Having moved to another country far from home, without the support of family around me when my first baby arrived, felt like a very daunting prospect. When my daughter was ten months old, I decided to return to work — partly for practical reasons and partly because being at home without friends and family nearby was genuinely difficult. I was very fortunate to find a position where the on-site childcare ran a Montessori programme — something I had never heard of at the time. Everyone spoke about it with great enthusiasm, and I was curious to find out what made it so special.
My daughter had spent just two weeks at a different childcare beforehand, and the contrast was striking. The Montessori environment was calm, beautiful, and purposefully arranged. The space felt welcoming — for the children and for me as a parent. I found myself drawn to the approach immediately: it felt simple, logical, and in many ways reminiscent of how things were done in earlier generations.
The teachers recommended a couple of Montessori books, which I read with the goal of understanding how to create a similarly enriching and safe environment at home. These books explained the different developmental stages children move through from birth to three years, and — most importantly — outlined practical steps parents can take to support each stage at home.
What I appreciated most was that Montessori is not about perfection or expensive equipment. It is about observation, respect, and thoughtful preparation of the environment. Small changes — such as placing toys at the child’s height, offering real objects to explore, or simply allowing children to attempt things independently — can make a meaningful difference.
I hope the resources on this site help you feel the same sense of confidence and inspiration that I found when I first discovered Montessori. You do not need to transform your home overnight — start with one small step and see how your child responds.
This post is intended for general informational purposes only; please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your child’s individual needs.
When I have my children, I think I will employ Montessori concept
4.5
My son is almost 7 months amd I have started to incorporate some aspects of Montessori into our home but would like to do more. Is there a fairly cheap, but durable, brand or material for plates, bowls, etc. that you would recommend? I gave my son a bowl and a spoon, but after just a few minutes the bowl wound up broken on the floor.
Hi,
My child is 13 months which she is trying to express her emotion. As my observation, she usually screamed out whenever she felt discomfort and try to throw everything she has or someone else gave in her close distance. I try to explain her but seems it is quite difficult to understand it is bad behavior, even when I try to make her stand up for 1 minute without doing anything, she just cry and everything was not work. Can I have some ideas to get overcome this situation? Thanks a lot.
Hello Lihn,
the main to understand that no one ever has “bad behavior”. Is the way individual chooses to be, which is usually PRESSED from outside by it life circumstances.
Your little one has some frustrations left deep in her. I would recommend a few parent child play therapy sessions with a good children phsyhology doctor. That shall help YOU to uncover her hidden “weak spots”, like: hidden fear, supressed frustration. Think. If to many of us seeing something which overwhealms us, brings tears to eyes and bursts with loud exclamation…how this little humanbeing should feel, dealing on daily basis withan EXTREME amounts of own feelings, your feelings and all surrounding feelings and smotions altogether?? Will make any of the EXPERIENCED adult to scream and hit and run…don’t you think?
Throwing. One throughs somethins from: a) desire, passion or: b) frustration (here is this word again) and FEAR. Fear of the situation, sound, people, own parental reaction, which is UNLOGICALY “predicted” by childs mind. Just take this as a most important challenge for you to learn about in order so you could HELP your child to LEARN (not to overcome) from her emotions and immediate frustrations. Learning is the word for all. Best wishes.
correction: Throwing: One THROWS something.
brilliant, Gemma.
hi…what a beautiful way to talk about what u have done. i am a montessori mom and also a student of the montessori method. i am very very passionate about it and started on it before my child was born. i read and researched on it. So when my daughter (now 3 yrs) was born, our whole home was structured with her in our minds. and the progress is mind-blowing. she also goes to a montessori preschool, i was adamant abt that or then i’d have home-schooled her, and together…it’s amazing!! i urge everyone to give it a try!! it really is the BEST for the child =)
my son is 2yrs and 3 months old.he speaks few words but not full sentences. i am worried about his communication skills plus wanna increase his vocabulary!!!
thanks. i was really worried about my 2 yr old son but now will start doing the activities mentioned!!!lets hope for the best
thanks for your story, it has inspired me to change the way my home is set up for my son.
assalam o laikum i m from pakistan i have one son he is very naughty boy i read ur article i like it will u plz give me some more ideas and books for him he is 15 months old
thx
Allah hafiz
Hi Patty,
Please have a look at our Montessori Books section where we’ve selected some good books.
all the best
HI , Thanks for sharing such a great experience!! Keep the hard work mom!! cheers to you.
I am really interesting in the Montessori program. Would you recommend me some good books? thanks a lot
Hi, do you have any pointers or tips for changing from a crib to a cot at 10 months? That is my daughter’s age now- I would like to do it but would like to have a better idea of how it “really†works! She goes to bed and naps very easily- no rocking, nursing. She says nite nite. I think this should make it easier. Any comments are welcome!
I really think we should do this with Majid at home.
Hi Gemma,
This is a great article, it nicely describes the benefits and practicality of Montessori education at home environment.
thanks!