked up "Charlotte Mason education" one day. I pray that God would bless you and your family, and this ministry He's given you. May He equip you and provide for all you and your family need, and guide your days each and every day.”
— Customer and Email Subscriber“I feel it has the potential to change my life. Instead of the common talk of just not being on social media, doing less, ect. you cast a vision of what something more can be. Thank you.”
- Attendee of a Virtual Summit 
