I don't usually comment on videos I watch a lot but I just have to say, your videos are THE BEST! We have been transiitioning and implementing more and more Montessori principles with our 2.5 year old over the past year or so and I feel like you are right there on our journey with us. Your videos are super helpful, the content always exactly what I was looking for and you're just so relatable, knowledgeable and honest & "real" about certain topics, unlike a lot of other TH-camrs I find. The way you started this video is the exact reason why I love your channel so much. Please keep doing as you do, it is amazing to watch how you raise your two little girls and I am super grateful to use your videos as a guideline on the way to figuring out this whole parenting thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Regards from Germany!
Thank you so much, Sarah! 🥰 It just makes me so happy that I’m able to help other parents like you, that’s why I started making these videos. Have a great weekend!
@@yashodamendiratta4034 oh hello i remember reading this comment now that i am going back through this video i appreciate you mentioning her here because her videoes also helped me hahaha bless her idek how she's doing TH-cam still with the triplets now it was cool watching another Montessori mama who had an education background i wonder if her and Ashley have been in contact. Its helpful seeing her still managing to implement Montessori with triplets but seeing oscar all grown up hahaha still just in nursery but it shows the importance of doing Montessori as well as we can so that the children will be prepared for whatever changes might happen in life and if life gets busier for us we can be more relaxed about the independence of our child in thier play and our own comfort and routine with being a Montessori parent by the time it gets more busy or tricky with other challenges in life. By then hopefully we will have our flow and our child will trust our relationship and have some understanding if we explain what's happening to them they will brrr more prepared and so will we whatever life gives us.
For screen time: I like keeping a 'research note book' for questions that come up during the week such as "what does a butterfly eat?" Then when we do have tablet time we can research that topic and it can be monitored. I reckon this allows the child to know how to use screens as a tool rather than entertainment. :)
I loooved your idea. I usually just pop out my cellphone and find the answer right away, but maybe my toddler doesn´t understand whats going on exactly, so maybe is more educational to have a special time to do that.
I've been given such horrible information from my husband's family on how to raise my girl, and even my own family. I'm so grateful for the information that you give and the wealth of knowledge from your Montessori series. 👏 thank you.
Oh my gosh I'm that parent who interrupts my son's play to tell him about shapes and helping him put them in the shape holes. Wow. Learned something new. (Although he does whine when he can't get it in the hole, and he'll keep playing with my help.) Thanks so much, great video!
I’ve been really strict about screen time with my 22 month old, but you bring up really good points of the reality of life and how often we use our screens. quality content and moderation works for most things in life.
This video is awesome. As a former educator, I agree with your opinion on screen time and comments about the Montessori expectation for digital content. It’s always a personal decision, but as I told my parents “the digital jobs our children will have, do not even exist right now. Providing responsible use and strictly supervised exposure, teaches them to manage the addictive nature of digital tools.” ❤️ gift of boredom comment. I color in a coloring book sometimes while my child plays. He seems to be satisfied that I’m doing a familiar task while he does something else. Plus coloring is great for reducing stress and lowering BP. ;)
This video is amazing!! your'e such an inspiration to me!! For the past few weeks I've been sorting through my sons toys and selling all the "garbage" ones. I've redesigned his room and introduced him to the Montessori floor bed and Montessori closet. And now my husband and I literally today were talking about limiting screen time and trying to introduce independent play so your video couldn't have been more timely!! thanks so much!! Love from Canada (Also I love how you really embrace Montessori learning with out being too strict. Like the whole "no plastic" rule)
I remember anytime I was doing artwork for a school project or anything (mom was a helper in the classroom) my mom would take over for me and try to show me how to do it. That’s what I remember from my childhood. Let your kids do their own thing!
I studied in a Montessori school from Kinder to Elementary. The environment and the way my teachers taught us were really designed for us to love learning.
I watched many many of your videos when I was pregnant and I still rewatch them to remind myself some tips, because I love this approach to rising children. I try to incorporate as many things as I can, which is not always easy :) but I still see great results! The hardest part is to get grandparents to follow, as they feel such a strong need to applause my son every single time he puts two blocks together 😂
Thank you so much for your videos. I have a 19 month old who wants to be in almost constant contact with me, and at this point I'm just weary. Most people I've talked to seem to think this means I need to give her more attention and entertain her more, so I'm relieved to hear that it is a good thing to encourage children to learn to play independently. Before I felt guilty for not being the mom I thought I was supposed to be, but listening to you has made me feel empowered to do what's best for my child and for me. I've been working on implementing your positive discipline tips, and I've already seen a difference. I've tried to follow tips from other resources on positive discipline but couldn't get it figured out. When you said parents should be like confident ceo's on one of your other videos, something clicked. Thank you again.
I learned about Montessori in high school, I took a child development class and we talked about all kind of theories on how to raise your children, we even visited a Montessori pre school. I loved that class so much and your videos remind me of my exams 😂 (we analyzed case studies) I also want to mention that I will imply Montessori at home for my future children (I’m 22 and not ready yet) and that I am thinking of sending them to a Montessori pre school or kindergarten but not to a Montessori school. Because in high school we also talked about all the flaws of a Montessori school system, so I decided against it. But I think implying Montessori at home is the best option so far!:)
This is the best channel for early childhood education I have yet to come across, thanks so much Ashley for breaking things down so eloquently & demonstrating through your darling family 💕
Some really great tips in this vid, Ashley! Particularly enjoyed your considered take on screen time. If anyone is interested, The Hidden Gem breaks down individual Montessori schema on her channel. I think she has 4 - 5 videos on schema, with really clear examples on what to look for etc.
this is great! I also think that the child's personality plays a big role in this. An introverted child might do this independent play much more naturally than an extreme extrovert. Just something to think about if you are facing any discouragement.
Thanks so much for this video. I’ve been so obsessed with your videos lately. You’re so knowledgeable and I love all the information you have to share. You are so meant for this platform!!!! So grateful for you.
I don't know how I stumbled on your channel,but I am so glad I did. Your Montessori videos are what I really needed and came at just the right time. Currently bingeing on your videos right now and can't wait to implement the açtivities with my toddlers. Thank you 😊
You are so insightful. I love how you explained how to run errands or leave the room. It makes so much sense, and I totally believe it works. You’re killing it mama
My daughter has never been into any individual activities whatsoever. She didn´t even want to play with toys or watch TV until she was about 2 years old. She is 4 years now and so far she still either wants someone to play with her or at least watch her and answer her questions and comments every 30 seconds. She is a sweet girl but you know... this can get a bit exhausting. The only thing that has ever helped to redirect her need to share every second of her life with her parents to someone else was to get her a sibling. Highly recommended. :-) And of course spending a lot of time out and supplying her with a lot of friends of her age.
Great video! Do you have any tips for how to get started with the "play independent" activity, for a toddler who loves to actively play with their parents? I feel like our son loves to play with us so much, he doesn't know which toy to pick when he's on his own, or how to build his imagination before coming right back to us and asking for "help". So I guess two parts: 1) How to encourage play-by-self rather than play-with parent.. and 2) How to re-direct or set limits in the amount of "help" they get to nudge them back to their own activity? Thank for the great videos!!
A very good friend gave me the baby knows best book and many of the points you make are also in that book! Thanks for making these videos. We are implementing a lot of them with our 11 month old.
Girl, youre so professional! All your montessori videos are the same place and all- its super awesome! You explain them soo well without being offensive and yet beingg matter of fact! Love your videos! 🤗
Thanks for such great information! I have a 6 week baby girl, and I made the munari mobile and the octahedron mobile for her. She really focuses on both and loved watcing them spin with the breeze. Best wishes from Uruguay 🇺🇾
Hi Ashley! I love this video, I think is one of my favorites so far, very helpful. I have a hard time with Alex playing independently, he constantly wants someone next to him to play with him. He does play independently, but not that often. I try to limit the screen time as much as possible, I only allow him to watch if I have chores around the house that really need to be done. Thank you so much for this parenting lesson ❤️! X
Your videos have been so helpful! I wish I would have come across them sooner. I am just now trying to transition to a more montessori environment at 15 months.
Hapa mama, This helped me immensely. Thank you very much for doing all of what you do and being who you are, both as an individual and as a parent. I am grateful for the knowledge you share. I first watched your positive dicipline video New Years Day evening and have not stopped reading research and watching, not only you, but other sources to help guide me through our transition to a (mostly) montessori based home. I have had these views and values since before I became a parent to my now 20 month old, and now I understand how to impliment structure into my passion. You do great work, and you look beautiful and real while doing it. 💛💚❤ One last thing, my biggest challenges so far have been one, using and instead of but, and two, understanding how to help my child learn to play and teach myself that he doesn't need to be taught (if that makes sense to you). Take care, be well, Britt
Your videos have so much insight and they make so much sense. I like the Montessori idea of raising children. I can't wait to have a baby of my own and implementing all these ideas and tips!
Do u have videos talking about how to teach them to dress themselves. I feel most of the stuff are pretty easy for my daughter, the most difficult things are changing diapers and dressing them up.
I posted a 31 DIY Montessori activities video for toddlers in case you are interested. Being able to introduce new activities is a great way for them to learn.
You are truly amazing, Ashley! Wonderful psychology behind these methods and Kylie’s development is blossoming. I am so delighted honestly 🤩 💗 Love your videos and your beautiful family
Thanks for this video. Honestly, I’ve been hearing about independent play and its importance since my daughter was a newborn. I never wanted to play FOR her so I wouldn’t engage her with her toys and so she never learned to play with them. I’m gonna try some of these pointers out. Hopefully I’ll get some downtime now. Lol
Your vidoes are really really helpful all the time!!! Even though I've read the toddler montessori book your videos are always big help for me to understand the concept of Montessori method! Love ya
Love all of your videos! They are always super informative! On a completely unrelated note I was wondering if you purposely leave out ads from your videos? I just wanted to say that I have sat through videos that I'm barely interested in(from other channels) including the ads and that I would definitely not mind sitting through ads while watching your videos. I know it generates more income and personally feel that you should be compensated for the amount of information and content that you provide us!!
Odd! I actually do have ads on my videos, as it truly helps to support our family and enable me to stay home with the girls and continue creating these videos for you all. However, TH-cam has all the control over who and when they display ads. So if you’re not seeing them, it’s entirely YT choosing not to show them to you. Bummer! I sincerely appreciate your support, though! Thank you! 💕
Love your Montessori at home series! Well really love all of your videos! It's so nice to find something that's speaks to me in the way I feel in my heart I want to raise my child! Your family is such an inspiration. I really need to research more into Montessori life and what kind of activities and practical everyday life things I can do with my 8mo. P.s. your kids are so damn adorable! X
I really loved this video! Thank you for sharing so may valuable links in your description. You do such an amazing job of making this digestible. Thank you!
Love your Montessori videos! Great tips and they are easy to follow. I'm new to the Montessori philosophy and I'd love to know more about how to help my 13 months old grow in a Montessori learning environment. Your videos are super helpful! Thanks for sharing! Oh and I'm also from Taiwan but living in US :)
Arghhh! Where were you when my girl was a baby? How i wish i knew these tips 2 yrs back. Wanto shout at the top of my voice so all new moms will follow your channel. Great job momma!
My notes: Independent play is a skill that can be learned. Appropriate amount of Independent play: 10-15 minutes to start Playing WITH your child IS NECESSARY. Finding the balance between Independent play and playing with her is key. #1- OBSERVE HER Blocks, magnet tiles, play silks, pretend kitchen... Schemas: Throwing, stacking knocking things down ...
I went to Montessori school and we used computers. This was when computers had only black and green monitors. I try to do activities that I want my child to do. If I want her to read, I start reading my own book until she comes up to me with her own book and asks me to read to her.
I’m trying Montessori at home but it seems difficult to find space , and staying organized in our apartment. Do you have any suggestions for books that can help me better organize our home and play areas for my child?
Not only at home! Over the summer I went back to my old “traditional” school. I was told to get on the floor and engage; “oh you’re doing a puzzle! You have the dog! The dog says....” UGH. Nope, not gonna do it. Nice video topic :)
Thank you for this because I see family TH-camrz and their child/children who give into the child's every need..... I myself don't believe in giving your child everything they want. So thank you for raising your children right...... Can you look up a TH-camr by the name HeyMamas.... She is a new mother and her daughter rules everything her mother does....At times its hard to watch this for myself because I don't agree with how she the mother gives into her baby......As I see it she is the adult and not the baby.... But the daughter gets everything she wants......Watch her when you have time. Also I know your busy with everything with your loss but I came across your video and just wanted to comment. But your a great mother and your children are blessed to have you......
I think that these tips are great, especially the one about observing first. However, I would be interested in a proper "definition" of "independence". Is it that the child is quietly playing with a toy alone? When adults mean "independence", they kind of sort of mean that the child is unsupervised within the limits set by the adults. Even in the best possible "yes space" there are always limits and true independence doesn't necessarily care about these. Sometimes, the child just isn't interested in the toys and doesn't want to sit quietly in a room alone. Maybe she is interested in exploring the house or she is interested in interacting with other children (and can't verbally express this yet). I am wondering, when we define "independence" as playing quietly alone in a room, then maybe this works well for a certain type of personality or phase, but less for others. Our 11 month old twins are in a phase, when they aren't much interested in toys at all. All they want is crawl and climb and explore every corner of the house. They also show an intense interest in other children and other people. Therefore because it's winter we often take them to an indoor playground, where they are so active that they forget that we are even there. At home, it's much more of a challenge. To me, it seems they have a natural ability to be independent, and when they are fussy it is often because the environment is not optimal for them to be independent, and not because they are not yet capable. So I would even speculate, that independence is really the default state, and our job as parents is not to teach independence but to create the right environment and remove obstacles. And here, the environment is not a perfectly furnished Montessori room with all the fashionable developmentally appropriate toys, but the wider physical and social environment in which the child exists.
You’d want to start off by showing them how to use the materials. Then take a step back and see if they follow what you’ve shown. If they don’t get it, show them again. Until they’re able to understand how to use them. Then just step back and let them use the materials however they want. Creativity will take over but they’ll still use the materials how they’re intended. Perhaps they’ll even mix both, and that’s ok. Blocks and magna tiles are open ended toys so they’re meant to be used however they want. But so long as you’ve shown them their intended use at least once then you can let them play with it independently ❤️
Wonderful video! My son will be 3 in January and he has always been a very independent with play until recently. He’s still good, but it constantly asking me to come play with him all day. Some times he’s fine when i say not right now but other times he doesnt take it too well. He’s really into imaginary play with his super hero figurines, like alllll day every day this is what he chooses. In your experience, how could I revive, so to say, his independent play again? (Side note im pregnant so not sure if it has anything to do with this) Thank you! Your videos are amazing!!!!
Sometimes it’s just a phase they pass through, while at other times they’re just feeling less connected and need an emotional refill (esp on days where you’re occupied more than usual). It’s hard to provide specific advice without having the whole picture... but do know that there is nothing wrong with telling him you can’t play if he asks, or that he needs to wait.
Thank you. And yes I don’t feel bad if I’m actually busy, but it’s definitely hard when a tantrum follows. Thank you for your reassurance. I love watching your videos and am so inspired by you and your lovely family!
Thank you for your wonderful video! Just one question If don’t interrupt the baby or toddler, how to teach them the vocabulary or other things verbally ? Thanks
Hi dear I have watched ur videos randomly . I am actually looking for a suggestion my son right now is 14 months old and due to some extra screen time which is totally my mistake he is not taking interest in doing things like simple puzzle or even throwing balls to others. I recently blocked his screen time totally but he is still same. He loves to play with ball and stacking cups are his favourite other then that he just love to throw things down and listen to the sounds it make. Kindly tell how I will introduce montessori activities to him as I am trying to do that. How do I approach him and engage him to different activities according to his age.
If he is interested in making sounds then perhaps introducing musical instruments would help foster that need and interest. And I would also introduce different materials he is able to stack.
I think this video has a lot of interesting ideas and I like the perspective that quizzing a child while they're playing could break their concentration. That's helpful to think about. However, I do think jumping to the conclusion that parents who quiz their children in public settings might be thinking about everyone else around them, instead of just trying to help their kids and participate in their stimulation, contributes to Mom to Mom aggression that I see way too much in society. I would never assume that somebody talking to their kid is doing it for my benefit even though I know it does happen at times. I've seen that happen because I've seen the mom get really frustrated when the child didn't respond and I heard them actively comparing their child, but I've also seen people quiz their children in an attempt to be a part of their learning and they're not doing it in a performative way at all. I really hope people don't watch this and get ideas that they're going to judge others in public. We also need to respect other people's ideas on how to interact with their children and stimulate their brains, especially if they're not causing their child's distress.
Love your videos and appreciate your wisdom! Where did you buy baby Mia's toys shown in the video (soft blocks, panda taggie toy, etc)? Thanks so much!! 💕
What advice would you give if your child is happily playing independently, but then someone else would come and ask if they could play with them? What if your child is reluctant or refuses to have the other person play with them?
I have a 12 month old daycare kid, who constantly wants me to help her while she is playing. Even with toys shes played with tons before. She also screams her head off if i leave the room, even when she is with the 3 other daycare kids i have. Her constant need for attention is very draining. Any advice?
Would you recommend intervening in the child’s play if they get frustrated and start throwing the toy? Or would it be best to eliminate that toy from their play?
Question: have an 18 month old and have recently realized while I have always tried to do new creative activities with her esp after watching your videos BUT I also am stuck with how to allow her to be creative and learn learn learn while setting rules. I end up getting out play duh, or markers, or bubbles for some great fun then it ends in a meltdown because I have to correct her not to throw the play duh, eat the markers, or only allow her to blow bubbles not hold the bottle. It seems my efforts and her excitement result in a worse mood than the fun I had in my head. How do I set rules and stick to them while still allowing her to have fun and use her creativity?
Hi! I love your channel, I see all your videos more than once, they have lots of information and helpful tips. My son is 12 months can I start with the steps of independent play?
I love your bookshelf! Would you mind sharing where you get it? Mine doesn't show the book like the one you have! BTW, LOVE your videos. Thanks for sharing. It's GREAT!
Hi Ashley, I just want to say thank you again for another insightful Montessori video :). I have been trying independent play with my daughter who is almost 2 yrs. We are still doing baby steps at the moment. I would like to ask how long could Kelly play on her own by the time of 2?
Your videos are great! So informative and useful, and you explain everything so well. I would like to know want to do recommend for a smaller house. We live in an apartment, and we don’t have a space like you do (that I think it’s next to the kitchen and dining room). Our living-dining room is small, so it can’t be there, so everything will have to be in my son’s room. He’s 3 and a half, and I want to change everything in his room. He already has a Montessori bed, but it is kinda small now (it’s a transition bed), so we are going to get him a bigger one. He sleeps in his own bed, but in the middle of the night or early in the morning he comes to our bed, and we are ok with that. What should we necessary put in his bedroom (the most import things). Maybe the shelf, book case, table and his new bed?
I don't usually comment on videos I watch a lot but I just have to say, your videos are THE BEST! We have been transiitioning and implementing more and more Montessori principles with our 2.5 year old over the past year or so and I feel like you are right there on our journey with us. Your videos are super helpful, the content always exactly what I was looking for and you're just so relatable, knowledgeable and honest & "real" about certain topics, unlike a lot of other TH-camrs I find. The way you started this video is the exact reason why I love your channel so much. Please keep doing as you do, it is amazing to watch how you raise your two little girls and I am super grateful to use your videos as a guideline on the way to figuring out this whole parenting thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Regards from Germany!
Thank you so much, Sarah! 🥰 It just makes me so happy that I’m able to help other parents like you, that’s why I started making these videos. Have a great weekend!
@@HapaFamily Yes! Your channel is the best along with The Hidden Gem. Both are the best. I am thankful she does not have cancer now
@@yashodamendiratta4034 oh hello i remember reading this comment now that i am going back through this video i appreciate you mentioning her here because her videoes also helped me hahaha bless her idek how she's doing TH-cam still with the triplets now it was cool watching another Montessori mama who had an education background i wonder if her and Ashley have been in contact. Its helpful seeing her still managing to implement Montessori with triplets but seeing oscar all grown up hahaha still just in nursery but it shows the importance of doing Montessori as well as we can so that the children will be prepared for whatever changes might happen in life and if life gets busier for us we can be more relaxed about the independence of our child in thier play and our own comfort and routine with being a Montessori parent by the time it gets more busy or tricky with other challenges in life. By then hopefully we will have our flow and our child will trust our relationship and have some understanding if we explain what's happening to them they will brrr more prepared and so will we whatever life gives us.
For screen time: I like keeping a 'research note book' for questions that come up during the week such as "what does a butterfly eat?" Then when we do have tablet time we can research that topic and it can be monitored. I reckon this allows the child to know how to use screens as a tool rather than entertainment. :)
I loooved your idea. I usually just pop out my cellphone and find the answer right away, but maybe my toddler doesn´t understand whats going on exactly, so maybe is more educational to have a special time to do that.
Great idea, thank you for sharing 🎉
I am a 19-year-old who has zero plans of having children anytime soon but I still watch every video and rewatch them 😆 Love Mia and Kylie!!!
Kelsey P Same here! College student but I am so fascinated by Montessori 🖤
I've been given such horrible information from my husband's family on how to raise my girl, and even my own family. I'm so grateful for the information that you give and the wealth of knowledge from your Montessori series. 👏 thank you.
Oh my gosh I'm that parent who interrupts my son's play to tell him about shapes and helping him put them in the shape holes. Wow. Learned something new. (Although he does whine when he can't get it in the hole, and he'll keep playing with my help.) Thanks so much, great video!
I am up at 11 o clock at night binge watching this series lol. Mom life
Same!
I don't even have kids yet and I'm binge watching like 😍
Ditto, but it's 2am. 😅😂
LOL wtf I just had this exact thought right now!!! It is 11:17
11:25 and I’m here!
I’ve been really strict about screen time with my 22 month old, but you bring up really good points of the reality of life and how often we use our screens. quality content and moderation works for most things in life.
Love how real u start with. Love ur not judgmental. More power to u and love to ur girls .. from India
This video is awesome. As a former educator, I agree with your opinion on screen time and comments about the Montessori expectation for digital content. It’s always a personal decision, but as I told my parents “the digital jobs our children will have, do not even exist right now. Providing responsible use and strictly supervised exposure, teaches them to manage the addictive nature of digital tools.” ❤️ gift of boredom comment.
I color in a coloring book sometimes while my child plays. He seems to be satisfied that I’m doing a familiar task while he does something else. Plus coloring is great for reducing stress and lowering BP. ;)
Stefanie Marraccini love this comment!
Coloring is a wonderful idea, thank you. :)
This video is amazing!! your'e such an inspiration to me!! For the past few weeks I've been sorting through my sons toys and selling all the "garbage" ones. I've redesigned his room and introduced him to the Montessori floor bed and Montessori closet. And now my husband and I literally today were talking about limiting screen time and trying to introduce independent play so your video couldn't have been more timely!! thanks so much!! Love from Canada (Also I love how you really embrace Montessori learning with out being too strict. Like the whole "no plastic" rule)
I remember anytime I was doing artwork for a school project or anything (mom was a helper in the classroom) my mom would take over for me and try to show me how to do it. That’s what I remember from my childhood. Let your kids do their own thing!
I love seeing my toddlers imagination when they play with toys. So important to me to turn the TV off during creative play time
I studied in a Montessori school from Kinder to Elementary. The environment and the way my teachers taught us were really designed for us to love learning.
Our teachers combined study and play sometimes.
I watched many many of your videos when I was pregnant and I still rewatch them to remind myself some tips, because I love this approach to rising children. I try to incorporate as many things as I can, which is not always easy :) but I still see great results! The hardest part is to get grandparents to follow, as they feel such a strong need to applause my son every single time he puts two blocks together 😂
Hi,
Could you do a video on what are the best “toys” to purchase for 8month old baby + up. The Montessori way! Thank you ! Loveeeee your videos!!
Thank you so much for your videos. I have a 19 month old who wants to be in almost constant contact with me, and at this point I'm just weary. Most people I've talked to seem to think this means I need to give her more attention and entertain her more, so I'm relieved to hear that it is a good thing to encourage children to learn to play independently. Before I felt guilty for not being the mom I thought I was supposed to be, but listening to you has made me feel empowered to do what's best for my child and for me. I've been working on implementing your positive discipline tips, and I've already seen a difference. I've tried to follow tips from other resources on positive discipline but couldn't get it figured out. When you said parents should be like confident ceo's on one of your other videos, something clicked. Thank you again.
I learned about Montessori in high school, I took a child development class and we talked about all kind of theories on how to raise your children, we even visited a Montessori pre school. I loved that class so much and your videos remind me of my exams 😂 (we analyzed case studies) I also want to mention that I will imply Montessori at home for my future children (I’m 22 and not ready yet) and that I am thinking of sending them to a Montessori pre school or kindergarten but not to a Montessori school. Because in high school we also talked about all the flaws of a Montessori school system, so I decided against it. But I think implying Montessori at home is the best option so far!:)
What's On My Mind hi what are some flaws with the Montessori system?
I was a very creative child and thank my parents for giving me the materials and unstructured time to do it!
Enjoyed every second of this video! The chateau is absolutely gorgeous and the creators left with some stunning content for sure 😍😍😍😍
This is the best channel for early childhood education I have yet to come across, thanks so much Ashley for breaking things down so eloquently & demonstrating through your darling family 💕
I loved your idea with the "gift of boredom" and creating a "boredom jar" is just fab! Love your work!
We had a boredom Basket at home , it was called pair the socks or fold the tea towels .
Some really great tips in this vid, Ashley!
Particularly enjoyed your considered take on screen time.
If anyone is interested, The Hidden Gem breaks down individual Montessori schema on her channel.
I think she has 4 - 5 videos on schema, with really clear examples on what to look for etc.
Thanks for the tip, I'll watch these! :)
this is great! I also think that the child's personality plays a big role in this. An introverted child might do this independent play much more naturally than an extreme extrovert. Just something to think about if you are facing any discouragement.
Thanks so much for this video. I’ve been so obsessed with your videos lately. You’re so knowledgeable and I love all the information you have to share. You are so meant for this platform!!!! So grateful for you.
I agree completely with your statement!
I don't know how I stumbled on your channel,but I am so glad I did. Your Montessori videos are what I really needed and came at just the right time. Currently bingeing on your videos right now and can't wait to implement the açtivities with my toddlers. Thank you 😊
You are so insightful. I love how you explained how to run errands or leave the room. It makes so much sense, and I totally believe it works. You’re killing it mama
I actually think the way I raise my child from now will be thanks to this series =D
Amazing video and great insights. I have a 1.5 year of my own and looking forward to reign myself in and promote independent play
My daughter has never been into any individual activities whatsoever. She didn´t even want to play with toys or watch TV until she was about 2 years old. She is 4 years now and so far she still either wants someone to play with her or at least watch her and answer her questions and comments every 30 seconds. She is a sweet girl but you know... this can get a bit exhausting. The only thing that has ever helped to redirect her need to share every second of her life with her parents to someone else was to get her a sibling. Highly recommended. :-) And of course spending a lot of time out and supplying her with a lot of friends of her age.
Great video! Do you have any tips for how to get started with the "play independent" activity, for a toddler who loves to actively play with their parents? I feel like our son loves to play with us so much, he doesn't know which toy to pick when he's on his own, or how to build his imagination before coming right back to us and asking for "help". So I guess two parts:
1) How to encourage play-by-self rather than play-with parent.. and
2) How to re-direct or set limits in the amount of "help" they get to nudge them back to their own activity?
Thank for the great videos!!
A very good friend gave me the baby knows best book and many of the points you make are also in that book! Thanks for making these videos. We are implementing a lot of them with our 11 month old.
Girl, youre so professional! All your montessori videos are the same place and all- its super awesome! You explain them soo well without being offensive and yet beingg matter of fact! Love your videos! 🤗
Thanks for such great information!
I have a 6 week baby girl, and I made the munari mobile and the octahedron mobile for her. She really focuses on both and loved watcing them spin with the breeze.
Best wishes from Uruguay 🇺🇾
Thank you. My frustration was a max today your words really helped and gave me ideas ♡
Hi Ashley! I love this video, I think is one of my favorites so far, very helpful. I have a hard time with Alex playing independently, he constantly wants someone next to him to play with him. He does play independently, but not that often. I try to limit the screen time as much as possible, I only allow him to watch if I have chores around the house that really need to be done. Thank you so much for this parenting lesson ❤️! X
We def have some tough days around here sometimes, too! But she gets better and better every day. 😊👍🏻
Your videos have been so helpful! I wish I would have come across them sooner. I am just now trying to transition to a more montessori environment at 15 months.
Love your videos. I watch and rewatch them to remind myself the techniques. Could you make more videos on younger toddlers like one year old please?
Hapa mama,
This helped me immensely. Thank you very much for doing all of what you do and being who you are, both as an individual and as a parent. I am grateful for the knowledge you share. I first watched your positive dicipline video New Years Day evening and have not stopped reading research and watching, not only you, but other sources to help guide me through our transition to a (mostly) montessori based home. I have had these views and values since before I became a parent to my now 20 month old, and now I understand how to impliment structure into my passion. You do great work, and you look beautiful and real while doing it. 💛💚❤ One last thing, my biggest challenges so far have been one, using and instead of but, and two, understanding how to help my child learn to play and teach myself that he doesn't need to be taught (if that makes sense to you).
Take care, be well,
Britt
Your videos have so much insight and they make so much sense. I like the Montessori idea of raising children. I can't wait to have a baby of my own and implementing all these ideas and tips!
Recently I am watching all your videos.. seriously you are the best ❤️
Do u have videos talking about how to teach them to dress themselves. I feel most of the stuff are pretty easy for my daughter, the most difficult things are changing diapers and dressing them up.
I do not yet, but I can certainly add that to my list for a future video! 👍🏻😊
Looking forward to it!
U posted many videos, everything is very useful for our Montessori child... Pls post DIY Montessori videos ..it wil help my child for her growth
I posted a 31 DIY Montessori activities video for toddlers in case you are interested. Being able to introduce new activities is a great way for them to learn.
You are truly amazing, Ashley! Wonderful psychology behind these methods and Kylie’s development is blossoming. I am so delighted honestly 🤩 💗 Love your videos and your beautiful family
I have no kids but I always said my kids wouldn’t have a tablet but you changed my mind. They’ll use tablets and computers eventually
Thanks for this video. Honestly, I’ve been hearing about independent play and its importance since my daughter was a newborn. I never wanted to play FOR her so I wouldn’t engage her with her toys and so she never learned to play with them. I’m gonna try some of these pointers out. Hopefully I’ll get some downtime now. Lol
Great video and great tips! Thank you so much 😊
Absolutely love these Montessori video’s! Thanks!! 👌🏾♥️
Thank you for this video. You always upload videos that I want "to like" multiple times. Hugs :)
Your vidoes are really really helpful all the time!!! Even though I've read the toddler montessori book your videos are always big help for me to understand the concept of Montessori method! Love ya
Thank you for amazing knowledge you are sharing with us. I learned so much and got lots of inspiration!!
Wow amazing video. I just have to say this, I love your girls there soooooooooooooooooooooooooo adorable!!!
Love all of your videos! They are always super informative!
On a completely unrelated note I was wondering if you purposely leave out ads from your videos? I just wanted to say that I have sat through videos that I'm barely interested in(from other channels) including the ads and that I would definitely not mind sitting through ads while watching your videos. I know it generates more income and personally feel that you should be compensated for the amount of information and content that you provide us!!
Odd! I actually do have ads on my videos, as it truly helps to support our family and enable me to stay home with the girls and continue creating these videos for you all. However, TH-cam has all the control over who and when they display ads. So if you’re not seeing them, it’s entirely YT choosing not to show them to you. Bummer! I sincerely appreciate your support, though! Thank you! 💕
your videos are superb! thank you for your work, producing this!
Thanks so much for this video! I'm from Brazil and love your channel.
Love your Montessori at home series! Well really love all of your videos! It's so nice to find something that's speaks to me in the way I feel in my heart I want to raise my child! Your family is such an inspiration. I really need to research more into Montessori life and what kind of activities and practical everyday life things I can do with my 8mo. P.s. your kids are so damn adorable! X
I really loved this video! Thank you for sharing so may valuable links in your description. You do such an amazing job of making this digestible. Thank you!
always good motivation to watch you & learn from you! Thank you for explaining baby stuff for us, parents :)
Love your Montessori videos! Great tips and they are easy to follow. I'm new to the Montessori philosophy and I'd love to know more about how to help my 13 months old grow in a Montessori learning environment. Your videos are super helpful! Thanks for sharing! Oh and I'm also from Taiwan but living in US :)
Arghhh! Where were you when my girl was a baby? How i wish i knew these tips 2 yrs back. Wanto shout at the top of my voice so all new moms will follow your channel. Great job momma!
Thanks for your sharing!!!!! Love your video!!!!!
My notes:
Independent play is a skill that can be learned.
Appropriate amount of Independent play: 10-15 minutes to start
Playing WITH your child IS NECESSARY.
Finding the balance between Independent play and playing with her is key.
#1- OBSERVE HER
Blocks, magnet tiles, play silks, pretend kitchen...
Schemas: Throwing, stacking knocking things down ...
13:37 screen time
I went to Montessori school and we used computers. This was when computers had only black and green monitors. I try to do activities that I want my child to do. If I want her to read, I start reading my own book until she comes up to me with her own book and asks me to read to her.
Currently watching this as the neighbors scream at there daughter XD
I’m trying Montessori at home but it seems difficult to find space , and staying organized in our apartment. Do you have any suggestions for books that can help me better organize our home and play areas for my child?
kelly bates The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies!
OMG all the things I do thinking im doing so well. lol Love your videos!
This is such an informative video! Thank you for sharing!
Not only at home! Over the summer I went back to my old “traditional” school. I was told to get on the floor and engage; “oh you’re doing a puzzle! You have the dog! The dog says....” UGH. Nope, not gonna do it. Nice video topic :)
This is such a useful video.
So needed this!
I am doing all the things u said to not...🥺🥺🥺🥺 extremely helpful channel you have.
Thank you for this because I see family TH-camrz and their child/children who give into the child's every need..... I myself don't believe in giving your child everything they want. So thank you for raising your children right...... Can you look up a TH-camr by the name HeyMamas.... She is a new mother and her daughter rules everything her mother does....At times its hard to watch this for myself because I don't agree with how she the mother gives into her baby......As I see it she is the adult and not the baby.... But the daughter gets everything she wants......Watch her when you have time. Also I know your busy with everything with your loss but I came across your video and just wanted to comment. But your a great mother and your children are blessed to have you......
Very helpful video..thank u
I think that these tips are great, especially the one about observing first.
However, I would be interested in a proper "definition" of "independence". Is it that the child is quietly playing with a toy alone?
When adults mean "independence", they kind of sort of mean that the child is unsupervised within the limits set by the adults. Even in the best possible "yes space" there are always limits and true independence doesn't necessarily care about these.
Sometimes, the child just isn't interested in the toys and doesn't want to sit quietly in a room alone. Maybe she is interested in exploring the house or she is interested in interacting with other children (and can't verbally express this yet).
I am wondering, when we define "independence" as playing quietly alone in a room, then maybe this works well for a certain type of personality or phase, but less for others.
Our 11 month old twins are in a phase, when they aren't much interested in toys at all. All they want is crawl and climb and explore every corner of the house. They also show an intense interest in other children and other people. Therefore because it's winter we often take them to an indoor playground, where they are so active that they forget that we are even there. At home, it's much more of a challenge. To me, it seems they have a natural ability to be independent, and when they are fussy it is often because the environment is not optimal for them to be independent, and not because they are not yet capable.
So I would even speculate, that independence is really the default state, and our job as parents is not to teach independence but to create the right environment and remove obstacles. And here, the environment is not a perfectly furnished Montessori room with all the fashionable developmentally appropriate toys, but the wider physical and social environment in which the child exists.
Fantastic!!!👏👏👏👏👏👍😘
Great video! Thanks 😊
I love all of your videos! Question. How do you teach your toddler to start playing with blocks to form something,or the mega tiles?
You’d want to start off by showing them how to use the materials. Then take a step back and see if they follow what you’ve shown. If they don’t get it, show them again. Until they’re able to understand how to use them. Then just step back and let them use the materials however they want. Creativity will take over but they’ll still use the materials how they’re intended. Perhaps they’ll even mix both, and that’s ok. Blocks and magna tiles are open ended toys so they’re meant to be used however they want. But so long as you’ve shown them their intended use at least once then you can let them play with it independently ❤️
I wish you lived here and could do play dates. I need friends into this kind of parenting.
Wonderful video! My son will be 3 in January and he has always been a very independent with play until recently. He’s still good, but it constantly asking me to come play with him all day. Some times he’s fine when i say not right now but other times he doesnt take it too well. He’s really into imaginary play with his super hero figurines, like alllll day every day this is what he chooses. In your experience, how could I revive, so to say, his independent play again? (Side note im pregnant so not sure if it has anything to do with this) Thank you! Your videos are amazing!!!!
Sometimes it’s just a phase they pass through, while at other times they’re just feeling less connected and need an emotional refill (esp on days where you’re occupied more than usual). It’s hard to provide specific advice without having the whole picture... but do know that there is nothing wrong with telling him you can’t play if he asks, or that he needs to wait.
Thank you. And yes I don’t feel bad if I’m actually busy, but it’s definitely hard when a tantrum follows. Thank you for your reassurance. I love watching your videos and am so inspired by you and your lovely family!
Hi pls make a video on - How to handle sibling jealousy !
Thank you for your wonderful video! Just one question If don’t interrupt the baby or toddler, how to teach them the vocabulary or other things verbally ? Thanks
What activities do you recommend for a 34-36 month old?
Hi dear I have watched ur videos randomly . I am actually looking for a suggestion my son right now is 14 months old and due to some extra screen time which is totally my mistake he is not taking interest in doing things like simple puzzle or even throwing balls to others. I recently blocked his screen time totally but he is still same. He loves to play with ball and stacking cups are his favourite other then that he just love to throw things down and listen to the sounds it make. Kindly tell how I will introduce montessori activities to him as I am trying to do that. How do I approach him and engage him to different activities according to his age.
If he is interested in making sounds then perhaps introducing musical instruments would help foster that need and interest. And I would also introduce different materials he is able to stack.
I think this video has a lot of interesting ideas and I like the perspective that quizzing a child while they're playing could break their concentration. That's helpful to think about. However, I do think jumping to the conclusion that parents who quiz their children in public settings might be thinking about everyone else around them, instead of just trying to help their kids and participate in their stimulation, contributes to Mom to Mom aggression that I see way too much in society. I would never assume that somebody talking to their kid is doing it for my benefit even though I know it does happen at times. I've seen that happen because I've seen the mom get really frustrated when the child didn't respond and I heard them actively comparing their child, but I've also seen people quiz their children in an attempt to be a part of their learning and they're not doing it in a performative way at all. I really hope people don't watch this and get ideas that they're going to judge others in public. We also need to respect other people's ideas on how to interact with their children and stimulate their brains, especially if they're not causing their child's distress.
This is a great video . Thank you so much!
Loooove your content, thank U!!
Love your videos and appreciate your wisdom! Where did you buy baby Mia's toys shown in the video (soft blocks, panda taggie toy, etc)? Thanks so much!! 💕
What advice would you give if your child is happily playing independently, but then someone else would come and ask if they could play with them? What if your child is reluctant or refuses to have the other person play with them?
I have a 12 month old daycare kid, who constantly wants me to help her while she is playing. Even with toys shes played with tons before. She also screams her head off if i leave the room, even when she is with the 3 other daycare kids i have. Her constant need for attention is very draining. Any advice?
Would you recommend intervening in the child’s play if they get frustrated and start throwing the toy? Or would it be best to eliminate that toy from their play?
Question: have an 18 month old and have recently realized while I have always tried to do new creative activities with her esp after watching your videos BUT I also am stuck with how to allow her to be creative and learn learn learn while setting rules. I end up getting out play duh, or markers, or bubbles for some great fun then it ends in a meltdown because I have to correct her not to throw the play duh, eat the markers, or only allow her to blow bubbles not hold the bottle. It seems my efforts and her excitement result in a worse mood than the fun I had in my head. How do I set rules and stick to them while still allowing her to have fun and use her creativity?
Great video!
Hi! I love your channel, I see all your videos more than once, they have lots of information and helpful tips. My son is 12 months can I start with the steps of independent play?
How about learning through play. If we Don't sit by Them and talk then how are they supposed to learn new words?
I love your bookshelf! Would you mind sharing where you get it? Mine doesn't show the book like the one you have!
BTW, LOVE your videos. Thanks for sharing. It's GREAT!
My hubby built it for her first birthday! :)
Great video!😙
Hi Ashley, I just want to say thank you again for another insightful Montessori video :). I have been trying independent play with my daughter who is almost 2 yrs. We are still doing baby steps at the moment. I would like to ask how long could Kelly play on her own by the time of 2?
10-15 minutes perhaps?
Hello! Can you share the link about schemas? Thank you!!
Does the gradual separation be done every weekend? I work so it's hard to do this everyday
Your videos are great! So informative and useful, and you explain everything so well. I would like to know want to do recommend for a smaller house.
We live in an apartment, and we don’t have a space like you do (that I think it’s next to the kitchen and dining room). Our living-dining room is small, so it can’t be there, so everything will have to be in my son’s room. He’s 3 and a half, and I want to change everything in his room. He already has a Montessori bed, but it is kinda small now (it’s a transition bed), so we are going to get him a bigger one. He sleeps in his own bed, but in the middle of the night or early in the morning he comes to our bed, and we are ok with that. What should we necessary put in his bedroom (the most import things). Maybe the shelf, book case, table and his new bed?
Yes! That’s exactly what I would have suggested! :)
I love your videos! Can you please recomend some good tv programs/videos for 2year old? Thank you
We really enjoy Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on PBS!