I’ve been a Montessori parent for six years and a Montessori teacher for three. Although the term “Montessori” might sound bougee and unattainable many parents seek the confidence, independence, and intrinsic motivation that this approach nurtures. If you’re looking to encourage these qualities in your child, exploring Montessori parenting might be just what you need.
Understanding Montessori Parenting
Montessori is an educational model that emphasizes child-led learning—allowing children a great deal of personal choice (within limits). It also focuses on addressing a child’s psychological needs by creating a supportive and well-prepared environment. My own child, now six, and in a Montessori school since age two, has benefited in many ways:
- He is highly motivated to explore topics that interest him.
- He is eager to try new tasks on his own.
- He persists with challenges until he masters them.
- He willingly tackles tasks even if the outcome is imperfect or messy.
- He is resilient and not easily discouraged.
- He shows thoughtfulness and kindness.
- He is curious about other cultures.
- He often takes on tasks that many kids his age might shy away from.
While these qualities can sometimes mean accepting imperfection and a bit more mess around the house, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. And the beauty of Montessori isn’t confined to the classroom—here are five ways you can integrate Montessori principles into your home life.
1. Involve Them in Cooking
Cooking together is a fun and practical way to teach math, culinary skills, and healthy eating habits while encouraging independence. For example, my son has been cutting cucumbers, bananas, and apples on his own since he was two. A learning tower can help him reach the counter, and child-safe utensils keep the process safe.
Practical Tips:
- Set up kid-friendly bowls, silverware, and cups at a reachable height.
- Designate a specific area for your child to set up their eating space.
- Provide a spray bottle with soap, cleaning rags, and even an accessible dust buster for cleanup.
- Introduce recipes with picture guides and step-by-step directions to build reading and following skills.
2. Involve Them in Cleaning
Practical life skills are central to the Montessori method. Involving your child in cleaning not only teaches responsibility but also helps develop sequencing, sorting, and even reading skills when using a cleaning chart.
Examples:
- Sorting forks and spoons from the dishwasher into the appropriate compartments.
- Assisting with laundry by sorting colors, folding clothes, and putting them away.
- Using child-sized brooms, dustpans, or even a small dustbuster to help with sweeping and vacuuming.
3. Set Out Multiple Activities and Let Them Choose
Montessori classrooms are known for their orderly and uncluttered spaces, where only a limited number of activities are available at any given time. You can create a similar environment at home by:
- Rotating a select few toys and activities to keep the space organized.
- Using a low shelf to display items, and demonstrating how each is used.
- Teaching your child to return each item to its designated spot after play.
4. Emphasize Self-Care Routines
Self-care routines—like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and managing potty time—are essential skills for toddlers. Integrate these routines with language and reading by incorporating songs, charts, and posters.
Ideas:
- Use dressing frames to help toddlers practice buttoning, zipping, latching, and tying.
- Celebrate the small victories of your child, such as putting on their own shoes or clothes, which builds both confidence and independence.
5. Create Kid-Sized Spaces
Montessori is all about real-life skills, so adapting spaces to suit small bodies is crucial. Instead of a plastic toy kitchen, consider setting up a child-friendly area with real, scaled-down kitchen tools.
Real-World Example:
- Create a mini kitchen with a small refrigerator stocked with age-appropriate snacks, real plates, bowls, cups, and silverware.
- Set up a functional table and even a water pump sink.
- Provide sensory bins with water, soap, and sponges for washing dishes—letting your child experience “adult” activities in a safe, scaled-down environment builds autonomy and confidence.
I hope these suggestions provide a helpful starting point for bringing Montessori principles into your home. The more you incorporate these practices, the more naturally your child will develop independence and confidence.
Happy Montessori parenting!
