Montessori and Parenting: How Montessori Has Made Parenting More Fun

Montessori and parenting together are fun. This may feel taboo, but don’t you think it is necessary to normalize: parenting, especially with toddlers, can be monotonous. It can also be extremely challenging. It can also be fantastic! While these may appear to be opposed emotions, most of us experience a combination of all three. Let us begin with the monotony: Routines are important to children, and toddlers enjoy reading the same books and doing the same activities over and over. This does not imply that we do.

Keeping up with the routine and the sameness can be tedious at times. Sometimes there just isn’t time to be bored because parenting is so exhausting. Toddlers discover who they are, how to deal with strong emotions, and where they fit in the world. This is a demanding and intense process. If you’re feeling bored, overwhelmed, or any other “negative” emotion as a parent, know that you’re not alone. Parenting is HARD!

Side view of diverse parents in casual clothing sitting on floor and having fun with smiling toddler while gathering in cozy living room and having rest together

What parents don’t want is to be stuck or frustrated to the point where they can’t enjoy their time with their children. They want to feel the joy as well. Montessori has provided parents with more ways to stay engaged, more tools to deal with challenges, and more joy to their days at home together. Sometimes it’s a change in the routine, sometimes it’s the type of activity they do, and sometimes it’s just a mental shift. The following are a few of the ways Montessori has helped parents find more joy in my parenting journey.

#1 Child Development Nerdiness:

The more parents learn about child development, particularly from a Montessori perspective, the more interested they become in their children’s development. When parents have a better understanding of what is going on in their children’s brains and bodies- it becomes more interesting to watch how that manifests itself in their children’s play, behavior, and interactions. Understanding sensitive periods allows parents to appreciate what their children may be particularly drawn to or require at various stages.

#2 The Power of Observation:

Observation is a key component of the Montessori philosophy. Parents find that the more they observe their children – their new skills, interests, and challenges – the more interested they are in their play. Many parents like making mental (or physical) notes about how their kids interact with materials or how they use their hands or bodies in new ways. It’s fascinating to see how they find new ways to use old materials or have an “aha” moment with something they previously ignored.

#3 Rotation to Pique People’s Interest:

Rotating materials and toys based on your children’s interests and development can pique their interests as well as yours! Of course, it’s important to note that we never want to rotate materials that our children are still enjoying, even if we are bored with them! But, when the time comes to rotate in some new/old materials, it’s okay to enjoy that process as well. Sometimes you can also make DIY or themed materials just for the fun of it!

#4 The Importance of Planning:

Planning ahead of time is an important part of observation and toy rotation. For example, parents can find a place to jot down notes at the start of the week, during the week, and at the end of the week to be extremely useful. Making plans, observing, and reflecting at the end of the week can give them days at home and the skills, activities, and challenges they are working on with the children even more meaning.

#5 Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks:

Montessori and Parenting

Chores are not something that naturally brings joy. But when it comes to Montessori and parenting, parents and kids enjoy everyday activities. They find pure joy in practical life tasks like sweeping, scrubbing, and doing laundry. It helps parents see the value in contributing to and maintaining the beauty of the family’s space. The more parents model, the more they join in. Even if kids don’t join their parents, they frequently use this time to play more independently. Furthermore, once parents get started, they often find themselves enjoying the calming process of cleaning!

#6 Following in the Footsteps of Each Child:

Parenting can feel like a competition, especially with the influence of social media. We compare our children’s achievements and milestones to those of other children. The more we compare, the less content we are, and the more pressure and joy we experience in parenting. However, Montessori teaches that each child is unique, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Children have their own set of interests, timelines, challenges, and strengths. Accepting children’s distinct personalities and paths has made parenting a lot more enjoyable.

#7 Doing Things Alongside and With Them, Not For Them:

We give so much of ourselves to our children as parents. As it should be. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have our hobbies, work, and free time. Montessori emphasizes assisting children in assisting themselves from a young age. This provides toddlers with a strong sense of control and satisfaction, but it is also significant for us as parents. Montessori makes children understand that their parents will not do things for them that they can do themselves (but that of course they can ask for help.) It is critical for our happiness and sanity that we have a healthy balance of playing together, apart, and alongside one another.

#8 Gratitude for the Bigger World:

Father Teaching His Son How to Ride a Bike

Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of being connected to one’s community, both large and small. You frequently learn (and re-learn) alongside your children as you teach them about new places, plants, people, and animals. This not only keeps things interesting for you, but it’s also a joy to see the big world through your children’s eyes. When you go for a walk in the woods, see a caterpillar up close, or travel to see new places and meet new people, you also have a look of wonder on your faces.

In a Nutshell:

Montessori is good for children and also for the parents. In short, there are different benefits of Montessori parenting. It makes learning fun for both children and parents. Isn’t it amazing? You can feel relaxed when raising your child by opting for Montessori Education. All you have to do is to locate the best Montessori school near me. Take this step for your child’s brighter future!