Oftentimes, when people hear of "freedom" in a Montessori context they think of unrestrained, unregulated, undisciplined behaviour on the part of the child. In other words, "freedom to do whatever they want"... Not quite so... Freedom in Montessori terms is one that first and foremost respects the rights and freedom of others: no-one is free to take from others, to be rude etc... Hence, it has limits, boundaries and consequences. The child is free to experiment, to explore an

There is a widespread misconception amongst adults where it is believed that by shaming, embarrassing or using sarcasm (at the "best" of times), they will induce a change in the child's "unacceptable" behaviour, when this causes them a problem... But if only we stopped before uttering those words and asked ourselves "what is driving the child's behaviour? what's the feeling fuelling the behaviour?", and in this attempt, checked in with those feelings, we would be able to gai

If you work with children, for instance in a Childcare or Family Day care setting, I can help you create areas in the environment, as well as material/activities which are in respect of the Montessori philosophy. We can explore the Montessori curriculum and together work towards creating new, engaging activities which stimulate the child's mind, curiosity and developing skills. We can explore in as much or little details as you like the philosophy and psychology which informs

Nido & Beyond offers Private Playgroups in your own home. Call on a couple of your friends or your partners, and let's explore the three main areas to consider when embracing the Montessori Philosophy for your child/children at home: - the "prepared environment" and how to create ideal spaces for your active, inquisitive child; - the material/activities which best supports him/her during this developmental stage; - the "preparation" of the adult, which will include how to bes

My three year old has recently started kindergarten and for the first time in her life she's been forced to spend time away from me...against her will. The other day, for the tenth time in the past couple of weeks, her inability to cope with not getting her way culminated in an arm swing and a hit, this time with me as a receiver. My first reaction (yes, I was caught quite unprepared to this kind of outburst directed at me) was a feeling of anger, self-righteousness..."how da

The setting of boundaries is not a way of controlling our children's behaviour, neither of limiting their freedom: it is a necessity...

The importance of offering children real life work cannot be stressed enough: these activities promote the development of valuable skills and characteristics such as manual dexterity, concentration, independence as they learn to do things for themselves, self-esteem as they can experience their growing skills and contribution to the family life, just to name a few. When you witness the concentration, the enjoyment and the productivity, try to refrain from interfering by poin

When you observe your child engaged with a game/toy/activity, try to refrain yourself from interfering. You might see your child...

An intentionally prepared environment which offers the child opportunities to engage with purposeful activities, allows him/her to follow inner urges and develop certain skills which lead to independence, sense of responsibility and confidence. The need to set the child up for success, particularly during the first 6 years of life, is fundamental to the development of a positive self-esteem. The child will need to be required to exert his/her maximum effort, extending and exp

When we look at an infant or a child, we see a human being who, through every experience, is constantly changing, growing neuron...