“Montessori for Life.” It sounds like I could be shouting across a crowded square from a soapbox but actually, my method of delivery is much quieter. I’m a writer. I spill my heart onto the page which means that my passion and beliefs flow through my words.
Today I’m taking a step back to appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to embrace Montessori in my own life whilst allowing my daughter to follow her desired path.
I consider myself very lucky to have Lola. She really is my reason to get out of bed in the morning, she is the reason I persevere with self-employment and she also, in her seven-year-old wisdom, has a bright view of the future and of what we are capable of.
Yesterday she reminded me of this. You see, we have a dream of owning a house in France and whilst I understand the reality of attaining this goal, Lola has absolute faith.
I was cooking dinner when she appeared.
“Mummy, I just thought you should know…WHEN we have our house in France I’ll need a room for my sewing things.”
There was no hint of doubt as her eyes met mine and I felt the smile on my face trigger my own feeling of belief as she said those words.
The foundation Lola is building through being in a Montessori environment is one that will carry her through life. Being taught practical life skills and the importance of communication and respect are paramount to our very survival; I fear that as our youth are increasingly addicted to technology these fundamental tools are rapidly depleting.
It goes far deeper than that though. Learning to read and write is something that carries us well through life. To be encouraged to explore and experiment rather repeat parrot fashion can only create bright sparks for the future. I am grateful for Maria Montessori and for her gift to us of research and theories. I often think about how great it is that for my child, “normal” is following her interests and indeed thriving while doing so.
Embracing Montessori for Life.
When I talk about Montessori for life I am not referring to the finer detail of structure and setting up our homes. I personally believe in the bigger picture, about facing challenges head on and exploring solutions. About always having our eyes open to the world around us and taking every opportunity to learn and grow. In addition, I watch with interest such projects as the Montessori for Dementia AMI program which in itself is a testament to the longevity of Maria Montessori’s work.
Over recent years, I have invested in training as a coach and have undertaken coaching sessions myself, all in a bid to figure out what I really want to do and how to do it. Self-belief and confidence are issues that have besieged me over the years and now I am finally doing what I love. I am writing – inspiring children and their families to learn and spend time together. It doesn’t get much better than that for me.
Every family is different. We all have financial and personal commitments which impact us, but you always have a choice. You can always make changes, even if it is one step at a time. Taking the theories of Montessori with us through life means that we allow ourselves time. Time to reflect, to grow and to follow our passions. Time to be with our loved ones.
My goal is to help families do exactly this. The articles I write are here to benefit you as you face challenges, and to inspire you to live in the moment and learn with your children. I aim to dip into the great lessons at every opportunity, and when I do, I’ll share with you.
Put simply, I want to inspire others to have the confidence to follow the path they believe in. I’d love it if you joined our community too, so please join us by entering your details in the form provided.
It’s early days here but finally I’m following my dream of living my own version of Montessori for Life.
Our Montessori Life. Exploring Collioure, France.
