Today I want to share with you a subscription service that is a game changer! There are a lot of Montessori subscription services available. Until now there hasn't been one I would recommend. I am actually really disappointed that I've only now found Lovevery as they are for children from birth to 12 months. But if you are a new parent or are expecting, I'm excited that you may like and use this. I get a lot of emails from parents who don't know what to do with their new babies - this is for you! In the months after... Read more →


"Shoes" Now that we almost have a toddler in the house I am reminded about the importance of our actions and how distracting our words can often be! I've heard it over and over again but it's time for a refresh. "Show, don't tell!". "Do not tell them how to do it. Show them how to do it and do not say a word. If you tell them they will watch your lips move. If you show them, they will want to do it themselves." - Maria Montessori. What is the issue with using words to describe what we are... Read more →


How much time does your infant or toddler spend outside? Otto (12 months) was recently out-of-sorts, he was unsettled and not sleeping well. I was looking for a reason and I realized that with the cooler weather coming in we were barely spending any time outdoors. The older boys are now doing so much sport we've stopped walking to school, and with the cooler mornings, the grass outside is all frosty, damp or completely wet. So after doing a little research and thinking about what is the best that we could do I've now committed to spending a minimum of... Read more →


Have you thought about making a 'yes' space for your baby or toddler? Some parents I speak to say they have baby-proofed their entire house, but it isn't the same thing. A 'yes' space is a room or an enclosed space made specifically for the child where the child can feel 100% safe and confident. They can move, touch, and, explore confidently knowing this space is for them and they won't be reprimanded or told 'no'. Magda Gerber, founder of RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) was an advocate for 'yes' spaces but it fits very well within a Montessori home.... Read more →


When I cook with my children I think about their interests and their skills levels. What I've never thought of doing is choosing a recipe based on their schemas! It totally makes sense. I recently found The Tickle Fingers Cookbook which is the first cook book I've found for children as young as one-year-old and based on the children's current schemas! I enjoyed this book so much that I bought the ebook and then the same day went back and ordered a hard copy. So obviously I wanted to share it with you too. "The idea is that, if you... Read more →


At twelve months Otto is very interested in toys and his materials. He loves playing and working with his hands. Because he has so many toys I wanted to share his current favourites. Here are his most used and favourite Montessori materials and toys at 12 months: Pop Up Toy - this toy has been loved by all of my children, it never fails to interest them. Object Permanence Ball Push - this would be one of Otto's absolute favourites right now. Matchstick Threading Toy - we used a cheese shaker with large holes (like this one) and coloured matchsticks.... Read more →


12 months is a good age to try out some practical life activities. While it doesn't look like much these little moments can add up to something really significant. The child is participating, doing real work, contributing to the family and feeling valued. It might look like playing with the bubbles or playing with the washing but it is so much more, and it's just the start! Here are a few practical life activities we've introduced at or around 12 months, keep in mind many of these he is yet to master. Care of Self (the person): Nose Wiping. Brush... Read more →


Otto is on the cusp of walking. He can stand unaided and will walk around the room, but only while holding on to or touching something, even a wall or cupboard. Today he used his walker wagon to walk out and collect parcels from our postal worker. It has made me think about his journey and the ways we have supported him. Here are a few things that many Montessori parents do and don't do in relation to their child learning to walk. Do: Allow for natural development. Provide low furniture for the child to use unsupported including low/infant shelving,... Read more →


How often do you rotate your infant/toddler toys and materials? I do it every week, but it's more like an update or refresh rather than rotation. We've moved our shelves to add Otto's wooden barn play area and some new playsilks. There are a lot of Waldorf handcrafts that I love. Felting and beeswax modelling are two that we use in our home. I love these little creations by Otis! He has learnt to use the candles to warm his modeling wax. Montessori wrote so much about the use of the hand. Otto is learning that he can use his... Read more →


At almost 12 months of age, we are starting to introduce Otto to a wide range of practical life activities. To be honest, it's more like he is demanding to be involved. Last week we started using the FunPod and it's been a lifesaver. Practical life in our home occurs naturally - when I am doing something I ask myself is there a way my children can be involved. Last Sunday morning Otto helped to whisk his eggs for breakfast, while I tided he washed his dishes (played with the sink water with his dishwashing brush and dishes). Children and... Read more →