"The foundation for independent play is laid during our baby’s first year. The Montessori phrase “Help me to do it myself” applies to everything the baby does including entertaining themselves. “Help me to entertain myself.” A parent of an older child of between 2 and 6 years old might ask, “How can "
"Around this stage, the baby might start to get into things and explore cause and effect. Instead of saying “no” or “don’t do that,” we can practice positive language. For example, when our baby throws food while eating, we might say, “Food stays on our plate or goes in our mouth.” If they seem to be"
"This is not a schedule—it is simply following our baby’s rhythm to aid their orientation and sense of order. Once we understand their rhythm, we can respect it as much as possible."
"It’s never too early to introduce rituals for special moments throughout the year, or even the week. These rituals can include special elements that are unique to our family or culture. • birthdays, holiday seasons—making crafts, preparing food, and going on special outings • annual vacations • regu"
"Enjoy this process of observing them. It is much more relaxing to observe and assist them than to feel like we have to “put them to sleep.” Remember, we are their guides. They generally know when they are tired; it is up to us to read their cues. Then they are the ones who will close their eyes and "
"So let’s slow down. Let’s make it a special moment with our baby. Let’s look into their eyes. And let’s always be respectful and gentle with our touch. DIAPERING Rather than rushing through diapering, we can use this time for conversation and connection with our baby. And we we can show them respect"
"So even though we don’t have to teach our babies everything, everything we do teaches them something, and this can feel like a huge responsibility. It is big work. The kind that we can be intentional about."
"The baby’s fundamental need—precisely because he is a human being—is to be loved. But it takes a mature person to love a baby, because love takes time, love takes patience, love takes fortitude, love even requires a certain kind of humility: to love another better than one’s self. The baby needs tim"