Habits of the Household Book Review

I just recently got finished with Habits of the Household by Justin Earley and really enjoyed it. Justin has a great way explaining his vision for family life and bringing it down to earth. He has a firm grasp on reality and helps families along this path with gentleness and grace. He explores the role of daily routines and habits in nurturing a family’s faith. He emphasizes the importance of intentional practices that shape the family’s life in ways that align with the Christian story.

Throughout the book, Justin highlights various habits that families can incorporate into their daily routines to reinforce their faith. These habits include praying together, practicing hospitality, engaging in acts of service, and creating rituals and traditions that reflect the family’s values.

One of the key insights of the book is that faith is not just something that is talked about, but something that is lived out through daily practices. The author emphasizes that these practices are not just for parents to teach their children, but for the entire family to engage in and learn from.

Another important point made in the book is the significance of recognizing God’s presence in the ordinary moments of daily life. He encourages families to pay attention to the small moments of grace and to make space for reflection and gratitude in their routines.

Best quotes:

1. “Our habits shape us and, in turn, shape our families, our communities, and our world.”
2. “Rituals and traditions are the glue that holds families together.”
3. “Prayer is our most powerful weapon in the battle for the human heart.”
4. “Hospitable people are the glue that holds society together.”
5. “Gratitude is a powerful tool for shaping our hearts and our homes.”
6. “We need to make room for silence in our daily lives.”
7. “Service is the antidote to the self-absorption that plagues our culture.”
8. “Our habits reveal what we truly value.”
9. “Routines and habits help us to be present to one another.”
10. “We need to cultivate habits of listening, both to God and to one another.”

Here are some of the Rhythms that he suggests:

1. Set a Daily Rhythm: Establishing a daily rhythm is important for creating a sense of stability and predictability in the home. Earley encourages parents to start the day with a time of prayer and devotion, as well as regular times for meals, rest, and play. This helps children understand that faith is not just something they do on Sundays but is integrated into their everyday lives.
2. Practice Hospitality: Hospitality is an important part of Christian living and can help children develop empathy and compassion for others. Earley encourages parents to open their homes and lives to others, whether it’s through hosting meals, welcoming guests, or serving in the community. This helps children learn to love their neighbors and see the world through a lens of service and generosity.
3. Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for shaping our attitudes and perspective on life. Earley encourages parents to cultivate gratitude by regularly expressing thankfulness for the blessings in their lives. This helps children develop a positive and grateful outlook on life and can also foster a sense of contentment and joy.
4. Engage in Scripture Reading: Reading and studying the Bible is an important part of Christian living and can help children develop a deep and meaningful faith. Earley encourages parents to make Bible reading and study a regular part of their family routine. This helps children understand the story of God and how it relates to their lives.
5. Emphasize Sabbath Rest: Sabbath rest is an important part of honoring God and taking care of ourselves. Earley encourages parents to prioritize rest and relaxation, whether it’s by taking a weekly Sabbath day or by building in regular times for rest and play. This helps children understand the value of rest and how it can help them recharge and connect with God.

Here are some of the ways that Early encourages parents to discipline their children:

1. Discipline with Love and Respect: Discipline should always be done with love and respect. Earley encourages parents to discipline their children in a way that honors their dignity as human beings and reflects God’s love for them. This means avoiding harsh punishments or verbal abuse and instead using discipline as an opportunity for growth and learning.
2. Use Natural Consequences: Natural consequences are a powerful tool for discipline because they help children understand the relationship between their actions and the consequences that follow. Earley encourages parents to use natural consequences as a way to teach children responsibility and accountability.
3. Set Clear Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries is essential for discipline because it helps children understand what is expected of them and the consequences of their actions. Earley encourages parents to communicate clear expectations for behavior and to establish consequences for breaking the rules.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging good behavior. Earley encourages parents to praise and affirm their children when they make good choices or show kindness to others. This helps children understand the importance of positive behavior and reinforces their sense of self-worth.
5. Model Good Behavior: Children learn by example, so it’s essential for parents to model good behavior themselves. Earley encourages parents to live out their faith in front of their children, showing them what it means to love God and love others. This helps children understand the importance of character and integrity.

Some of the key take aways for me, is that we as parents need to shape our lives in a way that reinforces the vision you have for you family. It is one thing to say what you believe, it is another thing to actually live out those values. He gives a great vision for what family life can look like and encourages parents to go for it with all their heart.

Overall, Habits of the Household is a thoughtful and insightful book that offers practical guidance for families seeking to incorporate their faith into their daily lives. It encourages families to be intentional about the rhythms and practices that shape their daily routines and to be mindful of the ways in which these habits can reinforce their faith.