In this post, Irene - the author of amazing Montessori parenting blog, Montessori Life As We Know It shares her successful experience toilet training her toddler. I am often asked about Joshua’s toileting. He attends his Montessori classes and has never had a miss there and the teachers consider him ahead of most of the kids in his group in this area and were surprised at how good he was even at just on 2 years old. Am I surprised? Not really. Joshua was mostly done with daytime toilet … [Read more...]
How to Help Young Children Regulate Their Emotions.
The greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken. If this is done, then the child does not become a burden; he will reveal himself as the greatest marvel of nature. Maria Montessori Maria Montessori's teaching is becoming one of the most acquired among modern parents and early childhood educators. The reason behind this popularity is the fact that we are not satisfied with old style parenting and raising … [Read more...]
Doing Montessori At Home With Your Toddler 12- 18 months.
The pitter patter of their tiny feet, the shape of their little bellies, arms tightly wrapped around your neck, curious facial expressions, giggles and tickles, sloppy kisses, cheeky glance, one day you will miss them all, oh, so much. Just remember that next time he pulls your favourite vase off the table or after another exhausting day has passed. I found that toddler years can be quite challenging because it's the time when they are on the verge of shifting from total dependence to gaining … [Read more...]
Most Valuable and Practical Montessori Lessons Learnt in 2016
I believe that one of the most fundamental and necessary aspects of survival for Montessori parents and teachers is a strong and connected community. Whether it's a virtual or physical space - we all need it, place and people that make you feel understood, accepted, where your voice is valid. We sharpen each other's knowledge and inspiration to do usual tasks differently, but most importantly, we help each other create stronger connections with our children. One of my favourite things in the … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Potential Montessori Classroom and Home Health Hazards
You are probably familiar with saying "A worried mother does better research than the FBI". The truth is that we worry a lot. Sometimes excessively, but more often for a good reason. Every mother knows to trust her instincts better than any other source of information. However, it is also essential to be informed and take precaution when it comes to health and safety of our children. Montessori parents are usually very conscious of adverse effects oversupply of toys brings a child. We know … [Read more...]
Montessori Peace Corner – Powerful Way To Resolve Conflicts
Maria Montessori was a passionate advocate for fostering peace among people through the power of education and use it as a tool to eliminate war on the whole planet once and for all. “Peace is a goal that can only be attained through common accord, and the means to achieve this unity for peace are twofold: first, an immediate effort to resolve conflicts without recourse to violence—in other words, to prevent war—and second, a long-term effort to establish a lasting peace among men.” The whole … [Read more...]
Helping Children Break Habits Using Gentle and Respectful Approach.
We are all creatures of habits. In some way, habits form our personality. Children often can pick up undesirable habits that are quite harmless which, with time, disappear without our intervention. However, certain habits can cause psychological and physical harm. For example, when a child is being teased as a result of twitches, or unintentionally hurt themselves by continuously holding breath. Habits are created by repeated patterns that are connected in child's brain to circumstances that … [Read more...]
Doing Montessori At Home With Your Baby ( 4 – 6 mo )
"In the soul of the baby there are secrets still hidden from the adult". M. Montessori Maria Montessori touches thousands of lives even today because of her passion and respect for children that thread through her teaching and method. Her findings regarding baby's development are fascinating and predate many modern discoveries. Understanding what lays behind aspects of Montessori approach when it comes to babies from 4-6 months old is something I will try to tackle in … [Read more...]
Doing Montessori at home with your baby (newborn – 3 mo)
"The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth." Montessori The Absorbent Mind. Becoming a parent is one of the most challenging and satisfying aspects of life. Children are given to us as the most precious gift. There is not that much that is in our control, however, we need to give ourselves some credit for accepting this challenge and taking responsibility for their development, safety, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. I would love to share … [Read more...]
WHAT MAKES A CHILD HAPPY
The upbringing of a child is a process that requires utmost care, love and concern throughout so that the child stays happy and contented at all stages of his life. It is the upbringing that decides how the life and future of a life shape up. When unhappiness persists in a child, it may eventually lead to mental and emotional disorders, due to which there are high chances of the child falling into depression. Hence, it is essential to ensure that a child remains happy while he grows up so … [Read more...]
Meeting Special Needs in a Montessori Classroom.
Many wonder if a Montessori education is appropriate for every child with varying needs and abilities. Renae - a Montessori homeschooling mother of four special needs children with developmental, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. She is here to say YES! All a child needs is a Montessori teacher who observes, understands, and then follows the child. The key is interpreting specific behaviors related to classroom activities correctly and appropriately. The teacher can then formulate a … [Read more...]
BABY SHOWER GIFT IDEAS.
Becoming a mom is one of the most secret and life changing events in life. Even for moms who have had children before, childbirth brings a new wave of emotions and feelings. These baby shower gift idea is for those who want to give something that comes from the heart and very personable. Handmade gifts are such a perfect present for new parents and their bundle of joy. Gift boxes with natural, organic items are always going to be a pleasant and welcomed gift that she will truly … [Read more...]
MONTESSORI ESSENTIALS: “MONTESSORI AT HOME GUIDE”
Very often you can hear parents, who recently were introduced to the Montessori method, say that they wish they found out about the Montessori method a lot sooner. When their child is placed in the care of beautiful Montessori trained people who truly believe in what they are doing, the child goes through an amazing transformation. Many decide to start a Montessori journey from when their child is very young. However, people find themselves in a position when they lack support and guidance. Are … [Read more...]