Are you interested in raising an independent, happy toddler? Montessori parenting might be for you! Discover what Montessori parenting is, and the basic principles you can start using today!
What is Montessori Parenting?
Montessori parenting is a child-led style of parenting. It’s based on the ideas of Maria Montessori and the famous Montessori movement. The idea is that children naturally want to learn and take responsibility, and Montessori parents enable kids to learn through play, and let them take responsibility as appropriate.
Montessori parents also have a very relaxed approach to discipline. Generally, children are not punished for inappropriate behavior, but rather, the environment is controlled to prevent kids from getting into trouble.
Montessori Principles
Parenting a child primarily through play and fostering a strong sense of independence can be difficult for many parents. Following these basic montessori principles can help.
Let Children Lead
Toddlers want to be independent. Foster their independence by offering as many opportunities to make choices as possible. Don’t offer unlimited options, however. Sometimes kids struggle to choose when they have an overwhelming number of choices. Instead, offer one or two choices, many, many times a day. For example, “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?” Or “Do you want to brush your teeth first, or brush your hair first?” Or you could try “Do you want to put your shoes on yourself, or would you like me to help you?”
Parent/Child Time
Montesorri parenting is built on a foundation of a solid parent/child relationship. To foster this strong relationship, you must spend regular one-on-one time actually connecting. This means participating in activities together, without distractions like the TV or your cell phone.
Control the Environment
It’s important for parents to control the environment to prevent any accidents or mishaps. If your children aren’t allowed in the bathroom cabinets, place locks on those cabinets. If there are fragile decorations in the living room, remove them until your children are old enough to take care of them. Place toys and belongings at your child’s level, so they can reach them easily without getting hurt. Hang their clothes on the lower rack of the closet so they can access them independently.
Freedom and Independence
Offer children plenty of opportunities to do things for themselves. Again, this means you’ll have to adjust the environment to accommodate your child’s needs. Place toddler plates and bowls on a lower shelf that they can reach themselves. Install extenders on light switches so your toddler can turn on and off their own bedroom light. Place their bed on the floor so they can get in and out of bed on their own. Create a dressing station so your kids can pick out their own clothes and practice putting them on and off.
Practice Positivity
Your children are like empty buckets. They need you to pour love and positivity into their buckets so they feel capable and significant. They crave your approval, and the best way to fill their buckets is by spreading positivity whenever possible.
Limit Discipline and Avoid Punishment
Be mindful of the negativity you’re exerting. Children need boundaries. Montessori parents focus on removing any potential hazards and try to limit the amount of nagging or correcting children.
Montessori Resources
Online Resources
Books
What You Should Do Next…
1. Snag Our Connected Parent Challenge
Are you ready for more activities to build a rock-solid bond with your kids? Try our Connected Parent Challenge! It’s 15 Days of 15 Minute activities that are sure to improve your connection, diminish bad behavior, and create lasting memories. Plus, I’ll deliver more amazing parenting strategies to your inbox weekly (don’t worry, unsubscribe any time!).
2. Join Our Free Online Community
Connect with like-minded moms (and dads!) in our free online community. You’ll find a plethora of resources to help you through your parenting challenges. Plus, you’ll find me there! And I’d love to connect.
3. Take a Free 60-Minute Parenting Webinar
Do you need actionable strategies right now? Register for this free 60-minute webinar titled How to Get Kids to Listen, Without Nagging, Yelling or Losing Control. You’ll walk away with parent-tested tactics to get your kids to listen starting today.