Articles from July 2022

July 29, 2022

Montessori Considerations for Renovations Part 1

Montessori Considerations for Renovations Part 1
Just about 10 years ago, Morgan and I bought our house. At the time, we had one small toddler and a couple little dogs. Since that time, we've welcome four more children into our family and so many changes have taken place. When we bought the house, we knew that it needed a fair amount of updating and we've slowly worked over the last decade to make the house really work for our style and needs.
July 26, 2022

Four For Summer: Favorites to Wear, Play, Read, and Learn

Four For Summer: Favorites to Wear, Play, Read, and Learn
The summer season is short and oh so sweet here. The amazing thing about where we live is that we really get four full seasons. It's as hot in the summer (into the 90-100s F frequently) as it is cold in the winter (with weeks below 0.) This time of year we are enjoying popsicles, sunshine, water, and being outside as much as possible. In celebration of my personal favorite season, here are a few favorites for this wonderful season for both toddlers and preschoolers. 
July 25, 2022

Shelf Help S2 Ep 24 - Montessori Parenting When Everyone is Sick

Shelf Help S2 Ep 24 - Montessori Parenting When Everyone is Sick
Amy and Nicole have been dealing with sick children the last few weeks. In this week's episode, we talk about how we approach sick children as Montessori parents. This conversation includes how we relax our parenting expectations, how we prepare our child's environment, and how we give medication when children struggle to take it. 
July 22, 2022

Montessori Parenting: A Few Sick Baby Things

Montessori Parenting: A Few Sick Baby Things
It's been a long couple of weeks here in the Kavanaugh house. We've had our second round of Covid for a couple of kids which was no fun. But then Penelope also got sick. And as hard as it is to have big kids that are sick, it's even harder to have a sick baby. Well, one trip to the emergency room for a fever and cruddy breathing later and we found out that she has a summertime case of RSV. Ugh. The RSV was tough enough but it led to a double ear infection that is making for long days and even longer nights. 
July 19, 2022

Montessori Toddler - Obsessed with Clive and Rosa

Montessori Toddler - Obsessed with Clive and Rosa
At nearly 3-years-old (how!?) reading books is a big part of my day with Theodore. Especially since Penelope was born, reading while I nurse has become a big part of our routine. Teddy is still mostly into cars, trucks, and all things that go and many of the books he chooses are related to that theme. But lately, something new is starting to take over and I just had to share - the Clive and Rosa books. 
July 18, 2022

Shelf Help S2 Ep 23 - Being the Child's Advocate in Social Spaces

Shelf Help S2 Ep 23 - Being the Child's Advocate in Social Spaces
It can be a challenge to navigate social spaces with children. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about all the ways that they advocate for this children in public. Whether the interaction is with between two children, between our children and another adult, or even ourselves and another child we talk about some of the Montessori inspired strategies we use to make sure everyone is treated with respect. 
July 15, 2022

Montessori Babies and the Outdoors - The First Six Months

Montessori Babies and the Outdoors - The First Six Months
There is so much beauty and fun in nature for children. Nature is perfectly perfect for all sorts of sensory exploration and learning. In so many ways, the outdoors provide the most perfect prepared environment. But, it can be easy to think this only applies to older children - those children that can walk around and explore on their own. This doesn't have to be true. Babies - even newborns - can be brought outside to enjoy the beauty and wonder that is nature. 
July 14, 2022

Practical Life Hack - Toddler Measuring Made Easy

Practical Life Hack - Toddler Measuring Made Easy
Over the last several months, Teddy has finally becoming more and more interested in participating in practical life activities around the house. I know it doesn't really matter and comparing children is a useless practice, but he has been a little slower to show interest than Gus or Nora were. So, it's been fun to finally have him join in to some of our favorite practical activities. But, the thing about Teddy is that once he gets started in a particular practical life work that he enjoys, he has a lot of difficulty stopping. 
July 02, 2022

How Long Do We Use Montessori Baby Mobiles?

How Long Do We Use Montessori Baby Mobiles?
As Penelope gets older, the more she wants to move and explore the world around her. A couple of weeks ago she started rolling, she can scoot backwards, and her grasping skills improve by the day. It is clear as I observe her that her newborn days are far behind her. She is moving forward and on from life as she knew it in here pursuit of developing herself.