Today is Maria Montessori's birthday {August 31, 1870}. And, it's kind of blowing my mind how a woman who was born 148 years ago has had so much influence on my life. She has changed how I parent, how we create spaces in our home, and how I am as a person. Today, I thought I would take a moment to recognize the ways she has changed me - as a person.
Gus plays with the Large Square Pyramid from Grimms
Patience
Dr. Montessori, or Maria as I often call her, has made me more patient. I still wouldn't call myself a patient person, but I'm getting better. She has opened my eyes to the importance of waiting, of just giving children time. This has happened mostly through practical life.Watching a child scoop batter into a bowl, wipe up a spill, or kneed bread, that forces you to be patient. To watch a child sit a struggle and struggle to fold a shirt, that forces you to be patient. And, it's all so worth the reward. Seeing the joy and satisfaction that a child gets from me just keeping it together and giving them that time, it's amazing. It can't be beat.
Observant
Maria has taught me to observe! It's the most important role of the adult. We must always observe. I think there were so many times before Montessori where I would make assumptions about my child, and if I had just taken a step back and watched before asserting myself, I would have seen such a different situation. She has taught me to take time to watch, not to react. To observe my children in play, at work, and as they struggle. It's in these observations that we can often get the answers to why they are doing something, or how we can better serve them. Without Montessori, I'm not sure that I would be the observer that I strive to be today.
The children build with our play farm.
Intentional
Montessori has made me more intentional, in everything that I do. She has taught me to be intentional with my words. Intentional with the materials we put in our home. Intentional with the activities we engage in. Intentional in every sense of the word. She has given us the gift of childhood. Childhood is living, and living to the fullest. It's not the time of life where we are just waiting to be adults. It is life. And, this time deserves as much thought and purpose as any other period in a person's existence. She has made me think about the details, the beauty in our home, and all the little things.
Picture features this book.
Flexible
Maria Montessori has asked me to be flexible and follow the child. I have learned to put my plans/desires/timeline/wishes aside and follow my child. She has taught me that a child has their own path and one that they inherently will follow. And being more flexible has its perks! My children have led me to beautiful places. But, it's not always easy letting go of what we think should happen and trusting. And, I sincerely thanks Maria for opening my eyes to this need.
How has Maria Montessori changed you? Or your family?
