Getting started with Montessori parenting can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that you don't need to be a perfect Montessori parent and give yourself grace as you learn and grow together. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Show your child they are important: Speak to your child respectfully, listen to them, and ask for their opinion. They need to feel heard, loved, and secure.
- Set consistent expectations and limits: Establish clear limits for behaviour and enforce them with natural consequences. For example, if your child continues to splash water during bath time, explain that it is unsafe and end the bath.
- Nurture feelings of safety through routine: Establish a predictable routine for activities throughout the day and do things the same way every day. This helps children feel safe and regulate their emotions.
- Offer controlled choices: Give your child options and show them that their input matters.
- Show don't tell: When showing your child an activity, drop to their level, use minimal words, and present from left to right and top to bottom to help them develop a sense of order.
- Observe your child: Watch your child with your complete attention and take notice of their interests, strengths, and abilities. Introduce activities that expand their interests and encourage skill development.
- Use prompting questions: Encourage problem-solving by using prompting questions when your child asks a question.
- Everything in its place: Keep your child's play space organized and easy to access by using child-sized furniture, low open shelves, and rotating activities based on their interests.
- Foster independence: Look for opportunities for independence that are appropriate for your child's age and skill level.
- Slow down and stand back: Allow your child time and space to figure things out for themselves. Give them the opportunity to amaze you with their capabilities.