How often I wished for some "peace and quiet" as a multi-tasking parent! Some moms say they retreat to the bathroom for time alone, only to find their children knocking or calling through the door. How can we keep our own inner composure and help our children learn to be thoughtful of others and content with themselves? In ... Read More

According to E.M. Standing, in Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, Montessori Grace and Courtesy activities are a natural expression of communal life. They teach children how to interact with people in a respectful way. Learning how to politely greet others, interrupt respectfully, open and close a door quietly, sit and st... Read More

Our lives are made up of stories. Consider for a moment how your mind recalls almost every experience with a story. As parents, we have a treasure trove of stories within us to share with our children and use to help them mature and learn history, manners, morals, family lore, and appropriate behavior.As technology becomes ... Read More

The holidays are almost here and many of us are wondering how we will find our way through the maze of our strange new world. Despite many losses, our children often remind us that we can find joy every day. With some creative thought and planning, we can feel the season's spirit and create some special memories filled with... Read More

"The teacher shows the children how to clean out the little corners where dust has accumulated and shows them how to use the various objects necessary in cleaning a room - dust cloths, dust brushes, little brooms, etc."—Maria Montessori, The Montessori MethodLet's do some spring cleaning with our children!In "those good old... Read More

We often take for granted the natural growth of children that happens without our direct involvement. Just think of the physical changes that take place in the first year of life. We do so many things to encourage and support our children's growth, but often without knowledge of what we do or how we do it.We help children l... Read More

"I went to a session last week at my daughter's Montessori school where they talked about how they believe in overestimating what kids can do. So today I decided to break from my usual routine...and explained to her that we were going down to the laundry room and she was going to help. It was amazing. She started loading th... Read More

"The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one's self."—Maria Montessori, The Absorbent MindCafeteria style, it's not! In a Montessori classroom, preparing, serving, and cleaning up are all on the children's menu. What could be more meaningful to a young child's developing independence than mastering the... Read More

"There are many people in the world who want to make children into performing seals. And as long as children can perform well, those adults will applaud. But I would much rather help a child be able to say who he or she is."—Fred Rogers, in Maxwell King's The Good NeighborIn answer to the question, "What do you want from li... Read More

If you wish to give the means to the child for his development you must give them in such a way that the child can, and must move. ...In all her books, lectures, conversations, Montessori incessantly returns to this great theme of the importance of movement. —E.M. Standing Maria Montessori, Her Life and WorkOf course, we al... Read More