MONTESSORI AT HOME: Montessori Playroom Tour (Shared Baby & Toddler!)

[@maureenmccrackin6933]

My children are adults now, but I recall that the first 'bookcase' we had was a cardboard box that I decorated with contact paper. It was very easy for them to flip through the books to make their selections. I feel that the most important thing is not the display of books, but that you read to them daily. Make it part of your routine. And give them lots of opportunities to see their parents reading too. Children learn so much through imaginative play. Play kitchens, dollhouses, dress-up clothes etc. are terrific!

[@searose6192]

I let my slightly older kids cook meals on the own starting as young as possible and they do quite well. My husband is a chef and I am an experienced baker so they are in the kitchen everyday cooking real food, and often on their own once they are old enough to be safe with the stove. I don’t think having the toy kitchen has interfered with that at all and it lets them mentally rehearse their real experiences in their play. The little ones have a particular affinity for slicing fruits and veggies, they get to slice real ones with a real knife when there is something I have available that needs cooking, but a couple times a day is not nearly enough to satiate their appetite for cooking, so again the toy kitchen supplements the real cooking nicely. We used to have a larger toy kitchen but a couple years ago replaced it with a beautiful tiny one made of rubberwood from tender leaf toys.

[@lexalina132]

Ahhh, you have thought of EVERYTHING! Your set up is AWESOME. I have no children, but I would love it if i could have a set up like this! :D

[@mycraftyhomegarden]

My MIL gifted my son a play kitchen & he LOVES it. It’s so nice to see him cook in the kitchen and make coffee like he see me do. I bought our front facing bookshelf off of Amazon and it’s so much easier for him to pull books out to read and clean up

[@sanayaseen5134]

i would frame kylie’s art work and pack away the rest in a folder for her to flick through

[@HapaFamily]

Awesome idea! :)

[@themcnears]

You can also use to command hooks and a piece of string and clothes pins (like a laundry line) to rotate certain art work 😊

[@supersparkley123]

The McNears I love that idea! It sticks to the natural materials ideas too! ❤️

[@glennabowman9290]

@@supersparkley123 cnn

[@maggiemay7040]

I just found your channel and subscribed. I am a great aunt and my grand nephew comes over to visit overnight a couple times a month. He is 17 months right now. I have been collecting toys for him to keep at my house and was researching how to keep a toddler entertained while teaching him life skills. I wish I would have known about this when my boys where born. They both are over 30 now.

[@consciousbeing912]

I agree about the play kitchen. My toddler loves to help in the kitchen, and then she mimics in her play kitchen! Flexibility in life is key! Thank you for your videos!

[@jacquelynroe9036]

Same in terms of having something to climb on in the winter. Even with the right outdoor clothing where we live, there are still a lot of winter days where it’s too bitter cold to go out. Love having indoor movement stuff!!

[@Heelsandholster]

I was excited to see this. It's tough to meet different age needs for sure.

[@5herpsandadog]

I know this is an older video, but for others in a similar situation with the broom, to keep the bristles of the broom out of reach of the baby, they make double hooks for brooms so the head of the broom is pointing up, and nests between the hooks. It could be mounted high enough that the baby can’t get it, but still low enough that the toddler can get it down by grabbing the handle.

[@bonniejames9496]

Nothing wrong with pink :-). I have learned a lot from your videos and I really like the way you implement Montessori based on your family's needs and wants. Thank you so much! Personally, believing in Santa Claus was a wonderful experience as a child. I grew up in Switzerland (mostly). Santa comes to your home with a big golden book and reads out everything you did well that year as well as some naughty things you did / or things you could improve on. Then, we got some presents :-D. It was great fun and a great learning experience as it really made me reflect on some things! For example, as a child I always forgot to empty the bathwater. Santa asked (in an endearing way) whether I was waiting for the ducks to come and swim in the bathtub :-P. I don't think I forgot after that.

[@reverieeloping4937]

Bonnie James I had no idea about Santa in Switzerland! Definitely going to implement that golden book to our holiday tradition!

[@bonniejames9496]

@@reverieeloping4937 Haha yes, it was definitely something mysterious! We were never allowed to see inside the golden book. I think it was a "paid" service so I am not sure if everyone would have experienced that in particular but it's definitely a thing there.

[@cinland86]

Thanks for this amazing well explained tour! I love all of your tours and thanks for putting links for the items too this is so helpful!!!

[@MissRachelcutie]

We use little containers that toddlers are able to open but babies aren't to keep the smaller items that babies might swallow :) p.s. Love the peekaboo sound boxes!!! SO COOL!

[@CarissaNunez1]

I love this room!! Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@amylitz5163]

I love your videos. Such an adorable family and you are truly an inspiring mom. I'm a mom of 3. 6 years old, 5 years old, then 8 months old. Would you possibly do a teaching how to speak? It looks like your first born did so well so young. I'd like to guide my youngest because my first two didn't start talking until "later". Much love! ❤

[@HapaFamily]

All kids are on their own paths with language development. Try not to compare! 💕 But here’s what I did with Kylie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_Pn6Cepplsj5I

[@Life_by_valentina]

How are you organizing the actual playing with kinetic sand so your house will not get very messy?

[@themcnears]

We use a wood box with a higher rim. It's quite large so it contains the sand and when she is done we simply pour it back in the sealed container. You can also use a funnel so it takes on a Practical life method.

[@alishajennings2013]

Your videos and amazon store front lists have been so helpful. I've used them for my yoddlers Christmas shopping this year and my order should arrive tomorrow. I'm very excited to open everything lol. I am 23 weeks pregnant and also bought some things for this babies first year also.

[@liltommom3142]

Your play dough set looks so fun I want to play with it! I mean what?! Rolling pin and cookie cutters?! My kids only got to use those at Christmastime and never unsupervised. Mine are also metal. I have a 19&17 year old as well as a six month old. We have a charter Montessori my oldest two went to for 5 years. My daughter will help me find a new charter school when he’s five. Not doing preschool this time but will teach basic things at home.

[@erriyonamurry3929]

Btw I love your videos so informative and helpful! I actually have two babies under two and have been at my wits end with how to cope! I am definitely considering converting my home to Montessori environment so my kids can be raised in a loving and playful environment

[@silh7605]

Amazing video I enjoyed seeing each toy. Plus the links in description add to perfection! Thank you

[@stellaelise1]

Hi Ashley! Did you make a video yet about communicating with family about your Montessori lifestyle? I can see family getting a lot of toys that won't fit the guidelines.

[@melissaferguson7630]

Your hubby could build a pickler triangle and make it slightly smaller to fit your space! I’ll leave instructions later! My best friend just built hers for a baby and toddler and she now has a 3rd new baby

[@butterflyrose4518]

Love this ❤️ your videos have been so helpful, thank you

[@annas3248]

I love your videos Ashley, I learn a lot, thank you!

[@parisamohammadzadeh9995]

I absolutely love your arrangement and gonna consider your advices with my second baby. I do have a question though. I don't see any stuffed toys around and a lot of my toddler's are actually stuffed animals and dolls. Is there any specific reason for that?

[@evilclown42]

Parisa Mohammadzadeh I know I’m previous videos I’ve seen them in her bed but I know she doesn’t generally keep toys in her room so that’s a good question.

[@HapaFamily]

She keeps them in her bed mostly just for sleeping, and we store them in two storage bins at the bottom of her closet. On occasion, she’ll bring one or two downstairs. But they always make their way back to her room.

[@babyalonmiguel2445]

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[@odileidysbasanta]

Great video, as always, Ashley! ❤️

[@CarmanCheung]

thanks for the walk thru and we were inspired by your bookself my husband built one for our 7 month old using your guide! :D shes loving it

[@HapaFamily]

That’s soooo awesome! 👏🏻🥰 DM me a pic on Instagram if you can @hapafamilyvlog

[@maedchenausmars]

Read my mind! Just asked this question yesterday I think about how you share the space between the two girls. Great video!

[@toyskidstv9112]

We have a charter Montessori my oldest two went to for 5 years.Can a baby/toddler choke on these? Thank you!. I’m so excited thanks for the ideas my baby is 6 months old and she is learning how to crawl she moves a lot but she also is trying to stand up

[@angeldeal3291]

Hi! I found a lot of inspiration in your video thank you! What do you think about doing a playroom in the child’s bedroom? We have a smaller space, as well as a dog that I’m worried would get into all the toys that are Accessible to my daughter.

[@stephaniealomar8679]

Thanks for all this information 😍 I lovet all. We are moving so this gives me the opportunity to move stuff around. I’m very excited even do we don’t have the budget for the Montessori toys I’m trying to buy it the more economic ones or to make it my self. I’m so excited thanks for the ideas my baby is 6 months old and she is learning how to crawl she moves a lot but she also is trying to stand up. It’s that bad? People tell me to not let her do that because she could start walking without finishing to learn how to crawl.

[@odileidysbasanta]

I think that as long as you don't force her to do something that she's not ready to do yet, it's OK. Just let her have freedom of movement... Some babies don't crawl, they just walk... 🤷🏻‍♀️ Disclaimer: I'm not expert 😉

[@HapaFamily]

I agree with this 100%! Took the words right outta my mouth! 🥰

[@stephaniealomar8679]

Thank you mommy’s for your time ❤️ I was so worried 😊

[@b2h316]

Your husband is so handy! That bookshelf is beautiful. Would he be able to make a small pikler triangle?

[@reneeflores6833]

Happy turkey day your a beast uploading with all the cooking!!!!

[@leeannnyhous5177]

using this for my babysiting playroom

[@lesliecarnes8775]

I am so happy and grateful for your videos. Thank you for the inspiration, but I have seen the little wooden people pop up toy in your other videos too and wonder is it safe? Can a baby/toddler choke on these? Thank you!

[@carlacren8354]

What a great idea to add arm wrests to the chair! I wouldn't even think to do that, thanks for sharing!

[@Anna8.8.88]

loved your playroom .

[@jenniferjackson2509]

Hello! We have a five month old and I’m trying to plan things we would want/ set up for play areas and practical life. My husband and I were planning on hacking the IKEA play kitchen to a functional one as we do not have drawer space to store her bowls, utensils, etc and would also have her washing area there. However, my husband also thinks that baby can use it for pretend play too (such as with her fake foods), would this be alright? I tried explaining that they should be separate but he thinks it would be redundant to have two kitchens for her. How would you go about this? Thank you so much for your continued work. You are seriously the only source I watch for ideas and education regarding Montessori life. Thank you for making wonderful high quality videos and sharing your lives with us ❤️❤️❤️

[@berrypatch5583]

I love the sound matching game for my younger littles...Vhristmas list keeps expanding😂.

[@rosie71992]

Thank you for this! 🙏🏼

[@TheKvnkristi]

Hello. Where can I find the music box? Amazon only has all wooden sides. Some of the links you posted back then, are no longer available for the specific products.

[@karateplusme]

Loved this! Where did you get the tray that her cars are in?

[@HapaFamily]

It’s a pack of wooden trays on Amazon, these ones: www.amazon.com/dp/B00756KE1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZDl4Db9DCGKY0

[@elizabeththom4439]

Love your videos!

[@erriyonamurry3929]

Hello I really love the kitchen in this video and I do not see the link can you please assist me?

[@cherryblossom0426]

So cute!

[@slonemagyar1034]

I know you used to be a dolphin trainer so I wonder how you feel about seaworld?

[@femzter]

It’s so cruel and horrendous how these intelligent animals are abused and exploited for human entertainment

[@monicatong6979]

what a wise mum you are, I should have watched ur video earlier ,

[@momoffour1164]

Hi could you post a link where you bought your wooden ring stacker please? Thank you 😊

[@shifatferdous7569]

Very helpful post, thanks

[@ana.catarina]

Loooooove activities !!

[@Marylikealways]

Do you think that table and chairs is too small for a 3 year old?! I’ve been debating getting that set or the sensory table (which is slightly larger) from Ikea.

[@kristinegv]

Thanks so much for the video. Just wanna ask which one you think is better - rug or rubber mat? Thanks

[@MariaandMontessori]

Typically youd go with a rug for that cozy and inviting feel in the Montessori environment 🤗

[@marybawkward789]

Love your videos! ❤️ Do you have a brand or a link for those paint stick things?

[@oanav9562]

I just noticed you are one of the few montessori parents with no grimms rainbow :))) I am curious if there is a reason you resisted this trend or it just happens you like other toys than the grimms ones 😊great video as always, can't wait to see the girls play together

[@HapaFamily]

I have it on our wishlist, actually. It was always just not the top of our current priority list for her. One day perhaps! 😊

[@susanagonzalezcodina9758]

My kid wasn’t using hers much so i would set it up at night in her play area for her to find it in the morning. It only took a couple of times before she got the idea of it and she uses it now

[@bbyg21]

When is a good time to pick up and organize kids areas? It' seems in my house I have to wait until they are asleep otherwise they think I'm just playing with the toys and decide to take everything out after I just put them away 😅

[@HapaFamily]

We try to do it together, either throughout the day, or at the end of the night after dinner and before they go upstairs for a bath. :)

[@sockpuppett9300]

IKEA is the holy grail for Montessori apparently lol

[@HapaFamily]

They certainly have a lot of furniture pieces and some activity items available that work well in a Montessori home.

[@berrypatch5583]

I am looking for that spinning drum for my 6 month old, but I cannot find it on Amazon or Wal-Mart and Google isn't being my friend😂; could you please tell me where you got it🤗. I have 7 children and I am doing something similar in regards to separating baby/ toddler toys, preschool/kindergarten toys, and then solely homeschool educational toys out of reach on the top shelves out of reach of all under 8 year olds. We have a small home and I wanted my baby toys not to disappear😂...so I put her toys on her change table with her board book baskets on top of it. The preschool/kindergarten area is in the living room on its own shelving. I also took 2 exercise mats and cut them in to 2 pieces for little mats for my children to have personal space when they play with puzzles or independent activities. I roll them up and put them into a magazine holder which holds the 4 perfectly. I made gutter shelving and installed it into the under 8 bedroom at a low level and it is great to have front facing shelving for the younger crowd. All of my children are enjoying our new Montessori inspired activities and area set ups. You have encouraged me to do so much for my littles especially, thank you.

[@melaniewilson8508]

Brenda Berry I’ve been on the search for that too, I spent a whole day online trying to find one 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@berrypatch5583]

@@melaniewilson8508 I did as well! I did find the galt pop up toy though on Amazon.

[@HapaFamily]

I do have it linked in my Amazon storefront with nearly everything else! :)

[@berrypatch5583]

@@HapaFamily I must have missed it...off to look again. I made my Christmas list from your storefront and plan to order through your links...thanks so much! I will go look again!

[@HapaFamily]

It’s made by tagtoys.com, if you still can’t find it. :)

[@bintsharfudeen9733]

Can u give the link for pretend Play set up ?

[@prinnway7436]

We have that kitchen 4 boys they love pink

[@equanimity03]

Hi, may I please ask what do you use to print images ?

[@lleyrah]

How did he add the arms on the IKEA toddler chair?? Hack please! 🙏

[@cielitolindosip3410]

May I ask, what do you use to record your videos? Thank you.

[@danigomes7879]

Pulls out napkins Me: ah pretend dirty laundry 🧺

[@kathleenschroeder915]

Great Video! Just wondering where you find/buy your Montessori style toys for all ages? Thanks 😁

[@HapaFamily]

A lot are on Amazon, while some are from Etsy or Montessori Services.

[@kathleenschroeder915]

Thank you!!!

[@lefille562]

What’s a good age to buy a kitchen for your child?

[@samreilly7152]

Cute kiddos

[@supersparkley123]

Hi! Where did you get the tiny green watering can??? Thank you! 💦💧

[@mama2meditate375]

It’s a Green Toys product, they have a website and also on Amazon

[@searose6192]

Hey... what is wrong with pink kitchens? 🤔 I had a house years ago with the most beautiful pink kitchen. Also classic diners usually have pink kitchens. If there can be real pink kitchens why can’t there be pink play kitchens?

[@alishaberrey4479]

Do you have a video or any advice about how she does art? I used to leave play doh and crayons out but for some reason my daughter started smushing it into the carpet or drawing on the floor/walls. I'd like to be able to leave art stuff out but I Don't trust her not to get it everywhere.

[@HapaFamily]

Those kind of supplies require supervision and modeling, a lot of it in the beginning and still some supervision even after they can be “trusted“. Toddlers like to experiment, lol

[@HapaFamily]

And I do have a toddler art supplies video, although I’m not sure if that would answer your question or not

[@alishaberrey4479]

@@HapaFamily I think that you answered it in the first reply. I think I just assumed you had somehow taught your child what to do and she did it on her own without supervision. Like a miracle toddler or something.

[@ashglmt4372]

Where is the link for the kitchen?

[@HapaFamily]

In my amazon storefront, playroom category! :)

[@astridcogneau5305]

I love that you have so many library books, I do not dare to get some when I see how our son (15 months) treats the books we buy for him. He loves books and carries them (and drops them) everywhere, they're pretty banged up and I wouldnt want that to happen to books that are not ours. How do you deal with that?

[@HapaFamily]

We try to really stress care of our books and toys, and if things get misused then they are put away. I do allow her to carry and transport them around, but beyond that, if I feel like they might get torn or broken, I intervene and have a conversation with her on the spot about it. And if they need to be put back on the shelf for the moment, then we do. :)

[@ItsKalasLife]

Where did you get the tray the cars are in?

[@HapaFamily]

Amazon. These ones: www.amazon.com/dp/B00756KE1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZDl4Db9DCGKY0

[@vmarie4371]

what happened to your abc playmat? wherd u get your carpet?

[@HapaFamily]

The foam mat is actually still underneath the carpet, I kept it there just for added padding since it is hardwood. The carpet came from Kylie‘s bedroom, we’ve had it since she was a newborn. I felt like it was more useful down in the playroom.

[@cutielittle1]

we cant predict babies. they will get into action all of a sudden. you can add drawers instead of the shelf to keep toddlers art stuff safe from baby.

[@MiriamIB]

Are your magna tiles name brand or an off brand?

[@HapaFamily]

They’re Picasso Tiles 👍🏻😊

[@maryhoerl2821]

Hi :) Why isn't fantasy good under 6 you talked about?And so what about fairy tales?

[@HapaFamily]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3-5pX1mmrlgmdk

[@susanagonzalezcodina9758]

Mary Hoerl for what i have read they will believe it literally and that can be dangerous (flying like superman or mary poppins...) also if you respect a child you wouldn’t say something to them that they can’t comprehend yet (the idea is to introduce when they can say:: cool, but I know my bed doesn’t have a monster underneath). Also books with “real” things are far better for their vocabulary and construction and understanding of the world

[@Idkrandom-p3c]

hi

[@cb03px]

I've wanted a pikler triangle but they've been out of our budget as well. I found some instructions and I'm having my dad build my son a folding pikler triangle using the plans from this website: www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-collapsible-Pikler-Triangle-climbing/

[@femzter]

It would be good to understand what you think it teaches kids on respecting nature when you have dead animals (butterflies) for ‘art’?

[@zinn5372]

pink toys should be normalized for boys too! colors have no gender!

[@patsypina1721]

*smaller not little-er