Habits at Home: A Conversation With Jennifer Pepito

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Habits of reading the Bible and responding kindly create a peaceful atmosphere, forming the foundation of a sacred home.

Art Middlecoff hosts Jennifer Pepito, a homeschool mother of seven, founder of The Peaceful Press, and author of 'Mothering by the Book' and 'Habits for a Sacred Home.' Jennifer recounts discovering Charlotte Mason over 20 years ago through Karen Andriola's 'A Charlotte Mason Companion,' which inspired her with a vision of education involving nature walks, read-alouds, and a peaceful home atmosphere. She describes early attempts to implement these ideas, such as reading to her children in a stream. The discussion centers on habits as foundational to Mason's three instruments of education: atmosphere, discipline, and life. Jennifer argues that habits like Bible reading and kindness create a peaceful atmosphere and are essential for a living education. She addresses potential pitfalls, warning against fear-based habit building and the modern pressure to be 'pure' Charlotte Mason, which can stifle joy. Jennifer introduces her new book, structured around nine rules from St. Benedict's rule, such as prayer, order, and hospitality, each featuring a woman of faith like Edith Schaeffer or Amy Carmichael. She connects homeschooling to the monastic tradition of saving civilization, emphasizing the power of small, faithful practices. The conversation also touches on challenges like spouse disinterest, with advice on forgiveness and autonomy. Jennifer highlights the importance of living books for inspiration and distinguishes between goals and systems, advocating for a rule of life focused on values rather than outcomes. She defines a sacred home as consecrated to God, not perfect, and encourages persistence despite setbacks.

As heard by us

A careful case for the force of ordinary home life.

Jennifer Pepito's conversation with Art Middlecoff makes a clear case for the value of small disciplines at home. It draws a line from Charlotte Mason to the Rule of St.

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Why you'd press play

For a quieter way to think about Charlotte Mason, habits, home, and daily rhythm, this one keeps its feet on the floor.

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