Becoming a parent and early childhood development has been described as being both magical and overwhelming. The magnitude of raising a little human is a daily challenge, particularly on top of the pressures of modern life. Mothers like most parents in general want a less hectic, more considered approach to raising their children, and it is here that the Montessori approach introduces some new ideas.
This child directed approach was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, on the idea that children learn at their best when provided with respect and independence within a set structure. In addition to Montessori schools, a lot of parents nowadays have started incorporating their principles into their own homes.
What is Montessori at Home?
Montessori does not have to be expensive. The most important thing is that children are given the opportunity to choose, explore, choose, and learn at their own speed. For example, daily life activities such as pouring water into a cup, selecting their own clothes, or even helping with food preparation. These little, regular life things when a child does alone does not only give them confidence but also makes them feel valued and competent.
Montessori at home is also about staying calm and organized. Toys are reduced in numbers so over stimulation is less likely to happen and there is a sense of order because everything has its own place. It is recommended to choose natural materials and toys that require creativity instead of loud and flashing gadgets for kids. Here is a different example, instead of watching a baking tutorial, have the child assist you in measuring the flour or cracking the eggs. Hands-on learning teaches a child cause and effect and how to be patient.
By inviting a child to learn in their daily living activities within their homes, we are providing them with an opportunity to grow in all cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects.
Why Parents Are Turning Toward Montessori
The world keeps changing and parents need to keep up and do what is best for their children. With these respects, the Montessori method can help bring some order to the challenges of parenting.
Once a routine is established and the climate is one of independence, children themselves have fewer behavioral issues, since they know what to expect and ultimately they feel safer. This does away with some of the daily power struggles that make parenting so difficult.
Montessori isn't a magic bullet, but what it does provide is a mechanism that allows family life to feel more balanced. It does take mom or dad to give up some control, to observe and facilitate, in preference to constantly having to do everything for their child. At the end, children will cherish the extra independence and self-direction, giving moms and dads a break. This can further boost a family's bond and create an extra peaceful environment.
Creating a Supportive Environment
One of the most powerful elements of Montessori parenting is the environment. Everything from the open shelves and accessible materials to the furniture designed for children, the environment is crucial and needs to be carefully planned to promote independence.
This is not a call to overhaul your house. Small things, like placing a mirror at baby's level or installing a low shelf with food in eye-level sight of your toddler, can enable a child to do things on their own.
The first years are most pivotal, as the brain of a child is developing very rapidly. What occurs within these years determines the emotional, social, and intellectual growth. As such, many of the Montessori principles have their roots in the importance of the early years development of the child.
This is why minor adjustments to the environment can have a large impact. Allowing your child space to roam and have their own autonomy builds independence. Maintaining routines on a daily basis keeps children feeling secure. A calm, tidy setting promotes focus. All of these aspects work together to assist the child in developing naturally.
The Role of Toys in a Montessori Home
A child's life centers around toys, but not every toy is the same. Toys in a home that is Montessori equipped are especially chosen. They tend to be made of natural material like wood or cotton and are open-ended so creativity can be nurtured rather than just being passive entertainment.
These educational materials can aid motor skill development, for instance, is achieved using stacking toys, and hand-eye coordination and problem-solving using shape sorters. Rather than overwhelming a child with toys that light up and make a lot of noise, Montessori materials (toys) aid in building curiosity and focus.
These Montessori-inspired toys may involve educating the child on learning one thing at a time, on his or her own, thus growing new skills and self-esteem. One efficient way of keeping a child interested without overloading them is by rotating toys occasionally or being introduced to them a few at a time.
In addition, these educational materials encourage creativity and persistence. A set of plain blocks may be a house, road, or tower, literally anything the child wants it to be. Open-ended play such as this develops critical thinking and emotional regulation.
Montessori and the Parent-Child Relationship
Beyond the equipment and materials, Montessori at home alters the parent-child dynamic. When the parent does slow down and engages the child in a participation in day-to-day life, something is different. There is less hurry, fewer directives, and more harmony.
This is particularly important in the early years of life when children are building their sense of safety and belonging. A child who feels heard and seen will be more likely to cooperate, explore, and take risks in a healthy manner.
Montessori also teaches parents to observe and wait prior to reacting. Rather than jumping in and helping a child when he or she is struggling, a parent might patiently wait, offering support only when completely necessary. Waiting helps children learn to persist and endure.
Parents, too, begin to look at discipline differently. Instead of punishing poor behavior, Montessori encourages us to look at the source. Is the child exhausted? Overwhelmed? Hungry? By satisfying the root need, families can repair issues with compassion rather than contention
A Gentle Path for the Whole Family
Embracing Montessori in one's home doesn't equal perfection. It equals intention. It equals releasing some control and having faith in your child's journey. And it means seeing that your child is already a capable, inquiring learner and you get to support and guide them. Montessori is a sort of anchor during the early years, when all is so different and new. The Montessori approach can be a useful guide to a more peaceful domestic life for parents seeking peace and balance.
Regardless of whether a parent adopts a full Montessori routine or only borrows a few things. At its core, Montessori is about respect for the child, respect for the parent, and respect for the process the family is taking together.
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Barbara Stein is a homeschooling mom of three who adores hands-on learning and creative parenting. With her husband abroad in the military, she keeps busy by teaching, parenting, and refinishing antique pieces in her leisure time. She has years of experience in shaping self-directed home learning and enjoys sharing tips with other moms; turning each day into an opportunity.
