Montessori Advice For Your Kids To Help Around The House

Maria Montessori was an important Italian educator, scientist and philosopher. His teaching methods, considered radical for his time, focused on respecting children and trusting their abilities. Thanks to this woman’s advice, we now know that children are like sponges: they absorb everything they see, feel and hear.

According to his philosophy, the most important thing for learning is motivation. Knowledge must be perceived and substantiated, not introduced by force. The child must learn to love and respect the environment in which he lives and, thus, develop. Unfortunately, these concepts were heavily criticized in their day. Many conservative sectors saw their innovations as a bad thing, as they were very different from what was established.

Fortunately, nowadays Montessori advice is highly valued by educational institutions. Many schools bear his name and use his teachings. But his arguments are not just used on academic topics. More and more parents value their way of teaching their children to be self-reliant at home.

The children’s behavior is a reflection of the parents’ behavior. If children are taught to judge, they will judge. If they are taught to be ridiculed, they will grow up being insecure. On the other hand, if from an early age they are taught to be fair, when they are older they will be fair.

So the same thing happens with everyday tasks. If they actively participate in what happens in the home from an early age, they will quickly learn to be self-sufficient. Each child’s age has its advantages and disadvantages, but they are all positive. What is not learned in one, is learned in the other.

Montessori Advice for Children 2 to 12 Years Old

at 2-3 years

At this age the child is still too young to perform most tasks. She can start by taking small steps, such as helping to set the table, learning how to pour water into glasses, or even sweeping small spaces. It is possible to teach the child to clean his place at the table after eating, and also dust in lower places.

at 4-5 years

It is now possible to teach the child to do more specific tasks, such as placing cutlery or removing dirty dishes from the table. This is also a good age for children to learn how the vacuum cleaner works and to help organize shopping. The same goes for making the bed, watering the plants, and feeding the pets.

at 6-7 years old

This is the perfect time for your child to help make small dishes that aren’t difficult. Sweeping and taking the dishes out of the dishwasher are tasks she can already do. She can also learn to peel potatoes and carrots, weed the garden, and fold socks.

at 8-9 years old

At this age the child can clean without any problem. She can learn how to make coffee or juice, take out the trash, and clean harder things like the fridge. It is also a good time for her to learn how to take the dishes out of the dishwasher and, if she has a pet, for her to learn to walk the pet alone.

at 10-11 years old

At this stage she can learn to cook basic things and plan the day’s menu. Learning to mow the lawn and sew are activities that the child is already capable of doing. Others like picking up mail or vacuuming pillows can be learned at this stage or even in earlier stages.

From 12 years of age onwards

This last phase of childhood allows children to perform more difficult tasks. At this age, they can help perfectly with washing the car, preparing easy dishes and cleaning windows. They are also now able to paint a room, in addition to learning to iron and change a light bulb. It is certainly the perfect time to start taking care of younger siblings.

Basically, Montessori’s advice is focused on one thing: respect your child. Allow him to make mistakes and don’t scold him for it, because the way to learn is to make mistakes.

Talk politely, encourage your child to reach their goals, and don’t ridicule them. Listen to your ideas and problems and always be patient. If you treat him with love, affection and respect, your child will grow up strong and with a personality of his own.

He will treat people kindly and confidence in himself will keep him from sinking when things don’t go well. Your child will be a diligent person and will know how to live without you, but he will always admire the person who has always believed in him.