MONTESSORI PLAYROOM VS LIVING ROOM

There are a few common discussions we see in our Montessori Toddlers Facebook group and the playroom vs living room battle is one of them.

During this session of Montessori Mondays with Holly, we talked about keeping your child’s toys in a playroom vs a living-room.  Watch the show above and click here to join the Facebook group.

Now before we dive into which is more Montessori aligned I want to remind everyone that we are all from different places, different cultures, different families and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Montessori and raising your children. What works for many won’t work for all and that is ok! In fact, it’s great how horrible would it be if we were all exactly the same!

With that being said there is a clear winner when it comes to the battle of playroom vs living room when it comes to Montessori. 

What is your guess?

Montessori Playroom Vs Living-Room

If you guessed the living room you are right! Now again there is nothing wrong with a playroom but there are more ways that a living room is more Montessori aligned and I’m going to tell you those reasons now. 

First (and most important if you are asking me) is the sense of belonging your child gets from having their belongings in the main living space of the home. The main living space is where your family spends most of their time. It’s where everyone has their “spot” and at such a young age your child’s spot should be just as important. 

Often times our homes are only set up for adults and it’s important for us to remember we need to incorporate our little ones as much as possible. Adding a child-sized chair to the living room is a great start but if you really want to give your child a strong sense of belonging you would put his most prized possessions in the living room where everyone else hangs out. HE will see that he is wanted he is welcome and believe me it is so much easier to multi-task when everything is already in one room. 

Does Your Main Living Space Incorporate Your Child? 

If not, don’t worry it’s easy to make a few changes to transform this space. In fact, it’s so easy I’ve put everything you need to know into a 4 days to a Montessori home challenge!

First I want to talk about how giving your child freedom of choice and independent access to their toys and materials will be easier for you in the long run.

Last week I talked about toys in the bedroom and mentioned the phrase “children should be seen and not heard”. I always think of this as the OPPOSite of Montessori. Montessori is all about lighting your child’s flame not putting it out! And putting your child’s toys in a room that they don’t have independent access to is just like that. 

Pros Of Toys In Your Main Living Space

If your child’s toys are out in the main living space they are 10 times more likely to go up to the toys, independently choose a toy and start working with it vs thinking to themselves about that toy, going into a separate room, and then playing with it alone in the room. 

When your child’s toys are put on display in the most lived-in space they are free to choose what they like whenever they get the burning desire to do so and this is what helps light that fire for your child. By allowing them to follow their curiosity. 

4 Days To A Montessori Home Challenge

Now, if you’re ready to make the switch or if you just want a refresher then you should join us for the 4 days to a Montessori home challenge because this is exactly what we talk about!

If you haven’t already joined us then be sure to click here and get signed up. 

During this challenge, we will walk you through small changes that create HUGE benefits like knowing exactly which toys your child will play with for longer periods of time! Imagine what you could do with 30 extra minutes of free time! 

We will take your main living space from overwhelmed, cluttered, and unorganized to a beautifully prepared area for your child to flourish in. 

Don’t worry – you don’t need #allthethings, OR expensive materials, OR a million Pinterest ideas!  All you need to do is show up ready to transform your home! 

Will you be transitioning your child’s toys into the main living space? Are you ready for our 4 days to a Montessori home challenge? Tell us in the comments!