What is Masterly Inactivity?
Masterly inactivity is when a parent steps back and allows the child the freedom to play within boundaries. The concept is often difficult for a parent to understand or balance. A parent who is nervous or stressed throughout the school day will pass along those traits to her children. A parent who passively watches her child explore the world with no boundaries will pass this false idea of freedom to her children. The balance is where we meet masterly inactivity.
The cornerstone of masterly inactivity is the confident parent. A confident parent is one who has established a sense of authority over her children. She can allow for a day in the sun rather than a day studying math indoors as a gift and not a concession.
Consider what Charlotte Mason said, ““The mere blessed fact of the parental relationship and of that authority which belongs to it, by right and by nature, acts upon the children as do sunshine and shower on a seed in good soil. But the fussy parent, the anxious parent, the parent who explains overmuch, who commands overmuch, who excuses overmuch, who restrains overmuch, who interferes overmuch, even the parent who is with the children overmuch, does away with the dignity and simplicity of that relationship.””
Every parent has times when her confidence is shaky and makes mistakes. However, as the parental figure it is demanded that you forgive yourself of mistakes to allow one to move forward with grace. Living I the shadow of your mistakes will not only cause you to doubt yourself but your children to doubt you.
Masterly inactivity allows for the children to be hands on while the parent is hands off. When children are playing dollhouse, blocks, or outside, the parent keeps a watchful eye yet does not intercede unless redirection is needed. The parent exhibits a self restraint that allows a child the freedom to express her character and what she has learned. The parent is alert but not intrusive. The stage for masterly inactivity is set by the parent to show calmness and a time to simply play.
Masterly Inactivity is not…
Masterly inactivity is not characterized by a parent who is overly intrusive during playtime. The result will be a stressed environment that will not allow for the students to express creativity. Hands off is to be balanced with a discreet watchful eye so the child is not running rampant and caution is not thrown to the wind.
Masterly inactivity is not forced playtime or a day filled with busy activities and field trips. The child’s mind needs to be free and have time to process and use his imagination. A trip to the park or playing with autumn leaves in the front yard is all that is required for this leisurely time. It is called “inactivity” because this is not to be confused with forming an activity to plug your children into.
Having a confidence as a parent and in your children is crucial. You should not sit over the child and caution her over every crack in the sidewalk or shaky tree branch while remaining alert. Achieving a balance is the key to the development of your child.
