First Birthday! A Montessori Gift Guide
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
10M ago
the first birthday The First Birthday. It is such a special moment and a milestone for both parents and child. “We kept a living creature alive for a whole year!!!” Whoa. That is an accomplishment for many who can’t even keep a cactus alive. But, in all seriousness, it is a day that deserves much celebration and from this point, the child’s independence can only soar. I really enjoy shopping for a child’s first birthday gift and put a lot of thought into what gifts would be practical and enjoyable. I am often asked about what products or toys I would recommend, and while there are a multitude ..read more
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No Junk! Easter Basket Ideas
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
1y ago
With Easter around the corner, you might be thinking of ideas to fill up those Easter baskets. With a husband in the teeth business and the entire family striving for a more sustainable lifestyle, we are always thinking of ideas to celebrate festivities in a more healthy and eco friendly way. As Christians, the true meaning of Easter is what we celebrate and rejoice, however, we also enjoy the traditions of Easter baskets and egg hunts! In our family, the children wake up to find empty Easter baskets (we’ve reused the same ones since they were little). Inside there is usually an Easter card an ..read more
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Montessori Toys: Why Not All “The Bells and Whistles?”
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
1y ago
  “Bazinga! Toot! Whoooo,whooooooo!” The sound of the modern day toy. They are noisy, flashy and certainly wake up the senses but is that a good thing? Let me start off her by saying that I am not a hard core, anti – anything when it comes to parenting. I certainly have had some electronic baby toys in our household, most gifts from relatives or friends, and I would never prohibit my children from recieving a gift that was thoughtfully chosen for them. While certain things are not my preference, I am an “in moderation” sort of person with most things in life. And I must say that one or t ..read more
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Why Infant & Toddler Programs Are Essential to Montessori Schools
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
1y ago
Does your school have an Infant  (Nido) & Toddler Program? And if so, how was the process in getting them to come into fruition? I hope it was a smooth and supportive journey. If you’re fortunate, you may work or have a child who attends a program that is very well supported by the school having leaders who see these programs as an asset not just in a business sense, but more importantly, the vast benefits it gives to families and children in it’s care. Unfortunatley not all Montessori Under 3 Programs are welcomed with zest and excitement. I have found it’s not necessarily that scho ..read more
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Is Your Child’s Environment “Prepared”?
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
In Montessori philosophy we see the “Prepared Environment” as a key component to the healthy development of the child. Rooms whether at home or in a school setting are designed and furnished with much planning and thought towards the particular age in which it will be catering to. As we prepare this space we ask: Does it provide freedom of movement? Can the child move about the room free from hindrances such as cots/cribs, bouncy chairs, high chairs, walkers, etc? Is the furniture the appropriate size for the child? He should be able to reach his toys from low shelves, choose clothes fro ..read more
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What Stepping Back Really Says to Your Toddler
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
There are always a few new challenges for parents that are new to Montessori living. The largest one hands down is learning to take a step back from the child and allowing him or her to have more control over their daily accomplishments. These accomplishments could be as small as putting on shoes or as big as taking a bus to school for the first time.   In  my Toddler Program where parents attend with their child for a two hour session, this stepping back is something that I often find myself requesting the parent to do. Most of the parents respond really well; usually with an “Oh ..read more
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Science Podcasts for Kids!
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
We have an hour commute to school/work each day. While this can seem pretty stressing for many parents, I actually love this part of my day because it provides some amazing quality time with my children. I find out SO MUCH about their lives! I get to hear all the playground news like who ate what for lunch, who was super nice or super rude, who won at handball, etc, etc. I also learn about the cool parts of a project they learned today or triumphs mastering the 100s board or stamp game. They in turn ask me about mine . I talk about the toddler who sneezed snot in my hair or about the chil ..read more
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Moon Festival: This year’s reading list!
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
It seems like just yesterday we were rummaging through the boxes in the garage looking for lanterns and preparing moon cakes. Here we are again, the morning of the Moon Festival; a very special tradition in many Asian cultures. In both Chinese and Vietnamese it is a celebration of reunion. In Chinese that reunion is between Yin and Yang; a reunion between lovers. In my husband’s Vietnamese culture it is one of family; where parents return after a long harvest to be reunited with their children. The celebration is all about focusing on the children; a day to restrengthen the bond between parent ..read more
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Mindfulness Activities in Spring for Your Child
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
Spring has arrived in Sydney and we are soaking in the warmer days as much as we can. Who doesn’t love Spring? (Besides the allergens, of course!) Oliver has been asking when Spring will come since the middle of winter because he missed the flowers so much. Each morning he ran into our bedroom asking, “Is it Spring today?” When September 1 finally arrived he was so excited! Spring is often referred to as the season of rebirth or change. It’s a time of rejuvenation. For me it’s like the New Year–a time of reflection as I contemplate what changes I might need to make to improve my life and pers ..read more
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Essentials for Minimal Mess Painting
Montessori and Me | Mindful Parenting
by admin
3y ago
Winter holidays are all about sleeping in, lounging around in our pjs and letting our creative juices flow. Painting is always a favourite for my two youngest. We have a small travel easel that they enjoy taking all over the yard to set up a work area for the day. With the sun kissing their faces they live in the moment and paint the desires of their heart. For Noelle it always involves nature and animals. For Oliver his eyes are always set beyond the sky and out of this world–space! Many parents often groan when their children ask to do painting. I’m a mum. I get it. It’s messy, sticky, wet ..read more
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