"An interesting piece of work, freely chosen, which has the virtue of inducing concentration rather than fatigue, adds to the child's energies and mental capacities, and leads him to self-mastery."
                                    - Dr. Maria Montessori
                                    The Absorbent Mind

A Brief History of
Dr. Maria Montessori

Over a century ago Dr. Maria Montessori became the first woman trained as a medical doctor and research scientist in Italy. She soon made a series of startling discoveries in her study of children and how children REALLY learn. Dr. Montessori found that young children learned best when they ‘discovered’ objects and ideas in their environment on their own, instead of being ‘taught’ by teachers in classrooms. Dr. Montessori’s scientific studies emphasized treating children as unique individuals, worthy of respect. Over decades of research, Dr. Montessori mapped much of the undiscovered ‘secrets of childhood’, and schools, teachers and parents to this day use Dr. Montessori’s discoveries within childhood development and her vast library of proven educational methods.

Follow the Child

And in all her work, in all her writings, Dr. Montessori brings us back again and again to a simple idea. Dr. Montessori consistently implores us to ‘follow the child’. Children want to learn and discover themselves, and will lead with their own curiosity, if we will just let them! Infants are naturally attracted to the world around them, and are in a constant and natural learning process.

Children directly absorb knowledge with little or no effort. Parent needs to create a nurturing and thoughtful environment, safe for exploration and risk taking, and we must design our days to allow these young humans to follow their curiosity and develop their independence and build their brain’s maps. Thoughtful observation and consideration of the infants’ needs and development will give you the tools of child-focused parenting.

Conscious Parenting

Dr. Montessori uses non-scientific language like ‘reverence’ and ‘love’ to describe our jobs as adult educators for the child. These principles of ‘love’, ‘reverence’, and respect for the innate intelligence of children are really at the heart of the Montessori method, and what we call conscious parenting. We want these same Montessori principles to ground your approach to early education in the home. We know if you listen and look, actually your children will teach you everything you need to know to be outstandingly gifted parents. You will really know you are using these Montessori tools and methods well when you and your children experience greater peace, connection, communication, concentration and joy.