My Affinity with Montessori

As first-time parents, hubby and I were clueless about how to look after a newborn. We read up books/magazine and googled A LOT. As I was researching on a suitable preschool for Hayley, I came across this big word:

Montessori

1.    Independence
"   "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." - Maria Montessori.

2.    Observation

With no perceived ideas, observe the child. We do not tell them the “correct” way of playing. We simply sit back and see what he will do.

3.    Follow the child
    If they want to climb, give them the chance to climb in a safe manner, do not be overprotective.

4.    Correcting the child

Children make mistakes. When they spill drinks or drop food unintentionally, do not scold them. Instead take this as a good opportunity to teach them practical skills – cleaning up with mess with a cloth.

5.    Prepared environment
T  This is important and is the link for a child to learn from adults. Child-sized rooms with activities are set up. The environment is beautiful and safe to invite the child to work and allow freedom of movement. 

6.    Absorbent mind

Children under the age of three pick up everything in the environment by experiencing it. That is why we do not always say “no” to a child because we do not want him to say “no” to us rudely. Instead we say “stop” on things we do not approve.

I was very interested in this method of teaching as this is exactly the way I wish to develop my kids. I hope they will grow to become creative and independent individuals.

Coincidentally I have been practicing Montessori style without me realizing it!

Sleeping Habits

Before Hayley was born, we prepared a comfortable cot for her. And due to space constraint in our room, we decided co-sleeping is impossible and had placed the cot in a separate room. This arrangement is very good for me who is a light sleeper. There was one night Hayley was not feeling well so we brought her into our room to co-sleep for one night. That night was torturous for me. I jumped at every movement from her and I was so tempted to check on her every 5 minutes. And just two months after her birth, we realized she does not sleep well in the cot, not sure if the environment is too warm for her. Very soon we switched to using a floor bed for her and we never looked back.

Hayley at 7mth old. She had the freedom to move around on her own when she woke up every morning. At 7mth old, she was always crawling backwards instead of forward. That particular morning, we were woken up by some protests from her as she was stuck in one corner haha. 

Baby-Led Weaning

BLW - forget purees and weaning spoons, simply let your baby feed himself. 

Like many parents, I started Hayley with traditional spoon-feeding. Later I thought it was pure fun to let her hold pieces of meat/fish/rice/bread to eat on her own. Also it was a good way to develop pincer grip.

A few benefits of BLW:

·         The baby is able to join in with the family during meal times.

·         Encourages the baby to be non-picky eaters.

However, beware. The process can be MESSY, not for the faint-hearted haha.

BLW starts young, once a child is able to sit up straight on his own.

I am not a trained Montessori teacher and I have only been a mum for over a year. However, in this blog, I hope to document my learning journey with my kids. It is always fun to look back how much they have grown =)