HOW TO NATURALLY PRACTICE MONTESSORI WITH YOUR TODDLER

Are you practicing Montessori with your toddler and you don’t even know it?

It’s odd to think that there was ever a time when we weren’t purposefully practicing Montessori in this family but, there was a time!

We started bringing Montessori into our home when our first child was just 10 months old. A close friend of mine told me about the concept and I thought it sounded wonderful. The more I researched and the more I learned I realized, we were already practicing Montessori!

In this article, I’m going to highlight all the ways we were already practicing Montessori so you can easily start practicing Montessori with your toddler too.

Montessori in our Home

Montessori​ ​is​ ​described​ ​as​ ​an​ ​aid​ ​to​ ​life.​ It’s a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and group play. When I first looked up the definition it solidified my belief that Montessori was the way we should be raising our children.

Just like you, I was attracted to Montessori as it promises so much. Although the Montessori world can be scary and intimidating at first it is absolutely worth the effort! Even if you only practice Montessori in your home for an hour a day, it’s 100% worth it.

Take what works for your family and start there. If you choose to keep practicing Montessori, even better.

The reasons we love Montessori are truly countless. The Montessori philosophy syncs perfectly with who my husband and I are and who our children will no doubt grow to be.

Before having a child I didn’t give much thought as to how I would raise my child. I just thought it would come naturally, and it does to an extent, but I must admit it is great having Montessori to guide me through my parenting years.

Every day your child is learning and you can choose the path you want to guide them on. We choose Montessori to show them the way and watch them succeed.

Montessori with your Toddler

Here are a few actionable items you can do right now to get started with Montessori with your toddler.

Minimize your toys.

Donate all the flashy, noisy, passive toys. I know this is by far the hardest step to follow through with. Truth be told we still have a few flash toys hiding away here that I just couldn’t bring myself to give away. The main point here is to create a prepared environment for your child to excel in. If you do keep any of these toys make sure to put them out of sight when not in use. You may even notice your child doesn’t miss them at all.

Respect​ ​your​ ​child.

Yes, you are the adult but you can still show your child respect. Talk to your child like you would an equal. Talking TO the child, not AT the child. One simple way to start showing respect is to use common courtesy or manners when speaking to your child. This will also model the correct way to speak to other people outside of the home.​ ​

Let​ ​your​ ​child​ ​make​ ​decisions.

This works best when given 2-3 choices as not to overwhelm your child. For example, ask them whether they would like to brush their teeth with the blue toothbrush or the yellow toothbrush today. This helps create confidence and independence within your child.

Invite​ ​your​ ​child to​ ​help​.

Children want to learn. They want to help. Helping with laundry, cleaning, cooking and gardening are all great ways to incorporate your child in everyday tasks. These are called practical life activities in the Montessori world and are one of the most important things to work for a toddler.

Create “Yes” Spaces.

This one can be difficult. Instead of saying “No” you can say “Cords are not for playing with. How about we read a book.” It is always best to tell them exactly what they shouldn’t be doing and then give them a new activity to focus on. Try to create more “yes” spaces in our house. This allows the child to explore worry free.

Once you make these changes in your home you’re going to notice a change in your toddler. Your child will become more engaged in their activities, cooperative in their abilities to help and their independence will start to soar helping him be a more confident child.

Have you already started practicing Montessori? Share with us any changes you have seen in your family since bringing Montessori into your home in the comments below.

Ready to take the next step into Montessori living? Join us in The Montessori Learning Center to learn everything you need to know about Montessori with your toddler! Click the image below to learn more.