The Kavanaugh Report

There are so many beautiful examples of Montessori shelves on the internet. Beautiful toys, work, and materials for children of all ages to use and explore. But, why should the inside shelves have all the fun? The Montessori approach was never supposed to be limited to perfectly curated little indoor playrooms. Nope, the method was for all children in all places. Her early classrooms included an indoor/outdoor flow that many of us wish we could still find today. 

One of my greatest pleasures in being a parent lately has been watching motor skills naturally unfold. There is so much concentrated hard work happening that it really is incredible. I mean, seriously, these tiny babies just watch us move, absorb it, and work with their own reflexes/instincts to make it happen. They fail over and over again, but don't give up until they've got it. I will say, however, that watching the natural gross motor development of climbing unfold has been inconvenient than some of the other stages. 

This week on our Montessori parenting podcast we are talking toddler tantrums.  It is normal for toddlers to have a lot of feelings. Sometimes they e extreme joy, and other times it's frustration, anger, and sadness. In this Montessori parenting podcast, Amy and Nicole talk specifically about toddler tantrums. As the prepared adult, we need to respond to tantrums with respect and love. In this episode, we discuss how to address your child's emotions, how to approach an upset child, and the role that our environment plays in causing tantrums.  Show Notes... Sometimes I Cry, Sometimes I Laugh Respectful Mom Sensitive Periods from Birth to 6 Shelf Help Handling Big Emotions   Thanks for joining me for today's podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share and leave a review in your favorite podcast app.  If you are interested in finding Shelf Help in a podcast app, it is available on  Apple  |  Spotify  |  Stitcher  |  Google  |  Amazon .   *Shelf Help

You know I love to be outside with my children as much as we are able. No matter the time of year, we try to be outside at least a bit throughout the day. When my kids are babies, it's so easy just to pop them on a blanket or into a carrier to get outside. It's when they move into toddler territory it's when things start to feel really tricky. Young toddlers - that is 1-year-olds - they are on the move. They climb things, they put things in their mouths, they don't necessarily listen to you right away. Getting outside with your young toddler can feel like a huge task. 

As a Montessori parent, much of my life revolves around how I use Montessori principles to influence my home and parenting. But, I also love Montessori schools and the materials that Dr. Montessori created for children. At this point, three of my children attend Montessori schools full time and it's always my greatest joy to be able to get into the classroom and observe. Recently, I was able to observe in a Children's House classroom and it struck me how many myths about Montessori preschools were broken in even the short time I was there. 

Spring is in full bloom here which means that summer is right around the corner! And with spring and summer come gardening work for me and for my family. The more we are outside these coming months, the better. In our Montessori home, the backyard just becomes an extension of our house - a place for all sorts of practical life work. In order to make that happen, we need the right sized rakes, brooms, and gardening tools so my children can actively participate in the work of the family. 

We know through both Maria Montessori's writings and observations and through modern science that children learn best through their senses. As their bodies experience the world with their senses, their body gives important feedback to their brains. This feedback helps to create connections in the brain that are the foundation for all future learning. It is through and by sensory feedback that children come to understand the world that we live in. As Montessori parents, we can help our children learn and grow by supporting their developing sensory systems in our homes. 

This week's Montessori parenting podcast:  For Nicole and Amy, spring is here and so is nicer weather. So they are getting outside with their Montessori kids as much as possible. In this week's mini-episode, Nicole and Amy share their top three favorite outdoor activities. These Montessori friendly choices are fun for kids of all ages and can be done in a variety of spaces to work for your climate and space.  Show Notes... Natural Playscape   Splash Pad Balance Bike Toddler Scooter Children's Garden Developing the Senses - Proprioception   Developing the Senses - Vestibular Maximum Effort Our Outdoor Water Toys   Thanks for joining me for today's podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share and leave a review in your favorite podcast app.  If you are interested in finding Shelf Help in a podcast app, it is available on  Apple  |  Spotify  |  Stitcher  |  Google  |  Amazon .   *Shelf Help now includes  automated ad breaks. We do have control over t