MONTESSORI AT HOME: Your BIGGEST Questions Answered!

MONTESSORI AT HOME: YOUR BIGGEST QUESTIONS ANSWERED! // Ashley responds to your most-asked questions about implementing Montessori at home, including topics like how to get started with Montessori, responding to negative reactions from family or friends, managing overly-helpful relatives, what to do about screen time, how to approach holiday gift-giving and characters like Santa, plus much more!
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READ my new book “The Montessori Home: Create a Space for Your Child to Thrive” - geni.us/MontessoriHome
LEARN MORE about Montessori at Home and Positive Discipline Parenting - montessori-at-home.teachable....
JOIN the “Montessori Parents” community - montessoriparents.mn.co/
BOOK a 1:1 coaching session with me - www.ashley-yeh.com/coaching
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//RESOURCES MENTIONED:
INDEPENDENT SLEEP VIDEO: bit.ly/2XwZCwk
BOOKS FOR PARENTS: www.amazon.com/shop/hapafamil...
BLOGS:
○ The Kavanaugh Report: bit.ly/35outxE
○ The Montessori Notebook: bit.ly/34av4Tu
○ Living Montessori Now: bit.ly/35pFgbd
○ How We Montessori: bit.ly/37u7rHV
○ Eltern Vom Mars: bit.ly/2QCMbtj
○ Carrots Are Orange: bit.ly/2QzY6rT
KZbin CHANNELS:
○ The Montessori Show: bit.ly/2O8Hfe5
○ The Hidden Gem: bit.ly/2Xz2Krr
○ Montessori for Babies: bit.ly/2KVy2E7
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS:
@madetomontessori
@montessorimarnie
@midwestmontessori
@angelamomtessori
@montessoriinreallife
@montessorifamilyuk
@montessoriinmotion
@themontessorinotebook
@montessori_lemonmum
@ourmontessorilife
//SHOP:
○ Our Montessori-Friendly Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/hapafamily
○ My Montessori Printables Shop - www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
○ Montessori & Me (Mike’s business!) - www.montessoriandme.us
○ Sprout Montessori Furniture (10% off with code HAPAFAM) - sprout-kids.com/?ref=ashleyhapa
○ Lovevery Play Kits - lovevery.pxf.io/hapafamily
○ Monti Kids ($60 off with code HAPAFAM) - shrsl.com/1rvp4-23lb-x8l2
○ Montessori by Mom ($10 off with code HAPAFAM) - www.montessoribymom.com/?a=7648
○ Manine Montessori (10% off with code HAPA10) - manine-montessori.com
○ Prepared Montessorian Institute (Montessori teacher certification) - preparedmontessorian.com
○ For Small Hands (Montessori materials for home) - shrsl.com/3lfub
○ Little Passports - bit.ly/3zcLvRl
○ KiwiCo - bit.ly/3o0nI0q
○ Montessori Baby Topponcinos - bit.ly/2WCurzX
○ Sarah’s Silks - bit.ly/2lSCWYS
○ Yoto Player - tidd.ly/3uuukrt
//RECOMMENDED READING:
○ My NEW Book "The Montessori Home" - amzn.to/3bxPs6E
○ The Joyful Child - amzn.to/3HU1cQ9
○ The Montessori Baby - amzn.to/3y0SURL
○ The Montessori Toddler - amzn.to/3OOLM1V
○ Montessori from the Start - amzn.to/3niypLH
○ How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way - amzn.to/3nnh04q
○ Your Self-Confident Baby - amzn.to/3niPW6q
○ How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk - amzn.to/3fZrfeU
○ Unconditional Parenting - amzn.to/3HVcd3u
//AUDIO+VIDEO GEAR USED:
○ My Camera - amzn.to/3y1kZIU
○ Vlogging Lens - amzn.to/3QPZLpT
○ Sit-down Video Lens - amzn.to/3ub3eWj
○ Drone - amzn.to/3NpH35I
○ Microphone - amzn.to/3QTdL1Z
○ Vlogging Tripod - amzn.to/3ypSsOD
○ Sit-down Video Tripod (similar) - amzn.to/3OHQ9f2
○ Studio Light (similar) - amzn.to/3OQOqnT
○ Music & SFX - www.epidemicsound.com + zapsplat.com
//FOLLOW:
○ Subscribe to the channel - bit.ly/2MYJWie
○ Montessori at Home (the whole series) - goo.gl/NeBLhC
○ Montessori Activity Ideas (by age) - bit.ly/2Wpv8NB
○ Baby Led Weaning (mini-series) - bit.ly/334iXqH
○ Real Talk (mini-series) - goo.gl/izKgkn
○ Baby #2 Pregnancy Journey - bit.ly/2y3fHOE
//CONNECT:
○ Instagram - @hapafamilyvlog
○ Business Inquiries - [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: This video was not sponsored. The recommendations and opinions expressed here are completely my own. Some links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission, but there is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week! :)
#montessori #montessoriathome #montessoritoddler

[@AudreyDaly]

I saw this really cool perspective on Facebook that is a good way to explain that yes Santa is real but he isn't a person. It explains that santa is the concept of giving without expecting anything in return. Anyone can be santa! You just have to do good deeds or kind things without expecting a thank you or a gift back

[@awakeNaware411]

@Terri Mccallum well said.. 100% truth! Good job mom 🙌🏽👍🏽

[@HapaFamily]

Everyone has to do what they believe is right for their own family! 😊👍🏻

[@dasrazzul]

What I really like about this long videos of yours (beside the actual information) is that you offer pleasant visual content while at the same time I can listen to it like a podcast without the visuals. I heard for the first time that you are a trained teacher - I always wondered if you have an educational background. Now I know why your videos are so well struktured, easy to follow and pleasant to watch and hear. Good job spreading the knoweledge! Thank you for your time and effort!

[@jodiroseallan9160]

I love your approach to Montessori, the way you say things like "this is what I do/this is what works for us" rather than "you must/should do this" and admitting when you dont have the answer instead of tryna pretend you know the answer. I absolutely love your channel and I've always loved Montessori but your videos help me find ways to implement Montessori into my daycare center when I can

[@sarahengert4541]

I agree. I’ve struggled with info sources that left me wracked with guilt and pressure. I love the authentic positivity.

[@evilclown42]

When your a mom and it takes 6 hours to watch a 40 min video. Lol. Love it! Thank you Ashley!

[@kateroos9091]

Haha two days and still trying to finish it here!

[@yurjhr1662]

I'm on day 3! Lol

[@melissaferguson7630]

This is the truest statement lol 😂

[@kailimeguire2561]

I don't mind long videos from you. Thank you for your hard work. I would not have discovered the Montessori method if not for you. My son is a month younger than Mia (seven months) and people comment and are in awe that he sits and plays quietly and contently for long periods of time, uses a spoon and glass cup, sleeps on a floor bed, is allowed anywhere in the house he can crawl (more like inch worm right now lol), and that we don't use sitters/play pens. In fact, his great grandma has something negative to say about all of these things, until she sees it in practice. Just know that if you prepare your environment to be safe for your child, and listen to/follow them, then they will do great things!!!

[@judithdelarosa644]

As a first time mom.. im so very thankful to you for taking time to guide us in our Montessori journey. I read all the books you recommend & i cant wait for my baby to be old enough to enjoy the activities you recommend!

[@sielkerkhof5090]

Judith De La Rosa you can start from birth with mobiles and such! I wish i d started earlier with my daughter...

[@judithdelarosa644]

Yes definitely. Its just currently we are all in one room together and space is too tight. But he has his mobiles(: and rattles too..

[@katerinakrief8682]

Can you please make a video about: How do your girls interact? How did you make sure that your baby has freedom of movement and at the same time that your toddler doesn't hurt her?

[@melissaferguson7630]

Yes please!!!

[@HapaFamily]

I’ll be sure to touch on this topic in my transition from 1 to 2 kids video (coming very soon!). 👍🏻😊

[@melissaferguson7630]

Hapa Family YAY!!!! Just in time, baby #2 due in July 🥰

[@Helenjojoful]

Yes, please!!!

[@kierraogden6771]

My mother in law always says that her job as a mother was to do herself out of a job. That’s pretty much Montessori.

[@babynamesunday]

Coffee ✔️ Hapa Family ✔️ 🙏🏼

[@ashleymckee1140]

Regarding Santa, I like what Avital from The Parenting Junkie does with her children when they ask "Is Santa real?" She responds with, "No. Its just a fun game we get to play. Would you like to play too?"

[@HapaFamily]

I like that, too! ☺️

[@Siures]

A friend of mine was asked by her parents if she wants to pretend on when she asked if there was a Santa, she said yes and so she „believed“ in Santa until she was about 9 or 10. It is a good way. I said „no“ when I was about 3, because I hated pretending something that was so impossible and enjoyed Christmas as a child though. We always think children would have problems with such concepts, but they know exactly what they want and need.

[@emilydowan919]

I feel really inspired after this. I’d love to know the months or take on play kitchens for children and also things like dolls and cars. It’s hard to have realistic dolls that aren’t plastic for example x

[@lauraborchardt2762]

I'm a new subrsciber, with a one year old (this Saturday), use to be a preschool teacher. I never knew exactly what Montessori was exactly and I just love all your videos! You do such an excellent job educating on Montessori! As a mom for the first time I appreciate your videos with lists, examples, showing us your materials. You have helped me get excited about teaching at home! Thank you so much!

[@JT-gc9yx]

It’s funny I have always seen Montessori schools around, like in my old neighborhood I walked my dog by it everyday & never knew what it was lol. I thought it was just a tiny private daycare school place. Now that I have been learning more about it & applying the principles with my children & told my mom about it, she was like oh yeah I actually wanted to send you when you were little if I could’ve afforded it.

[@amandaaguirre8387]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a lot of these questions!!! I’ve been following your channel since the day I found out I was pregnant. I’m due in March with my very first baby and I am so excited to implement the Montessori philosophy in our home!

[@Blueashes67]

In regards to Santa, my husband and I had considered explaining to my oldest (4yrs next week) that he’s not real but people like to play Santa….however my son recently started talking about Santa and being excited about it and remembering things from last year (when we did traditional Santa…I honestly didn’t think he would remember it last year because he was barely 3 and we weren’t actively practicing Montessori principles) and I just don’t have the heart to come clean to him. My husband and I have decided on a more “middle-ground” approach and if he ever asks us we will just be honest with him (neither my husband or I ever felt betrayed by our parents for “lying” about Santa). We have decided to not participate in activities like the tooth fairy or Easter Bunny, but on Easter still have a little basket of treats for him with the understanding that it’s from Mom and Dad. My husband and I are not religious so the celebration of holidays is rooted more in family gatherings and tradition than religion.

[@jessaleeb198]

Thank you so much for doing this video! Really appreciate all you do❤

[@juliekeller1877]

Loved this video. Thank you for everyone that asked (I thumbed up SO many questioned). You answered all the questions that were burning in my mind!

[@Trixie822]

I LOVE long videos! Thanks for all the great answers! ❤️

[@Laure__Line]

I agree with your husband. I won't do Montessori education, I'll just raise my future children as I was raised, but it Is indeed funny how the Montessori methods and the way I was brought up look alike. My grandmother also used the same techniques. It seems Maria Montessori has simply theorized old education techniques and made them available for everyone.

[@katieleeanne3911]

I love the comment about kids being resilient! Since I work I have to allow my kids to be taken care of by others, so this was so good to hear.

[@justmichaNW]

Ashley! Amazing video ! Thank you so much for taking the time and answer all this questions ! All this info is so helpful! Sometimes I feel discourage but like you said that’s the chance to step back and see why actually it’s working ❤️

[@katieeckler7543]

So inspiring how passionate you are about Montessori and the well being and growth of your children. You have shaped your life around the way you chose to raise your kids and that is so truly inspiring to me. Many people have kids and just expect them to integrate into their lives, but you truly have shaped your routine around the needs and independence of your kids. Really love your channel, Ashley.

[@zelmariepretorius]

Mommy parenting series!!!! Eeep, so excited! 😊😊😊

[@mariecorpuz866]

I love watching your videos, long or short! I came across your Positive Discipline video back in the summertime and immediately subscribed and binged watch all of your videos (at night, when baby is sleeping of course - the only "me time" moms get haha). I'm pretty sure i showed everyone one of your DITL videos of Kylie, and I made it my mission to raise my son the same way. I just adore Kylie and Mia, half the reason why i keep coming back to your channel!

[@renatinhaus]

Your videos are so informative. Thank you for taking the time. I'm due in March and very excited to implement this method with my baby girl.

[@dianeengcoy2176]

I love this Q and A vlog!

[@purebubbles]

I like that you are clear and get straight to the point. So this long video was bearable ;)

[@nadyazhelyazkova7635]

Thank you for giving us your own (limited) free time! And off course for all the information and your opinion! You all are great ! Thumb!

[@karlamalpica2211]

You are really expectacular !!!! Soooo inspiring and perfectly clear with all the principles

[@MsEileen1020]

Thanks! I like your videos. I use some the ideas and some I don’t. Each family has to see what’s right for them. I am catching up with your old videos and they are great. One thing i don’t do which I know is a huge part of it is the wooden toys. I love the life activities and being independent.

[@berrypatch5583]

I loved this video. Thank you for encouraging this mom of many to do some things a bit differently with my younger kiddos. What are some activities you would encourage for elementary ages for a homeschool shelf.

[@ashleykoenig920]

Thank you for this! Regarding the question about adults wanting to help your child with things they're able to do on their own, I've experienced this with my nephew when trying to help him put his coat or shoes on and it's great. He'll usually speak up and tell me he can do it on his own! Children can and will respectfully decline a request for help because they're proud to show you what they can do! The parent may not have to worry about stepping in because of the child's confidence to speak up for themselves :) Another amazing video, love your channel! Hugs from Thornton!

[@julial.b.6800]

As a Montessori directress myself I'd say the one negative is that you have to choose your school carefully as some schools kind of end up being pretty much for special needs kids because of misconceptions or a school's need to increase student population. Home Montessori is a wonderful and personal experience!

[@HapaFamily]

Thank you so much for your input! 😊💕

[@julial.b.6800]

@@HapaFamily Pleasure! I get so inspired by you because I'm elementary/middle school trained. Anything younger I haven't practiced implementing. Your answers are exactly what I would say for many of them especially about the child being "behind in public school". Such a common worry from parents! I am on mat leave right now and your videos are the highlight of my week!

[@sueyates3555]

This video was so helpful I really appreciate you taking the time to do it.

[@brandiminch403]

Yup, I totally just watched this 40 min video and read about 50 comments. It was not boring btw. And, I do not practice Montessori in my home but am very intrigued and love your videos! ❤

[@forestcitydream4653]

Thank you so much for making this video! Definitely not too long!!

[@nadjakari1752]

Thank you for this video! I was very interested about the part where you discussed the negative comments some people get. I’ve been getting those and I don’t know how to really react. Everything turns into “but it’s doesn’t work, it’s dream world. Wait until this or this happens to you”. Sounds like a curse they are waiting to happen ( or laying on me). I’m learning how to let this go and be at peace.

[@CRG_]

I love your videos. I just applied for Montessori for my 13mo old! She’ll be in a toddler class which is 15-36mo

[@choosejoy6661]

I am a new subscriber and your videos are wonderful! All the information is so helpful and I am excited to check out the resources in the description box. Thank you!!!! :) Have a great weekend!

[@danielamarius6065]

loved this video! you were not boring in any way:)))

[@amaliaandrews6526]

Those were absolutely wonderful gift ideas. I’m going to be a first time mom and I live in a small apartment so I was really dreading the holidays because I don’t want so many cluttered toys but I also don’t wanna be rude and tell someone not to get a gift for my child.

[@r.tallman2001]

Thank you for sharing! I really enjoy all of your videos.

OMG I loved this video so much, it was so helpful.

[@joantaylor7633]

Thank you so much! I love long videos!!!

[@AjiaJ]

Watched the whole thing!!! Thank you!

[@celtandkiwi]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@teresaevpt]

Thank you so much for your videos! Love from Portugal

[@babynamesunday]

Seriously am loving this so much. I am going to message you about a question I have! 💕

[@shamshyurack]

Thank you! Love your vlogs and lifestyle!

[@zuzananovotna3379]

Thank you so much for all information you provide for us.

❤️ thankful for your channel

[@wackywagners3463]

I have a 17 and 13 year old, and I never knew of Montessori then and I am still learning. I was very young when I had them. Now my husband and I also have a 2.5 year old little girl and 10 month old b/g twins and I am able to be a stay at home mom now and I am extremely interested in learning alot of the techniques you use. I find it difficult to keep my toddler entertained constantly throughout the day while I am also caring for my twins so to prevent her from jumping off my couch like a crazy person non stop, it is nice to learn of activities that I can teach her that she can do while I make bottles and change diapers, where she is also learning while she plays. There are times in our day we do activities together while the twins sleep, but also other times I need to find more independent activities for her so I can accomplish something else as well as have her be more independent. I just found your channel and I am so far very intrigued! Our girls and babies also seem to be about the same age! My Sarah will be 3 in May. And our twins will be 1 in January ♡ wishing you and your family well this holiday season!!

[@annad2092]

Very informative video, thank you!

[@Manyicham]

Hi Ashley, thank you so much for your videos. I've been following your channel for a while now, and Kylie is amazing, well done. I wish to be able to teach 13 months daughter as well as you do one day.

[@povlily6349]

Your videos are deserve more then just clicking a like. I learned so much. Thank you

[@sarahscharnett8233]

First off, THANK YOU so much for these incredible videos and for the honesty and intelligence you consistently exude in your parenting and your work. Like so many other parents, I am just now researching teaching methods out of frustration with the terrible reaction my son has had to remote learning. My primary problem is that he is already 7 years old and starting second grade sept 8-and I am just now realizing the damage I have done with parenting pretty traditionally and sending him to regular public school until now. I have researched enough to believe in this approach now and want to implement it as much as possible, BUT I am scared that it will be too confusing and overwhelming for myself and my son because it is so different from where we started. Can you please offer any resources or tips on where to start for those like me who may be starting relatively (super) late?🙏🏼

[@babynamesunday]

This Christmas we are making a change! 🙏🏼💕

[@Janedoe0193]

I love this video

[@TheForealius]

Wow wow wow! Thank you so much! ❤️

[@MsKatastrophenBarbie]

Overly helpful relatives.... yes my mom had that experience. Whenever I came home from grandma from my fathers side I supposedly expected my mum to help me wipe even long after I mastered that skill myself. Whoopsie. Mom just reminded me that I can do it myself and there was no problem distinguishing between grans house and moms...

[@lenemoooj]

Can you make a QA about positive discipline? And if you do please tell in the video if your posted in the community.the KZbin app doesn’t show community, so have to log on my computer :) Thank you for all your great videos :)

[@kailashmendiratta6178]

I love to read how we Montessori and watch the hidden gem. I didn't think you would 🙊🙊

[@brittanyg2529]

No we really enjoyed those really long video. I played it as I was cleaning up after dinner and getting my son ready for bed. So no complaints here look forward to part two!

[@HapaFamily]

Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed! 🥰 instead of making a part 2, I’ll be answering the remaining question topics in my IG stories over the course of this week! 👍🏻

[@ashleyschoppe7665]

I love you Ashley! That's all.

[@odileidysbasanta]

Great, great, great video! Even greater because you answered my question! 😂😂😂 The thing about Santa is that I'm from Cuba and I didn't have any traditions like that growing up, because that's what communism do, takes away hopes and dreams and traditions... 😔 I don't feel like it was an issue for me, but now that the times are changing, I've been wondering if I could do it differently with my kid... Loved your answer and I know what I'm going to do... Thanks!!! ❤️

[@shamshyurack]

You're a resource of mine for sure!

[@vossthebossmom]

Another reason people may not be on board with Montessori: when you tell them about it, they feel that their way they raised children or are raising children is seen as the "wrong way" and become offended and defensive. That's the experience I have had quite a bit, especially because we have also chosen to incorporate a healthy eating lifestyle with our 20 month old. When family members want to go to Incredible Pizza, we have to figure out a way to stick with our beliefs while also trying not to offend family. It can be very difficult!

[@christinap5148]

Hi Ashley! This was helpful (as always). My one question/ request would be to have a video that shows different activities to fill the day. I sometimes utilize tv for my 26 month old but would love to get away from it. I find it difficult to fill the time though because his attention span is so limited. Any thoughts/ recommendations? I know you have many videos on different activities but I guess what I’m looking for is a sort of way to set up time and keep interest for my toddler. I’m not sure if that makes sense 😬😬

[@shayna8324]

To speak on a family member who helps a child when they don’t need it...my nephew live on the other side of the country so I get to see him in person maybe a couple of times during holidays and when I do see him I get pretty excited and am so happy to help him tie his shoes...he had asked for help, but I didn’t know he knew how already until my sister called him on it (not nearly just kind of like, babe, you know how to tie your shoes) and I felt pretty bad about it at the time...if you choose to address it try to share how you are raising them before it becomes and issue...just my 2 cents

[@wowthatsneatful]

Hi, Great video! I am looking for some podcast recommendations but I don't see any in the description. Are you able to recommend one to me? Thank you!

[@Jane-qg4jr]

Again an informative video!!!! Need to hurry, I'm 7 videos behind 😔 My toddler was ill for 2 weeks and slept very bad an most of the time next to me 😅

[@crissybrown660]

Thank you for your videos😊 is there a list/a written plat form that discusses the different things that focus on certain areas. I would love to start a binder and I love the idea of having a list of things like toys, chore list, activities. Id love to see a video on that if you have one😁Also what books would you recommend? Thank you again for your videos

[@dianeschmidt17]

*I* like watching super long videos ☺️

[@UKraining]

Thank you thank you thank you 💕

[@fairdinkumsheila]

Can't wait for the transition from 1 to 2 kids video! Did you plan to have Mia and keep that year gap between the girls for a particular reason? Do you think a bigger gap would make it easier for the mum and the first child? I'll see if you address this in the video. Also, I don't know if you might have already mentioned this in a video but, since I think you've said you're a teacher and were a teacher before having the girls, have you thought about becoming a Montessori teacher now? (Because you'd be the best, I'd send my child to where you teach, please move to England! Haha) And if yes, what is the process? I hate when people ask me but, real talk, have you thought about when you want to go back to work? (but if you didn't want to in order to have more freedom and flexibility as a mum, then I wish and pray you can do that!) ❤️ Just finished the first book about Montessori you recommended! Thank you a million again! Waiting for the next books arriving today 😍 and thanks for sharing your favourite KZbinrs! In love with the Montessori podcasts 💖 X

[@justamusicfreak247]

I have been watching your videos for a few months now, and have shown some of them to my husband. We’re trying for our first baby right now, and we have decided that we absolutely want to do Montessori with our children! Thank you for your wonderful videos that introduced us to this amazing method! 💕

[@classicat87]

WOW, I love your list of practical things to include kids in! One thing I’d love to hear you touch on is special needs. I’ve often heard and read that Montessori is designed for neurotypical kids. Is there space in the Montessori method for differently abel-ed or neuro-divergent kids?

[@HapaFamily]

I don’t have much experience with it, but I’ve read/heard that Montessori is ESPECIALLY helpful for kids with special needs specifically because it is so hands-on, at their own unique pace, and respectful of the child as an individual. 😊👍🏻

[@annagillette7566]

Montessori actually started with kids who were not neuro-typical and she was so successful that others started taking notice. That doesn’t mean it’s right for every special needs child, for example I have two little cousins, brother and sister, one who goes to a Montessori school and one who would not do well in that setting because he needs others to do things for him, cannot play well with open ended toys, is is highly dependent on high tech products to both meet his physical needs and to play, as he has very limited motor control. But for many special needs kids it’s great.

[@jesse7680]

Is there a video, or can you explain if you’re comfortable, what Mike’s family background is? I’m just interested cause I will also have a hapa family 😊 and also it’s a pretty common idea that Asian parents are often traditional, so it’s interesting that his family was open minded

[@neydinhaify]

Very important this vídeo...Thanks ...👏👏👏👍🙏😘

[@aureliekakou3752]

OMG it was a 40 min video 😱 I thought it lasted 15 min only! Your videos are so interesting and full of informations ❤️

[@bilingualfamily9677]

Thank you! ¡Gracias! 고맙습니다

[@taliajazel6952]

First of all let me say thank you for all the helpful information you upload. I'm relatively new to your channel, so please forgive me if you have addressed this in previous videos. If not, I would appreciate any advise you have. I have a five year old girl and I am currently pregnant (18 weeks). My daughter was very happy to dress her self and brush her teeth all by her self in the mornings, but lately she doesn't want to do any of that. She wants me to dress her and help her with mostly all the things she used to do herself. How can I help her find joy in doing these things again? I'm thinking this might be related to the fact that I am pregnant. i would appreciate any thoughts or ideas that you can share.

[@ushmaagrawal7455]

Hi ashley..when we get a new toy or new colors , i mean anythin new for the toddler, how to introduce it to them. For the first time should we show them how the particular toy , crayon color works or leave upto them to figure out? Eg - i got number stacking box of my daughter.. as it is number blocks it is supposed to be stack in that order.. she is unable to do that.. shld i show her that 10 comes first thn nine and so on??

[@terri-louisebanbury5401]

Just wondering how stair safety is approached in a Montessori household? My baby have recently mastered climbing up the stairs and is now super speedy but hasn't started attempting to come down yet! Do you guys use stair gates or anything like that?! I want him to be fully capable and have freedom to use the stairs but in a safe way until he's completely mastered it!

[@zlati26]

Hi, does Montessori work for every child / parent? And is it too late to start at age of 3?

[@ashleebickley1222]

Some questions for anyone in the comments! How do you help two children of different ages at the same learn practical life skills? When I try to involve my 4yo and 18mo, they get very mad about not being involved at the same thing at the same time, and the 4yo things the 18mo isn't doing things right so then he acts out and does things like pouring water on the floor. The next question is screen time. What do kids do when the parent is in the shower, for instance? I feel like free range toddlers could get into a lot of trouble. And I worry about my kids getting into physical altercations

[@haydeemartinezahmed3752]

I have recently discovered Montessori. I love it so much, but my kids are 7 & 8. Is it to late?!

[@deborahernandez8638]

Hey God bless you Ashley! Question, did your children use pacifiers? And if not what was the alternative/ solution?

[@raqueltravincas7455]

What are the Montessori thoughts on pacifiers? If you choose to not give one to your child, how to prevent them from sucking their thumb and until which age would still be ok for them to suck their thumb? Thanks for the channel, great content!

[@HapaFamily]

I don’t think there is a specific approach to this, as far as I know. So if you use/d one, I think it’s just a matter of personal preference. What I do know is that Montessori stresses following your child’s lead, which guides me to think that a child would not ever be consciously “prevented” from sucking their thumb if that is what they found to be self-soothing. With that said, neither of my girls have ever had pacifiers and neither sucks their thumbs, either. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jessicabryn7170]

Hey Ashley, I'm curious to know what your advice would be for a parent with a child who doesn't want to try most things? I've been trying to encourage my son to do things himself and sometimes he's excited to try on his own, but most of the time he throws a fit and wants me to do it for him. If I insist he tries first he does a fake attempt and then cries even more. He's 3 and a half.

[@thelorenaist]

I'm curious too! My son is 1 year 9 months.

[@ely_wannadie2551]

if you had a child with a neurodivergence like autism or severe adhd, would you still try to implicate montessori methods?

[@Claustrophobic_turtle]

Culture and worldly traditions are a large part of a Montessori curriculum. Classrooms will happily recognize and celebrate all traditions, including Christmas and Easter's fictional stories :)

[@shivanu4050]

Can you make a video about pacifiers? Also how to wean them and at what age?

[@HapaFamily]

I have no experience with pacifiers, neither of my girls would take one. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@syd5350]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@diamondh]

My mom says Montessori is “shining pennies” and “training buttlers” 😂🤷🏼‍♀️

[@CRG_]

Lauren Brooks I don’t even know what that means😂

[@HapaFamily]

😂😂😂😂

[@askylitabby5372]

Lauren Brooks I mean, there’s a difference between making your child your “personal butler” and implementing Montessori so they actually enjoy helping, doing housework and cooking, etc, which are life skills they need. 😂😂

[@diamondh]

Oh I completely agree. I kinda told her she don’t have to like it but he does.

[@hannahscott6604]

Lmfao Oh brother

[@jessaleeb198]

Wait is there an amazon wish list you can do for your kids at Christmas or birthdays to send to family members?!😲🤞

[@jessaleeb198]

@Terri Mccallum how do you do it? Ashley make a video on this please!

[@adriannavanoyen]

In Amazon itself you just create a wishlist and set it to sharing with a link, then you can send that link to anyone you want to access the list. Here's a link for the step by step with pictures: www.lifewire.com/make-and-share-amazon-wish-list-4685515

[@jodiroseallan9160]

How are you going to implement Montessori parenting with teenagers when the girls are older?

[@HapaFamily]

I don’t think it’s so much of specific plans as it is just being flexible and willing to respectfully guide the girls as they grow while relinquishing more responsibility and freedoms to them as they require it. Simone Davies, the author of “The Montessori Toddler”, has two teenagers that have grown up in a Montessori environment, and she shares a lot of really insightful wisdom in this article: www.google.com/amp/s/nduoma.com/2018/03/13/exploring-the-essence-of-montessori-parenting-simone-davies/amp/

[@jodiroseallan9160]

@@HapaFamily thanks I'll have a read!

[@alaskalavender3474]

Yes that’s the only screen time we do is FaceTime daddy!

[@melodiesullivan90]

I’m having a frequent issue lately with my 36 month old boy pushing or hitting my 18 month old daughter. They play together constantly and he will often run up and “get her” (tickling) and it progressively gets more and more aggressive. As it’s escalating, I take him to the side and tell him “we don’t push” or “we don’t hit”. I can temporarily separate them by distracting them with other activities but he is persistent and will go back to getting her in a more gentle way at first, but he will still push her roughly when he gets too wound up. He’s going through a rough and rowdy period. How do I nurture a more gentle nature. When he’s talked to, he generally just laughs and does the bad behavior again and again. I try to be consistent but I definitely lose my cool after he hurts his sister by knocking her down multiple times. Any help is appreciated!

[@MC-ko2mx]

Have you checked out Ashley's videos on positive discipline, managing siblings and sibling rivalry?

[@maedchenausmars]

How would you handle a child who gets easily frustrated and has virtually no interest in doing things independently? My 3 year old frequently refuses to do things he’s done a hundred times before - putting on socks and shoes to go out for example. Only likes to help with household chores if it is completely novel. If he’s done it a few times, he would rather play by himself. He is generally uncooperative unless there is an immediate reward for him. My husband and I both try to give him positive one on one attention often.

[@lexalina132]

Going with your socks and shoes example :) i worked in a daycare for about 6 months (left because of the adults and the system, not the kiddos), and there was a little boy like that, about 2 years old. When it came to trying to put his socks and shoes on, this kid would just about lose it with frustration, he was having none of it, screaming, crying, etc. I would usually sit by him, free his toes when they got stuck or held the shoe in place, but for the most part he was gonna do it himself whether he liked it or not. 😂 I'm not gonna fight your shoes on your feet every time just because your parents thought high tops on a toddler was a good idea. (Seriously, please, i beg you, converse style shoes on a toddler is the most obnoxious thing you could do to a care giver 😂 AH)