Confidence is defined as “Trust or faith in a person or thing; A feeling of reassurance, especially of self-assurance." A parent recently asked me how they could gently give their child more confidence. The Montessori approach engenders confident children as these children are shown every day that we believe they are capable individuals, able to look after their own needs, and as they grow a little older, to the needs of others and their environment. Download this simple chart to print … [Read more...] about How to help your shy kid get confident
Positive parenting
Setting limits Montessori-style
When my son was a toddler he hated leaving places. So I would begin to dread when it was time to go home. I’d be thinking, “how am I going to get him to leave soon?" No matter how long we stayed, there were always tears. And did I mention that I was exhausted by the end too? I understand the difficulty with setting limits. It is not easy to see our child suffer. Even more when we feel like we are the ones making them cry as we carry them from the playground. So it’s something I’m always … [Read more...] about Setting limits Montessori-style
Musings on the absorbent mind
Today I’m planning something a little different for this blog post. Usually I offer advice and practical suggestions on ways to get cooperation from your children, or how to understand your child better. Today I’d just like to muse a bit. Ok with you? I’m curious if this will resonate with you in any way. We often find ourselves saying children are just like sponges. Dr Montessori had exactly the same idea. And coined the term “absorbent mind" for children from 0 to 6 years. You … [Read more...] about Musings on the absorbent mind
How to stop saying “no” forever + what to say instead
It’s been nearly 6 months since I set up The Montessori Notebook. Whooosh. That went fast. I’m realising just now (ha!) that what I am hoping you will be learning along the way is a Montessori mindset – respecting the child; preparing their spaces so they are beautiful and engaging for your child; being neither their boss nor their servant, but a guide to support them; and to see the world through their eyes. I get lots of questions from parents like, “My child isn’t listening to me" or “I … [Read more...] about How to stop saying “no” forever + what to say instead