"You could do this in a monastery - that's why they're removed from the world. You can't do this in everyday life. Surely I would not be doing a good job of being a wife and mother using the above rules."
I believe the point is that these principles still apply to those outside the monastery, if not as strict. Think of all the useless conversations one has every day--especially with the use of cell phones. This is not to condemn the laughter and joy experienced with one's children, but the silly, inane, frovility that passes for much of today's "joy."
And besides, for those of us who homeschool, both the late Father John Hardon and Fr. Fessio have said we are the "new monasteries," so these points apply to us more than many would like to think. To whom much is given, much is expected.
frivolity, not frovility--Nice word I apparently made up.