10 Tips for New Montessori Parents

I remember when I was in my second trimester pregnant with my daughter that I discovered The Montessori Method. At that time, I was sold on the idea of sending her to a Montessori school when she was ready, and all the planning that is required to enroll her in one.

However, sending a child to a Montessori school is not enough. You have to also apply at least some of the approach that was carefully planned through and laid out by Dr. Maria Montessori into your home.

If you are new to the Montessori world, here are 10 tips that you can use as a parenting hack in order to be a better Montessori parent:

1. Observe your child: Montessori is all about following the child's lead. Observe your child to see what they are interested in and what they are capable of, then provide them with materials and activities that match their skills and interests.

2. Create a prepared environment: Montessori emphasizes the importance of a prepared environment that is safe, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing. Create a space that is conducive to learning and exploration, with child-sized furniture, open shelves, and plenty of natural light.

3. Encourage independence: Montessori places a strong emphasis on independence. Encourage your child to do things for themselves, such as getting dressed, preparing snacks, and cleaning up after themselves.

4. Use Montessori materials: Montessori materials are designed to help children develop specific skills, such as hand-eye coordination, concentration, and problem-solving. Use these materials to support your child's learning.

5. Foster a love of nature: Montessori encourages children to connect with nature and the world around them. Spend time outdoors, go on nature walks, and observe the changes in the seasons.

6. Respect your child's pace: Montessori recognizes that children develop at their own pace. Avoid pushing your child to achieve milestones before they are ready, and instead allow them to learn and grow at their own pace.

7. Encourage exploration: Montessori encourages children to explore and discover the world around them. Provide your child with opportunities to explore new materials, try new activities, and learn through play.

8. Focus on process over product: Montessori emphasizes the process of learning over the end result. Focus on your child's efforts and achievements, rather than just the final product.

9. Foster a love of learning: Montessori is all about fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Encourage your child's curiosity and provide them with opportunities to explore and discover new things.

10. Be patient: Montessori is a long-term approach to education that emphasizes gradual progress and development. Be patient with your child and trust that they will learn and grow in their own time.

As your child grows up from infancy to toddlerhood, you will grow with them too as a parent. You will learn more and more about what parenting life is, and how you can better implement Montessori Method at home. 

Want to discuss more on how you can apply the Montessori approach with me? Send your questions to dalila@montessorimarbles.com.