The first 3 years of life are extremely vital for the development of trust, self-esteem, intelligence and so much more. Maria Montessori named this period "The Absorbent Mind" because the child learns without being taught. The child takes in everything from his/her surroundings effortlessly and without discrimination in a process that leads to a greater exploration of learning. According to Montessori, "if we compare our ability as adults to that of the child, it would require us 60 years of hard work to achieve what a child has achieved in these first three years" (The Absorbent Mind, p.6).
"Follow the child" should be the mantra of Montessori parenting. Your role as a parent is to create a stimulating environment and then leave your child undisturbed. It is rather a misconception that parents have is that children need to be entertained or engaged by an adult always, which should not be the case. The "most important thing a parent can do is nothing except observing or offering to help. Montessori parents are expected to "create consistent boundaries" rather than "impose discipline". Moreover, parents sometimes the children are in need of personal space.
Montessori Method has had a profound effect on all and it is not only the children but has benefitted the parents as well. Parents sending children to Montessori schools will be further benefitted as they too will be able to implement Montessori methods at home. If parents resort to best practices of Montessori parenting then children are bound to progress in Montessori classrooms
Montessori education considers parents as primary educators and whatever role the Montessori school plays parents must realize the fact that they have the greatest influence on their children’s lives because a parent’s love cannot be replaced with anything. No one can understand and care for children as well as parents do. Educate means “to lead”. Parents have that unique opportunity to involve their children into daily activities be it hobbies, regular chores and can even make them a part of spiritual and intellectual life and even make them appreciate the environment. These activities will leave an indelible impression on tender minds which will stay with them forever. The school can be a natural extension of their home and will help in establishing a balance. The Montessori teachers can work directly with the child uniquely in the prepared environment and in the context of other children, but the role played by parents will ever remain the key. The children stepping into the world of Montessori will find the parent’s input as the most valuable.
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Montessori education calls for engaging children with meaningful work. Parents have to learn to engage their children in meaningful work at home which will make them concentrate on a deeper level. They must involve children in daily chores, especially those they express interest in. The children need to be provided with the right tools as well so that it becomes easier for them to engage like child-sized tools like furnishing and utensils etc. They should also be provided with time to explore or just be.
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