Is your child not motivated to try new things, giving up fast on challenging tasks, or refusing to play independently?
Maybe you want to get them more involved in home tasks but don’t know where to start, and they get frustrated or lose interest quick. You might be thinking about teaching practical skills for preschool or just want them to concentrate, persist, and feel free to choose their own activities at home, as a preparation for the challenges of life.
In Montessori we help the development of agency by letting kids concentrate on tasks of their own choosing and move through life at their own pace. We let them have as much freedom as possible, within ever-expanding boundaries. The goal as the adult is to allow the child to naturally grow into a fully dignified and capable individual, and to bridge their interaction with the world so that they master the tools and skills they need to be independent. This means we need to respect their willpower and give it room to develop.
Here are some quick tips:
- Offer a limited amount of choices (”blue shirt or red shirt?”) so they feel in control of their day-to-day without getting too overwhelmed by endless options.
- Build freedom and choice into their environment at home - with a toy shelf, a low wardrobe, or access to their own silverware and snacks.
- Invite them to do a task, then pull back to help them focus on their own. Avoid interfering or commenting while they concentrate.
- Reward effort and persistence, not the outcomes. Help them see that they are able to do things for themselves and for others!
- When they ask for help, try to offer the minimum necessary boost - like clicking the zipper of a jacket together, but then encouraging them to pull the tab up.
As an AMI-certified Montessori 0-3 guide and your parenting sidekick, I can guide you through this messy stage with more confidence and a balanced approach that fits your life. Book a free 15-min call with me, share your challenges, and let’s create a plan together.