In The Seven Core Principles of Waldorf Education Leibar discusses how the children gradually grow to become youth and then adults and the habits and values that they  have [rooted] into their souls in the early years will become their own. Teaching a child to take care of their own needs, well-being, and surroundings  from a young age, they will naturally develop the capacity and inclination to extend that care and concern to the world around them as they mature, becoming responsible and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their community (https://www.waldorflibrary.org/articles/868-on-the-real-nature-of-will-in-the-child).

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In Waldorf education, stories and topics of studies for different ages were selected to specifically help children identify character traits to emulate, and to relate to the changes the child is experiencing on his/her journey to adulthood such as seeking independence, noticing right from wrong, honesty, compassion, etc. It is also vital to have focused effort and practice to learn these character traits through simple daily habits. The philosopher Lao Tzu described this subtle chain of events from the stories we put in our minds to our habits to who we become. “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”

 

This imagery created by Charlotte Mason who also felt the importance of intentional focus on helping children develop habits starting at a young age to demonstrate the importance of diligence in habit training is amazing.  “Think of discipline (of habits) as guide rails or guiding controls. We set those guides in place to help our children successfully navigate life with a minimum of mishaps and obstacles… The cars of a train can run smoothly on those rails to get where it needs to go. And it’s the same with the good habits that we cultivate in our children’s lives; they act as guide rails to help our children advance smoothly through life.”

 

Some of these specific core habits to be taught are attention/observance, remembering, gratitude, self discipline, courage, usefulness, cleanliness, courtesy, kindness, etc. Good character is formed by good habits, definitely and thoughtfully cultivated in your child’s life. The guide rails of good habits are an important part of his education as a person” (A Philosophy of Education, p. 101, Home Education, p. 118).