Montessori Parenting: The Complete Guide

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The Montessori method of education is a child-centered pedagogical approach that promotes hands-on learning and collaborative play for children the ages of three years and above.

Parents always want the best for their children, and sometimes making the decision for the child’s education can become an obstacle. 

The Montessori method is a pedagogical approach to education that was developed by an Italian physician, educator, and pedagogue Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907. 

The Montessori method of teaching helps develop the child’s natural interest in the classroom unlike, other conventional educational institutions.

Sensory stimulation is a significant part of the Montessori curriculum that gives the child a boost of confidence.

Montessori materials and apparatus like Montessori toys, blocks, puzzles, beads, slides, as well as pictures, are used to build the child’s interest in the classroom as well as keep the child attentive during the education process. 

This method was developed to facilitate the needs of a young and growing mind. Children in a Montessori school have an opportunity to enjoy themselves as they learn and have a  higher level of cognitive attainment in comparison to those who do not. They also have higher levels of social skills and behavioral habits.

Dr. Maria Montessori, the child has an “absorbent mind” that is more susceptible to stimuli and acquires knowledge from the surrounding environment.

It is essential to provide proper education to children during early childhood age. But due to the recent Covid-19 surge around the world, parents had a difficult time sending their children to schools. 

Due to the Covid-19 surge, many schools had to be shut down, preventing physical one-on-one classes and the children were forced to study remotely with the help of the internet. 

The Montessori method is more than just classroom, lectures, and texts it is a discipline that gives children a chance to learn and grow with freedom of choice at their own pace. Montessori parenting is a big part of Montessori education.

Montessori parenting is an innovative approach that focuses on providing independence and facilitates individual growth for children. 

Bringing up a child in the Montessori way:

The Montessori philosophy of education gives children space and time to grow at their own pace. 

Montessori Parenting helps bridge the gap between school and home which is essential for the Montessori method of education. 

Montessori parenting is a lifestyle choice. The parent must follow the basic Montessori principles of Montessori philosophy while imparting education to the child. 

It is a parenting approach that follows the basics principles of the Montessori method:

  1. auto-learning
  2. intrinsic rewarding
  3. self-directed education
  4. no punishment
  5. freedom of choice

Dr. Maria Montessori in her book about Human Tendencies mentioned the specific elements of human psychology which help the child reach their full potential and thrive. 

These tendencies or elements of human behavior are- 

  •  Movement 
  •  Abstraction 
  •  Curiosity
  •  Exploration  
  •  Orientation  
  •  Repetition
  •  Order
  •  Independence
  •  Self-control  
  •  Concentration
  •  Exactness
  •  Imitation
  •  Manipulation
  •  Perfections
  •  Calculation
  •  Work
  •  Creative imagination. 

These are the tendencies that a child is born with that take place in the child’s life during different stages of development.

Each plane has different characteristics and learning abilities, and understanding, and recognizing these tendencies can help parents to teach their children with suitable methods and apparatus.

 Montessori Parenting takes into account these human tendencies and provides the child with an appropriate environment for different stages.  

In her book “The Montessori Method” Dr. Montessori mentions the importance of fostering a sense of freedom and the desire to seek knowledge with minimum intervention and disturbance. 

Montessori Parenting tips and ideas: 

The Montessori method prepares your child to become independent, confident, and intelligent. It is important to look at the Montessori method as a lifestyle and not as an educational approach.

 Before starting the journey of Montessori parenting it is important to do prerequisite research and reading.

Refer to: https://mymontessorimoments.com/montessori-books-for-parents/ to find the best Montessori Books for Parents.

It is not necessary to bring the whole Montessori classroom set up at home. Practicing the Montessori method at home requires patience, resistance, and some items essential for the learning process.

Read this to further understand the Montessori Environment and Parent’s Role in Montessori Education.

  • Understand the child’s needs: Children at different ages require different materials, levels of attention, and methods of learning.
    The Montessori method understands these different planes of development and provides children with the right materials, environment, and curriculum to help them develop at their maximum potential. 
  • A Prepared Environment: Basic items that are easily available at home can do the job like Child-Sized chairs, tables, a rug, table mats, and one or two shelves enough.
    Providing the child with an environment where they can interact with objects and learning materials is essential for the Montessori method. 
  • Montessori Materials: The apparatus and materials used in the Montessori method were specially developed to stimulate the child’s senses.
    The Montessori method prohibits the use of plastic and synthetic products. Hence, the materials and apparatus in Montessori training are made with metal, wood, bamboo, steel, glass, and other naturally sourced materials.
    Parents can invest in buying Montessori teaching materials for a better learning experience.
  • Reading Materials: Equip yourself with good reading materials and articles that will help you understand, learn and implement the Montessori method at home.
    Books like “How to raise an amazing child the Montessori way” by Tim Seldin, “Montesorri- A Modern Approach: A classic introduction for Montessori Parents and Teachers” by Paula Polk Lillard as well as articles like “Parenting Squad” and “Montessori printshop” can be a guide for Montessori parents.
  • Understanding the Role: Unlike the Montessori teachers who are trained to facilitate Montessori education, a parent can face difficulties in the beginning.
    It is essential to understand and adopt the role of a teaching figure during the education process.
    The parent should give the child freedom, independence, and space to participate in all the activities on their own terms. During the educational process, the parent becomes an observer, a director, and a facilitator.
  • Learn from other parents: Connecting and learning with other parents can help in facilitating a proper, personalized educational process. Learning from Montessori blogs can also help. 
  • Practical and activities: According to Maria Montessori the senses are the gateway to knowledge and motor development and physical development play a significant role in early childhood education.
    Parents should encourage the child to participate and indulge in physical activities. The activities in the Montessori curriculum help in the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and balance. 
  • Become a Role Model: children learn from their surrounding environment and the environment also includes the actions of adults around them.
    A Parents role is to be positive, engaging, and supportive towards their children. No punishment or rewards should be provided by the parents during the process.

Is Montessori Parenting Good for your child?

Montessori Parenting is an innovative approach to the traditional methods of parenting. It can often bridge the gap between the home environment and the Montessori School Environment.

Montessori Parenting allows your child to experience life to the fullest and explore new horizons within limits. This newfound freedom can help your child become independent, and confident, as well as a contributing member of the home environment.

Montessori parenting is more than just traditional parenting, it is a shared experience for you and your child where you can effectively set up your child for success.

The Montessori Parenting approach helps parents provide their children with all the necessary factors that promote the child to develop to their optimum potential.

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