Young toddlers are busy. Busy, busy. They have things to explore, things to do, things to see. They have a drive to move. And, this movement is not without purpose. Movement is the vehicle by which they learn. Movement is king. Movement is more important than still. Movement is vital.
Maria Montessori said, "this is the new education of movement, and in a child's home life the same principles should apply...the child whose life at home is strictly ordered according to the convenience of grown-ups without knowledge or consideration of the natural movement and active interest of childhood is in the worst possible state of mind and body, either for obedience or good manners." These are harsh words for parents, but a good reminder. Montessori is not all about little trays and shelf work -- especially for toddlers. It's about letting children follow their natural desires to perfect their inner being. And, that cannot happen without a lot of movement.
"A child is a discoverer. He is an amorphous, splendid being in search of his own proper form." Maria Montessori
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
The problem is that movement can be inconvenient. -- to adults Which brings me to Gus. Gus has discovered throwing. Most young toddlers do at some point and they love it! And, it makes total sense. It's hard work, it's fun, it's whole body movement, it's maximum effort! Plus, there's often a great consequence -- something bangs, or breaks, or bounces. It becomes a need. Something they have to do. We just can't fight it.
But, there are just some things that they can't throw! They can't throw breakables, or at others. How do you curb this need and give young toddlers a throwing outlet?
The answer for our family is redirect and opportunities! When I see that Augustus is going to throw, I can gently redirect. "You want to throw! Let's find a ball! We throw balls." And then we immediately find an appropriate object to throw. If he ends up throwing something that I would rather he not throw, I don't make a big fuss, I just immediately redirect. It's not a redirect in 5 minutes, or even in 2, it's drop what I'm doing and redirect. Overtime, he will understand, that balls are for throwing and he can throw a ball.
Then, I make sure we are offering plenty of opportunities for him to exert this need in a positive way. Right, now we can't get outside much and so that means we throw in the house. We always have a basket of balls near by. Big balls, small balls, soft balls, hard balls. Rainbow balls. It's available. And, it's used. If we give him opportunities to throw, that need and desire to throw other things, is lessened.
If your toddler is throwing remember that he/she is not being difficult or unnecessarily testing limits. Your child is exerting a need, a vital and important, need. Respect it. And find a way to make it work for both of you!
Does your toddler like to throw? How do you make it work for your family?
