Blog posts

Have you been to a neighborhood park lately and simply watched children play? There are a couple of children on the swings, pushed by a parent; another little one being encouraged down the slide; and another quietly playing in the sand—with a parent close by, of course. Childhood experiences have undoubtedly changed with every generation. The toys children use for imaginative play have changed, as have the games they play and the spaces in which they play them. Playtime has e

Note the preposition here. You do not simply walk your child. You walk WITH your child. You do not walk with your child as you would walk your dog. In fact, I have sometimes seen people show more patience with their dogs. I know this may sound a little harsh but think about it. We take our dog for a walk. The dog stops to sniff a tree or a bush. We wait. It investigates something mysterious on the ground for what seems like an eternity. Still, we wait patiently, leash in hand

It's not just a walk - it's a connection The other day, I was walking along a narrow, single-lane path on a trail close to my home. Ahead of me, I noticed a young man and, just in front of him, a pair of little legs. As I approached them from behind, I saw the man's head bent down, and a warm, fuzzy feeling swept over me. Here was a dad walking with his young son, chatting with him—or so I thought. As I overtook them, that warm, fuzzy feeling disappeared in an instant. The fa

Do you remember those moments as a child when you would sigh and complain, “I’m bored”? What made it even more frustrating was that your parents often did nothing about it. They might have pretended not to hear you, or if they did acknowledge your complaint, they would hand you a chore to do—which only made you grumble even more. Before long, the cycle would repeat itself. Today, many parents feel a constant pressure to keep their children entertained. If an activity is not i

Today, I would like to revisit the topic of attention—this time, looking at what happens when we give too much of it, or offer long, winding explanations for simple situations. Picture a familiar scene at the supermarket checkout. The line is long, and within easy reach are rows of chocolates, candies, and small toys. Your three-year-old spots something they want. You say no. Almost immediately, things escalate. Tempers rise, and before you know it, you are lifting a surprisi

In my last post, we discussed how creating the right environment can support the development of concentration. In this post, I would like to focus on what adults can actively do to help nurture concentration in children. It may surprise you to know that babies are actually born with an impressive ability to concentrate. Watch a toddler during lunchtime. They often study their food with intense focus, sometimes even going cross-eyed while examining a crisp piece of carrot. Or

Much has been written and spoken about the attention span of young children. While it may feel like a modern concern, it's interesting to note that attention actually begins developing very early in life—almost from birth. Newborns begin to focus during close interactions with their mothers, particularly while feeding. Research suggests that babies can initially see objects about 10 inches away. Gradually, their ability to focus increases: within a few weeks, they can maintai

In my previous blog, we explored why nurturing independence in young children is so important. In this post, let’s look at some practical strategies parents can use—whether at home or during those morning drop-offs at daycare or a Montessori school. We begin with simple routines in a Montessori environment. Start by sending your child off with a cheerful goodbye and a warm kiss. This small gesture sends a powerful message: you trust the teachers, and the day ahead will be ful

Independence – Why Learning to Be Independent Is Essential for a Child’s Growth From the moment a baby enters the world, their natural mission is to become independent. Each small step toward independence gives a child a deep sense of accomplishment and fuels their development. We begin to see signs of this independence early on in the simplest actions. Once a baby is no longer in the womb, they have a body—and mind—separate from their mother. As days go by, they discover tha

This week, I find myself returning to the theme of respect. We often talk about respect at home, but respect takes on a special meaning inside a Montessori classroom. With twenty or so children between the ages of three and six, or older, respect is not just an idea — it is something we practice every day. It is at the very heart of Montessori education. So what does respect look like in a Montessori classroom? • It starts at the door. When a child walks in, we meet them at

What do we really mean by respect? Does it mean a child should always get their way? Of course not! Yet, many young parents find themselves unsure about what respecting a child actually looks like — and how to put it into practice. Picture this: It’s 8:00 a.m. You’re dressed for an important meeting. Your three-year-old has finished breakfast without a fuss — great start! You’ve laid out three outfits on her bed. You’re the thoughtful parent who values your child’s choices, s

How is Montessori education different and why it works?