MONTESSORI AT HOME: What Is Montessori? (& Why Do It?)

[@julial.b.6800]

As a trained Montessori teacher I applaud your clear and straightforward speech in this video. As always, I look forward every week to your videos, but this kind if video is especially important in its messages. Shout out to your mentioning of interrupting to praise a child, as it is a super common thing adults do and it is truly more destructive than constructive if done at an inopportune moment.

[@HapaFamily]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@apmcg7834]

Do either of you mind answering a question for me? Around interrupted play for praise, I have a 4 month old who is learning to roll but gets very frustrated when placed on his tummy - I’ve been praising him for extended tummy time and for rolling over when he manages to do so...should I stop? What should I do instead with a little that’s not lingual yet?

[@humblebwonderful9705]

Well done! Thank you!

[@HapaFamily]

I would say tone it down for sure. All babies roll eventually, it’s natural development and they don’t NEED praise to learn how to do it. But as parents, we are understandably happy for our children when they pass major milestones... so to meet in the middle, so to speak, you can *occasionally* offer words of encouragement and support, such as, “You did it!” with a smile. This certainly shouldn’t be every time, either. Leave their accomplishments exactly that: theirs alone to feel pride in.

[@julial.b.6800]

@@apmcg7834 Additonally to Ashley's response, do you ever switch up the tummy time strategy? Put a pillow or towel underneath, put him on an exercise ball, read to him a book etc.? Sometimes the fussing can just mean that baby isn't comfy, not necessarily that he or she hates tummy time.

[@kms50138]

“For busy parents like you and me” yes... I’m definitely a busy parent... definitely not a 26 year old student watching these fantasising about a time in the future when I have my life together enough to have kids... 🙈

[@emrobr35]

Katherine M Speed that’s me too 😂

[@jessicabrown4701]

Same same 🤣

[@vevict]

SAMEEEEEEE just gathering information for the future and not fuck up my children

[@lenatrofimov7605]

same here!

[@kayseacamp]

Hahah same. I’m 28 and just now engaged and probably won’t have children for another few years but I have been studying and learning about child development since maybe my early 20s with the goal that when I am finally blessed with being a mother I can provide my children an environment I wasn’t provided as a child.

[@chocolatemafia4303]

I'm only 14 but I'm so fascinated by this! I hope to be as good of a mother as you one day:)

[@Amye813]

WOW! You should definitely go into childcare classes if you're interested in becoming a good mom someday! You would make an EXCELLENT teacher!

[@chocolatemafia4303]

@@Amye813 thank you I text you my dream to teach but High School in either theater English or history I want 4 kids with people tell me is crazy but what the heck I am crazy

[@birdsandsirens]

I was exactly the same when I was 14, and am now 24 with my first baby (3 months old)! Being a Mum was always my biggest dream! People told me I was crazy for dreaming about it young as well, but if in your heart you know your babies are waiting for you, you can know you will be a great mum one day

[@jadeortiz2957]

haha i’m 13 and i cant wait until i’m able to adopt and have kids of my own!! this is definitely something i also wish to implement in my home life^-^ i’m thinking of starting with my little brothers

[@K42029]

@@jadeortiz2957 what a great idea!

[@CarolineForest]

I want to mention to anyone just scrolling though the comments... and might NOT like the idea of going full out. Nobody will blame if you if you only take the things you like/are comfortable with. Nobody sais you have to go full out

[@ninilovenana]

Very needed!! Thanks for that mention!!

[@maywewonder]

The mutual respect for the child and for the parent. Talking to them as if they are adults. I wasn't raised like that, still to this day my mom says 'I AM THE PARENT, you are the child.... stop pretending you know better' and I am 26

[@janetgraham-russell4476]

I don't think my parents decided to use Montessori, but I was not baby-talked. Being talked down to by adults frustrated me.

[@ronnishae7942]

My mom does that too!!! My sister and I are 29 and 32! 😩

[@christellemiller3691]

My grandmother says this to my mom... my mom is 51!!!

[@akmcdade6334]

As a person who attended a Montessori school, I didn’t realize (until i watched your video), of a lot of the characteristics that Montessori encouraged. Now i really appreciate going to a school that made me so much more confident, helped me appreciate learning, etc. Thanks for informing other parents to hopefully take an opportunity to raise their children in a Montessori environment.

[@anavelillagarcia9107]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and I'm starting to discover all around Montessori education. Don't know how to start! Your videos are very useful!! Thank you very much!

[@StarSolaris1122]

I’m new to Montessori at home and as I learn I’ve been thinking to myself… wow I’ve instinctively been doing a lot of this already with my 2.5 year old. But when I reflected on it more, I realized that it hasn’t been ME doing these things…. It’s my daughter who has been Montessori-ing herself. She’s always refused a crib and high chair. She snubs all electronic toys and she is determined to demonstrate her independence by opening the refrigerator herself and grabbing the items out that she wants to eat. I’ve been making Montessori adjustments to our home and routine for just a few days and I can already see the massive increase in her confidence. Incredible! Subscribed! ❤

[@gisselcarol]

The more I watch the more I want to go work for a Montessori school and raise my own future children this way. I keep realizing I was using some of these techniques in the classroom, without knowing there was a whole system and I am all for it. Thank you for the video!

[@pennylane3378]

I'm a 1979 baby and Montessori preschool was/is a big thing in my small city. There are three or four of them here now. My parents (both working full time) had me in the all day program. I still remember learning Spanish and cooking.

[@adikendall1113]

Mental health worker here❣️ I love the simplicity, kids need a calm environment 🧸🖤🌙 I'm going to use this for my kids

[@edwindigital4598]

For some reason, books on this were recommended to me on Amazon, so being a single dad I decided to take a look and read the reviews (as I do with everything I am interested in purchasing) and became very intrigued and just bought 2 books. My recently turned 2 year old seems like he would definitely thrive in an environment like this and I'm ready to make this happen for him. You now have a new subscriber!

[@kpersonal7383]

I have a 6 month old and I have been searching for a *concise* and informative series so I can learn (personally, I am a super hands-on, visual learner and Its really hard for me to read book after book and digest all information well) so having this series is a HUGE help for me. I am so grateful! I would gladly purchase a more detailed series on these methods if you ever decided to make one!

[@P0K3R18]

this is mind blowing to me. my mom had this mentally raising me, she went easier on my brother meaning she did more things for him. I now have a 2 year old son that i have been teaching him creativity and independence since he was 8months and he could crawl. I did not know there was a name for that, and that there was so much more to it.

[@slynnel19]

In my public speaking class last semester, I gave my persuasive speech on this exact topic! Watching your videos has gotten me so interested in Montessori, I’m definitely going to use this philosophy with my future children!

[@jackiec498]

Maybe you could even use this with your past children?

[@OurLargeFamilyLife]

I have 2yr old triplets. I’ve been so overwhelmed. They’ve been getting into everything and it’s honestly so stressful. I’ve been trying to figure out how to “handle” this. And I honestly think Montessori is the answer. I actually feel hopeful and excited about this journey I’m about to go on. I wish I would have known this 17yrs ago.

[@lucienewandermurem9061]

I have watched many videos on Montessori at home but yours are absolutely the best. They are so straightforward and super informative. Anyone can tell you did a lot of research on the topic and has experience applying the method with your kids. Thank you so much for your channel!

[@agr8443]

I’m 27 and don’t have kids yet but this is so fascinating and I know for a fact that when I do have children in the near future, this is how I want to raise them. I’m just a little overwhelmed with all the information I’m so worried about screwing up my kid and that I won’t be a good parent. I know these are fears a lot of people have, I hope to be as confident in my parenting as you are one day 💖💖

[@autumnhaywood1851]

I was so overwhelmed that I was borderline in tears.. This video really gave me footing. Thank you so, so much.

[@auri951]

I'm love with your videos! Thanks a lot!

[@philippapay4352]

This was terrific. I hope it inspires a lot of people to consider the Montessori Method. We too often have parents who do not understand the importance of not breaking a child's concentration with unnecessary praise or criticism and they never learn their child's "MO."

[@stephanieknowles7643]

Hi! I've been watching your channel since my little guy was born. He's the same age as your Mia. I'm curious if you could make a video on "fails", things you tried that didn't work.

[@paulinarubey3354]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I’ve been feeling SO lost as a parent 😓 my daughter is 19 months and she’s been really acting out. I am so grateful I found this! I feel like my parenting eyes have been opened!! So many light bulbs are going off, thank youuuuu!!!

[@christinavillatoro7164]

Now that I’m finally not rushing to work everyday and in an office with a toddler for 8 straight hours. I feel so confident in implementing Montessori at home! I’m so glad you make these videos! This is something I wish I had knew sooner but I am greatful to start this new journey with my son and our soon to be here baby girl. God bless you and your beautiful family💗

[@stacyhigginson170]

We recently started a toy rotation system and I think it's really helping my son play better and longer.

[@tomwessling7065]

We have been a Montessori family for 3 generations and our daughter is now going to use Montessori with her new son. I feel this is the most positive and productive way to enable children to develop. Our son and daughter and two nephews are great adults and they all attribute much of their success to their foundation in Montessori School.

[@jessicasuchy7850]

I am a Montessori kid. I went from pre-k - 6th grade. I am now 24 years old and am pregnant with our first little. I want to teach my littles in the Montessori way, and thank you for these videos!

[@danielle-wishingforrainbow9018]

Currently 20 weeks pregnant with our first baby and compleeeeetely fascinated in everything you are saying in all of your videos. THANK YOU for all of this information!!! I am SO excited to learn everything I can before baby arrives so that we can effectively Montessori from the start! 👶🏼

[@engineertomommy]

This is such a great "crash course" to Montessori at home. I recommend this video to all my family and friends who want to learn more. Thanks for sharing!

[@lotte90]

I would love you to make a video on how to juggle all adult stuff and also having lots of attention for your little ones! I’m 21 weeks pregnant and it will be my first baby! I’m extremely excited and motivated, however I also have a 5 year olds stepson who lives with us 50% of the time and I’m afraid that he’ll end up suffering without us realizing it. Thank you for your continuous dedication Ashley, love your content!!! ❤️

[@anna.m8]

I love your videos! Could you do a video on tidying up? How do you tidy up the childrens rooms? Do you let them do the work or how do I teach a child to tidy up? (appropriate to their age) thank you for reading

[@GypsyGirl317]

I personally turn it into a team effort, and make it fun. Doing it consistently, frequently and thoroughly keeps on top of things and prevents it from becoming overwhelming. My philosophy for this came from my own feelings of being overwhelmed as a child trying to do it all by myself, successfully parenting my son in this area, and now assisting my grandchildren in the process. I am also an early childhood education reliever, and we utilise the same process in tidy up time. ❤️

[@avarmauk]

Dad to be here and this 11 minute video has been eye opening. Thank you for making it so clear and concise. I'm so intrigued by these methods

[@themaltom]

This is a very informative video and I think it has helped me a lot. I don’t know if I am being sensitive but when talking about Montessori toys being better quality, nicer etc, I feel it excludes/ostracises a lot of families really wanting this style of parenting but they may not be well off/middle class etc to afford these. I think the principle of Montessori reaches far beyond expensive toys.

[@rozowestorczyki821]

What I like in your films is your joy! Having, kids is the most exiting experience.

[@Ffiisscchhssoonngg]

I'm on a Hapa family Montessori At Home binge! I'm throughly enjoy all your content and excited to implement these ideas into my family. Thank you ❤ God bless

[@kcllc9901]

I learned about Montessori from your youtube channel and am in my second year of teacher training. Listening to this is giving me chills because it's so TRUE!

[@Elvaelvaku]

Everything make senses from this video!!! That’s why I wanted to use Montessori method to raise my kid! 😊

[@michelles4403]

This is true I was a Montessori baby, this helped me a lot to become a Doctor

[@kalecitalinda]

Pregnant 31 weeks, and you made me cry when you told us that Mia at first was confused that there were no baby inside you. It must have been really difficult. I’m so sorry for your losses. Hope everyday it hurts a little less. Thanks for this video. Always a fan! ❤️

[@prettyfloralbonnets]

I love your videos and am always waiting for them. Montessori is still gaining prevalence in India and I was on fence, but after watching your videos I know i want my 15 month old to be brought up in Montessori environment. Thank you!

[@Jpan4]

As a 38yr old male I can say I went from f's to a's and b's. I have many skills and talents but would have gone much farther with all of them had I stuck with this style of learning. Now with 3 younglings, I seek to course correct and make sure they don't miss out.

[@hopsletscottage4320]

Soon to be a grandma and definitely recommending this Montessori at home approach to my "soon to be mom" daughter. Thanks I am a new subscriber and loving your content 💯

[@bestasmr_clips]

I really needed this, thank you. I’m a first time Mum and lately I have felt lost with how to play as I’ve known my son is not entertained with his current toys so I am definitely going to start implementing this Montessori style of education/learning, he will love this. Very exciting, thank you!

[@tonchita91]

This is the most comprehensive Montessori video I've seen

[@arioskaguzman]

I feel like I need to listen to this every Morning before homeschooling classes start 👏🏼 well explained :)

[@LoveLaw]

I started out not really following any specific parenting strategy. But I myself have ADHD, and this condition basically means that I cannot function well when a space is disorganized. Clutter is very overwhelming to someone with ADHD and in the beginning of our parenting journey I thought clutter was just something I had to get used to. However, I soon learned that babies and toddlers are great at mimicking adults, and they actually enjoy doing what we do - even if it is mundane to us. We truly underestimate them. I started applying this to home organizing. I taught my then 1-year old to only play with one activity/toy at a time, and put it away before moving on to the next. I started putting 80% of her toys away and just displaying small amounts of them neatly around the home. I bought wood crates and would organize everything into categories. This really helped me engage with her better without feeling overwhelmed, and I did notice that she is more engaged, and a lot more independent. She is almost 2 now, and I realized that I'm following a lot of the Montessori principles, without even knowing it. She is in a daycare half of the day, and we recently moved her to a Montessori school that just opened in our town because I recognized that they were doing things a lot more like we would at home which is much more my daughters speed. Our only struggle is when family comes to visit they very often bring loads of those annoying cluttery, noisy plastic toys that I started to move away from. And they do everything with my toddler and for my toddler. By the time they leave my daughter needs constant attention and does not want to do anything on her own - her concentration is zero for a good week. How do you combat this? Or is my family the only ones who do this? My mother-in-law used to be a daycare teacher, though she has no qualification. She's good with kids but she needs to lower her voice a 1000 octaves and just take a chill pill lol. She's just 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' at every little thing and getting involved in every activity. The enthusiasm is sweet but how do you tell her respectfully to back off and observe??

[@From_Euni]

Thanks so much for your in-depth video! I personally grew up with Montessori at home and went to montessori pre school/kindergarten. I still remember loving playing with montessori 'toys' and figuring things out myself. Now that I have my own son who just turned 3 months, I want to implement this for him. This video is super helpful. thank you!!

[@alyg3561]

Had no clue what this method was until today. You explained it perfect

[@Sophia-ti6do]

I love love love your video's. I have a 9 month old and I'm slowly getting myself and my family in to montessori. After watching any of your video's I'm so fired up to take the next step. I can't wait to see how my little one will (continue) to flourish as we take on the montessori approach. Also a greatly appreciate all the hours of work it must take to plan, film, edit and source the links for each video. One video and your viewers have enough 'homework' for a week. So informative, thanks.

[@ashuetrx]

Loads of love and blessings to you and your family from India 🇮🇳. Thanks for such a detailed playlist.

[@louderthanwordsInclusivity]

Can I just say that the more I looked into Montessori and watched your videos, the more I realized how similar the activities are to sensory activities for special needs! If I could go back in time, I would do the minimalist, orderly, calm, And natural set up and Montessori lifestyle. But my kids are 3 and 4, and we can only move forward🤷‍♀️ I have been looking for a guided freedom homeschool approach, where I have a list,of goals for the year, and I set up activities, zones, Experiments etc, and let My son pick. Montessori seems to fit us the best. I want to aim for this!❤️

[@nyokabi8582]

Thank you for this video, it's very clear,simple and very detailed. I appreciate you Soo so much for all the great information you provide.

[@healingtiger557]

Loved this video! You just motivate me more and more to have children and raise them this way. Even though I was familiar with Montessori and my parents tried to incorporate Montessori ideas in their parenting, you really get to the practical tools and at the same time inspire me to create such a calm and respectful environment in my future family :)

[@alyshock22]

Amazing video! I wish more parents started implementing Montessori in their homes ... I feel that you create such different adults than with the old ways of parenting.

[@cuddlepotbootcamp]

So true, we follow a montessori approach, but gosh, so many people disapprove.

[@saramations]

It's really interesting to look at Montessori from a historical perspective... What the good doctor observed/coined is mostly common sense now! There's a lot of Montessori I agree with, but a lot of I disagree with, too.

[@WayneBriggs]

Refreshing to get the inside out version of why my parents had me go to Montessori School. Our Late Mother taught at a Montessori School in Atlanta Suburbs for several years and I had the honour of speaking and hanging with.the kids on the regular. Your platform is engaging, well produced and informative. Well done and thank you.

[@dannaseymour8404]

I'm a professional nanny. I'm hoping to begin using Montessori lessons to help the children learn in everyday life.

[@kaylasicurella6774]

i used this video to help me complete a project for my grade 10 social sciences class on the Montessori approach, so thank youuuu, I've also proceeded to watch like 20 of the 94 videos in this series and i must say i am quiet interested, despite the fact that i'm 14 and not pregnant at all lol

[@MariaandMontessori]

It will help you one day in the future 😅 I was around your age when I discovered Montessori, and it all stuck with me by the time I did have a baby

[@valflores3035]

What a great put together video. Thank you!

[@Thetruthandthelife9]

Thank you so mucb for this knowledge

[@leannecollins521]

I just want to say a massive thank you. You are so inspirational and informative but also so calming. I absolutely love watching your videos :) all my love from Australia :)

[@mammacoo]

I would love to have a house like yours! Thank you for all the videos. I am enjoying each of it and learning them excitingly. Looking forward to more of your materials! Continue shining!

[@mattheww7280]

What a great video and explanation of the methodology. Thanks!

[@saulriosjimenez1971]

Excellent work and interventions to help and support our children's development.

[@farahwaseem6838]

Best video ever on montessori ❤️

[@roxannerachel]

Wow. This video was perfectly explained.

[@allie705]

Great video ❤️ love that you included pics and videos !!

[@Capybara695]

It breaks my heart that I can't afford the montessori school (1300 a month) for my 4 year old. Even though I have everything set up at my house i know it would not be the same at school. Although her school has many Montessori approaches it's not fully Montessori. Hopefully with my second we will. :) Love your videos, they are amazing and you little girls are incredibly smart and beautiful!!!

[@bbbbb7813]

Why wouldn't you just home school?

[@ThePumpkinPatch]

One of the best videos I’ve found explaining Montessori, thank you!

[@toriblackaby2211]

You literally answered every question I ever had so clearly about this topic. Thank you so much!! ♥️♥️

[@erinwheelock4234]

Thank you so much for this easy-to-watch video! I'll share it with my husband to give him a nice overview of what I'm starting to do at home with our young toddler :) I've been following your channel for the past year and I have three questions, if you should have the chance to answer them! 1.) In your opinion, how does the Montessori method compare to the Waldorf method? I know they share some similarities but I'd love to know your take on that! 2.) Honestly...where do you find time to create the nice spaces for your girls, organize their things, and prepare items for them, all while also making videos and appearing to still be sane? 3.) I saw you recently referenced the books "Bringing Up Bebe" and "French Kids Eat Everything" (both of which I have read!). I'm totally sold on the things those authors talk about and it's influenced the routines we are creating with our son, who is 15 months old. Would you consider doing a video or two about those techniques and how you are implementing them? If you have time to share your thoughts on any of the above things, I would love that!

[@Thelilmissbz]

Thank you so much m for doing this research and presentation. I am so inspired to work with my daughter! She’s 9 months today 🥺❤️ and I just ordered and bought some new toys for her. Im excited to watch her learn!

[@goodwillriggins]

Thanks so much. I'm learning to be a Montessori parent

[@becc1080]

Ashley, your videos are always so practical and helpful! My baby is a few weeks behind Mia, so I'm loving all your age/stage appropriate advice. Your girls are adorable and I laugh so often at Kylie's one liners. Cracks me up! Thanks :)

[@idibradley9702]

Great video! When should start the Montessori method?

[@Lubinzubie]

I stumbled upon your videos when my daughter was already a bit older and I’m not sure how to “un-do” some of the ways we had done things before. She’s only 26 months, but it seems hard to start with certain aspects at this age. Any tips for starting Montessori practices with older toddlers?

[@The_C_Word]

Lindsey Newberry this! Mine is a little over 3 and I feel like she definitely could benefit from some “un-do”ing

[@margieellen1231]

Fantastic video thank you!!! I love all the Montessori videos you do! So easy to understand and follow

[@tellaqq]

My daughter is 19months old and very veryy active. I have tried positive discipline but i think i must be doing something wrong. She simply doesn’t care and will hit me in my face. I honestly feel like giving up. You make it sound soo easy😭

[@Olivia.teacher]

Good video on how you do Montessori at home! Learned a lot

[@TheSonnyCeeSHOW]

This is great! Thank you taking the time to explain because I had no idea & I’m excited to keep learning. You have helped me prepare myself to give the tools & guidance my child will need ❤️

[@donnamontanarella2403]

Your videos are very insightful and well done. I recently found you and am really look forward to learning more. The Montessori approach is very appealing to me.

[@fernandadelima1400]

Thank You i love your videos its so rich in information and tha way you talk about make we want to try Montessori 👏🏼👏🏼so motivation

[@Vivian1107]

Do you have a video with recommended toys? My little one has global developmental delays and using montessori has shown me her abilities. She's 2 1/2 and doesn't talk much but is very communicative. She has outgrown so many of her toys and want to give her age appropriate toys regardless of her delays. Thank you for all that you do. You have no idea how helpful you are to me. Eta: Can you add tips on any future video on how to use montessori for delayed children?

[@dmpetrelis]

She has a bunch of toy suggestions by age in the description of her videos. I love her amazon store front as well!)

[@Vivian1107]

@@dmpetrelis Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@katiestott8984]

Thankyou so much for your videos Ashely there so Inspirational! I have a toddler and newborn also and only just started implementing Montessori at home. Do you have any advice on how to start implementing these ideas on my toddler as it's not something he is used to. For example brushing his teeth is often a struggle. Many thanks

[@SuperL1on]

my baby is only 2 months but I really want to implement these principles in my parenting

[@kathrynswan6423]

Would love to see more on positive parenting!

[@noorthernluces190]

I just came across your channel and I am hooked! I aspire to be a Montessori mom! I’ve always heard about it and how it seems to be beneficial but never exactly understood what it entailed. Now I finally have an understanding thanks to you! 😄

[@sprowletmontessori9992]

Thank you for this!! You have inspired me to just start my own Montessori youtube channel today! 😬

[@Stoirin]

This video is so positive and giving me hope!

[@jessicacaporuscio182]

Thanks for this super informative video about Montessori!! I love the philosophy so much that I know that when it’s my time to have kids I will be replaying all your videos!

[@ciaragracelewis]

I’m new to Montessori. Thank you for the easy explanation!

[@SabrinaGross]

New Mom here, How do you handle the influx of flashy plastic toys from friends and family? Do you make wish lists so you give people better options or is that too rude?

[@HapaFamily]

I make wishlists for those I’m comfortable sharing them with... otherwise, you can graciously accept the gift and store it away to come out just for special occasions only when those folks visit? 🤷🏼‍♀️ It’s not easy, I know..

[@corriographer374]

I’ve been curious about this as well!

[@ufuomaagadumo1390]

I accept them graciously, the more people that love my son the better, but you can modify a bit. So things like toy cars that are battery operated,take out the batteries,other little trinkets and plastic things are either bath time toys or sandbox play toys,others you can regift or put away and find a way they can be included in montessori play. For instance we were gifted a set of plastic sea animals, so i made language cards with them and started teaching my little names. We just have to get a bit more creative

[@crystaldavis2637]

I make wishlists as well for birthdays/holidays for family and friends that ask. Overall we try to keep mostly Montessori style/aesthetically pleasing toys for our kids (a girl, almost 3, and a boy, 4 months) but we definitely still have a fair share of the plastic flashy toys. We have a sunroom in our house that is used as the playroom, and all of the plastic/flashy toys are kept inside a gated off play yard within the sunroom. I still set up the plastic toys in a Montessori style (as much as possible) but my daughter has to ask to go in the play yard to play with those. All of the toys that are more Montessori style are kept out in the free play spaces for easier access. I'd say 90% of the time, she'd much rather be outside the play yard, playing with the Montessori style toys that are more active play anyway. but she does have the option to ask to go in the play yard. I've found that over time, she cares less and less about that stuff, and even when she does play with the plastic stuff, she doesn't always want to do all the flashy bells and whistles, so thats cool. I follow the same basics with my 4 month old. Usually once or twice a week i'll take him into the play yard to look at the flashy stuff, but the majority of his time is spent outside of it engaging in active play. With as many flashy toys as there are out there, I don't want my kids to not be exposed to it at all and then see other kids that have more access and feel lost, but i think finding a good balance in the home is key.

[@cuddlepotbootcamp]

I so love this question... We have struggled with it for so long because u really don't want to be rude. So now we just say no gifts and say to people if they want to make a monetary contribution that's OK because that way we get to put it towards something of really good quality instead of low quality plastic items. Or use the money positive experiences. Having said that, despite saying no gifts or even suggesting wishlists, we are still getting bombarded with things we don't value, even though we have chosen not to "celebrate" certain occasions. So we just end up either returning if possible or just donating it.

[@christinasalinasvivas6501]

I'm new in your chanel. From Spain. I love your videos and clear explanations. So cool and practical.

[@PhilipBlank]

Thanks for the info! The video was well laid out and clear on the concept, definitely gives some food for thought on educational planning and furniture decisions.

[@mariannechevrier7908]

Thanks Ashley, that is a video to which I’ll come back again I’m sure. Even though I’ve been familiar with the Montessori method for a long time, this is the kind of reminder I need from time to time. I wonder how what place nature and outdoors play has in your Montessori parenting? I’m a big believer but i struggle to make it happen...

[@Shalini.__]

I went to a Montessori for the first few years of school and I loved it. Sadly my family took me out and put me in public school :( it wasn’t a great transition...I almost failed the 4th grade but got the hang of it eventually

[@sophiekimery5464]

Hey, same boat! Public school was so awful compared to Montessori, At first I was so bored that I acted out a lot. That’s when I first remember “anxiety” starting.

[@sanchezcyndi]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I went to a Montessori school myself when I was younger. :) My daughter just turned 12 months last week and I've been looking for new ways to get her to be more independent while learning since I'm going to be having another child soon in a few weeks! I'm so excited to watch more videos! thank you!!

[@erikae6183]

Thank you so much for this wonderful introduction, super clear and helpful!!

[@Melissa-cy9se]

Thank you for this introduction! Very helpful!

[@mariahmcdonald1351]

Thank you Ashley! I can send this to my family to help them understand.