Monday, March 9, 2009

I'm inspired...

Lately, I have become interested in Montessori parenting. This video was recommended to me by Marcy! It is a little long, but really quite fascinating. It shows a typical day for 20 month old Edison who lives in a Montessori inspired household.

As I watched I kept thinking that Eliza i only two months younger than this little boy. I am really trying to help her become more and more independent. This video was very inspirational to me. I now have a clearer vision on how I can create an environment that helps Eliza to be more independent.

I want to teach Eliza to set the table but our table is very high and she wouldn't be able to reach. I have some idea on adaptations I can make to our living space to make it more Eliza friendly. I have already started teaching her to help with the dishes, housework and the laundry. I think it really makes her feel important and grown-up. She gets a look of accomplishment when she puts the dirty cloths in the washing machine. Anyhoo,I hope to make improvements and share them with you in upcoming months.



Edisons Day -

3 comments:

Lori said...

Montessori is a fascinating program. I never thought about using these skills and philosophies in my own house. I'll be interested in seeing how it works out for you

Marcy said...

Glad you liked it! =) I want to get a small cart for dishes in our dining area (saw it in the video and instantly wanted to do the same). One idea of dealing with a high table is to put the plates/utensils/etc on such a cart and then she could bring them to you at the table, so she's still included in the process.

PletcherFamily said...

I am sorry - but that is way over the top. Please don't do all of those things to your sweet little Eliza. My kids are really independent, good kids, and we don't do all of this. They had no adjustment problems. Taking out the trash? Too much. I was glad to see him have a little bit of a melt down!! Some things are fine but some are over the top. I would be interested to see if she has as much time when the second one comes along. There is plenty of time in life to teach kids chores.