Whether you’re a parent already or an expectant parent awaiting the birth of your first, it is quite likely that if you’ve done any sort of reading about parenting you will have heard of what is called Montessori Parenting. It sounds real fancy but it’s actually a relaxed parenting method. Here I’m going to explain a little about what it is and direct you off to some interesting places so you can read a little more if you’re interested!
Originating from Maria Montessori, the method can seem quite hippy-ish to begin with. And parents don’t necessarily have to embrace all of the elements of it to help their parenting style. It features a real focus on children learning through play and learning responsibility. It relies on parents working hard to help their children fulfil their innate want to learn.
The Montessori method really centres on positivity – on parental positivity in response to their children, your kids’ positive potential and positive play. It is about trying to fit more to your child’s learning style and their nature.
Child Safety
The safety of your kids is always key! With all of the other strategies learning, play and exploration should be rooted in being safe. As a Montessori parent, you create a ‘safe space’ for your child to play in. And this is a space that they are free to explore by themselves which will help to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Parent-child Time
Montessori believes that children crave their parents’ attention and the time you spend with them is vital. ‘Be Present’ is a mantra that is essential for a Montessori parent. Take the time play with your kids, to actually watch them playing (and not just give them a toy and sit on your phone), eat with your kids or if they must sit and watch TV then actively watch it with them and talk about it.
Follow your kids
This doesn’t just mean physically following them around, it means following the cues that your kids give you. Even toddlers know what they really want. Following them and the guides that they give can really boost their sense of self-worth. And from a very young age.
What your child wants
Montessori teaches that it’s not really about having the best toys, kiddie gadgets or playroom. Children actively want to be part of their parents’ lives. They actively copy you and mimic your actions. When you read they copy you. When You wash up, they want to get their hands into the water. Let them. By bringing your children into your routines and activities you can help them to feel more and more like they belong in the family, and feeling like they belong is so important to their development in so many areas.
Be Free Within Boundaries
While the Montessori method can seem a bit airy fairy, it is not the case that it lacks discipline. Instead though it is about how discipline is established. Setting boundaries, making them clear and sticking to them is an important part of the Montessori method.
If this all sounds interesting to you there are loads of places to go to learn more – Mother.ly features a nice blog about some of the principles. This is a slightly more complex explanation of some of the elements of Montessori. There are even Montessori schools and Nurseries that offer a different style of teaching that fits with the Montessori method.