Montessori Daycare
A Life Skills Style of Care
Discover how Montessori can positively impact your child's education, self-sufficiency, and daily living tasks.
Daycare Options
Montessori or traditional? While searching for child care options for my grandkids it was surprising not much had changed in 25 years. It was disappointing how much emphasis was placed on rules while educational and individual readiness took a back seat. Whatever happened to common sense?
Potty Training Common Sense
Traditional Daycare did not allowed my 18 month old to be potty trained until his second birthday. This was obviously a rule that served no one other than the daycare provider. Rules are needed, I get it but, common sense should prevail. My grandson was ready. He would tell me when he had to go and run over to his potty chair. He didn’t want to wear a diaper. Quote: He did not want to be a baby..coming from a baby (lol). He was all about the pullups. “He was a big boy!’
Why fight his determination? The daycare however, stood their ground. They informed me they were fine if, I wanted to “allow” this at home. But, no way, no now….he MUST be 2! Being this was not my first rodeo, I knew kids develop on their timeclock…not ours. After all these years this had not changed….every kid was in a particular “group” for daycare management purposes. Not, child development.
Daycare vs Montessori
My daycare search continued. One nonsense daycare rule after another. After three other daycare experiences….it final happened!
A new option! It was different. It was Montessori! I signed up for a tour to learn more. The director seemed very passionate about the approach. She was almost to passionate. I might even say a bit stern. (I’m thinking lady….chill!) It was incredible to learn her reasons of how and why it worked. This was about education, self sufficiency and learning life skills. After, asking a few more questions and getting responses that made sense. We were in!
Daycare Rules
The first few weeks were touch and go. They had rules but, it was more about structure and the method in which they provided care. You could see the reasons behind the rules. I’ll be honest , it seemed too strict at times. However, once we and our grandson The family had to be taught the ways of Montessori. It takes repetition to build the base. Montessori is a life skills style of care not a “mambie pambie” book of rules. Positive change was happening before our very eyes. It was amazing to see!
Child Behavior and Coping
Within a few weeks, this was making such difference in my child. He was a better listener, followed directions and thrived on being accountable for his behaviors. We experienced a notable change in his transitional tantrums. It became apparent he was more at ease and content in everyway. This brought self awareness and more of his sweet personality to light. He became a well adjusted youngster and in turn, no longer struggled with the transitional tantrums. The entire family embraced the sense of calm this brought to our home. Truly, life changing.
Daily Living Tasks
The Montessori day is built on daily living tasks. He loved participating in the daily routines. For example, helping to prepare lunch-hands on, practicing yoga and daily class assignments. This was not daycare! This was life care! He was learning to clean, organize craft supplies, fold laundry and plant a garden. I guess you could say he was planting seeds and harvesting happy! He was thriving. After, his traumatic start in life our grandson struggled with daily routines and transitions. This helped with regulation and the ability to be held accountable. It is my belief the skills he mastered here will follow him a lifetime.
This was the best “daycare” experience. He continues to enjoy the skills he learned. He enjoys helping around the house and speaks lovingly of his days with Ms. Megan and Jesse. Montessori School has given this child and his family extraordinary life lessons we will forever enjoy and cherish.
Mom with Power Tools
Luckily, my grandson was victorious with his potty training adventures at 19 months. Montessori embraces the individual child. Every kiddo needs to be given the flexibility to succeed on their own timetable. The Montessori approach not only supports this but, helps to create the life skills long before traditional day care teachings. Don’t accept old fashioned rules or things that don’t make sense with your daycare provider. Ask questions and make suggestions. If you are not comfortable….it’s time to more on to other options. Ask for referrals from your friends, church or elementary schools. Remember, the power in allowing people to help. We don’t have to accept arbitrary rules. This isn’t our first rodeo, right? When you know better you do better. Guess you could say, Grandmother has good old-fashioned horse sense!
Some websites to learn more about Montessori:
What do you think about Montessori?
"Montessori is a life skills style of care not a “mambie pambie” book of rules."