Resources for Parents

Raising happy, confident, kind, and resilient children.

What is the secret formula to raising children who are happy, confident, kind, and resilient? It seems that our society has been in search of an answer to this question for ages, and while there may not be a perfect answer, we appreciate Dr. Maria Montessori’s wisdom when she said, “The greatness of human personality begins at the hour of birth.”

Below you will find a number of resources for parents at every stage in the journey – whether your child be a newborn or they’re off to college. We know that parenting can be tough and our mission is to not only support our children in their journey, but also yours.

Click on the links below to jump to the section you are interested in:

Parenting for the 21st Century – articles and blogs for all ages and stages
Birth to Toddlerhood – 0 to 2 years
Early Childhood – 3 to 6 years
Elementary Years – 6 to 12 years
Adolescence and Beyond – 12+ years
Videos – videos relating to Montessori and parenting
Podcasts – podcasts on raising children
Our Book Shelf – books we recommend

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Parenting for the 21st Century

Articles and Blogs we recommend for all ages and stages.

"The Milestones that Matter Most"

"The Milestones that Matter Most"

The Huffington Post

On the value of teaching children self-reliance and consideration of others, among other things.

"Inspiring Creativity: Raise A Trailblazer"

"Inspiring Creativity: Raise A Trailblazer"

Parents Magazine

On the importance of creativity and how to let it thrive through giving children, among other things, more freedom and less praise.

"Reasons Today's Children are Bored, Entitled, Impatient with few Real Friends"

"Reasons Today's Children are Bored, Entitled, Impatient with few Real Friends"

Victoria Prooday

An Occupational Therapist’s perspective on what can be done to help children foster more meaningful connections.

"Raising a Self-Disciplined Child: Why Peaceful Parenting?"

"Raising a Self-Disciplined Child: Why Peaceful Parenting?"

Aha! Parenting

On more effective ways of raising a self-disciplined child than traditional punishments. 

"The Hidden Benefits of Girl-Boy Friendships and How to Foster Them Between Children

"The Hidden Benefits of Girl-Boy Friendships and How to Foster Them Between Children

A Mighty Girl

A blog post on the importance of girl-boy friendships and the language parents can use when talking to their children about them.

"Why the Founders of Threadless, Kickstarter See Montessori as Entrepreneurship Education"

"Why the Founders of Threadless, Kickstarter See Montessori as Entrepreneurship Education"

ChicagoInno

An article on entrepreneurship in Montessori education.

Kids Talk Blog

Kids Talk Blog

Maren Schmidt

A blog on practical, put-it-into-action advice and insight about raising and interacting with children.

Birth to Toddlerhood (0 to 3 years)

 

The early days are a time of tremendus growth and change in your baby. Parents often have so many questions as they enter into parenthood, and since each week is something new, it can be hard to keep up with your growing little one!

As your child progresses into the toddler years, they are eager to do for themselves. Setting up your home environment so that they may be independent in as many day-to-day tasks as possible will help to lessen your load and make them feel like they are contributing in a meaningful way.

Take a look at the blogs and articles below for details on different parenting styles, setting up your home environment for independence, and more.

"What Parents Can Gain From Learning the Science of Talking to Kids"

"What Parents Can Gain From Learning the Science of Talking to Kids"

MindShift

A discussion of the “Thirty Million Words” concept.

Aid to Life Blog

Aid to Life Blog

Supporting the Natural Development of Children

A website that we find especially helpful for infant and toddler parents.

"10 Best Toys for Children that Promote Creativity and Learning"

"10 Best Toys for Children that Promote Creativity and Learning"

Chalk Academy

A list of ten natural toys that promote open ended play for your child.

"Toileting can start earlier than you may think"

"Toileting can start earlier than you may think"

Greenspring Montessori Blog

Watch our parent talk on toilet learning “boot camp” and start your child as early as 12 months.

"Setting up each room of your home to support your child's growing independence"

"Setting up each room of your home to support your child's growing independence"

Greenspring Montessori Blog

Are you looking for easy ways to increase your toddler’s independence around the home? Setting up your home environment for independent work is a great place to start.

"Continuity is Key: Your Toddler's Daily Routine

"Continuity is Key: Your Toddler's Daily Routine

Greenspring Montessori Blog

Setting up a schedule in partnership with your child can help them feel connected.

Early Childhood (3 to 6 years)

During this stage of development, children are eager to absorb knowledge quickly and effortlessly from the world around them. These children are sensorial explorers and desire to work with their hands.

Below are some of our favorite articles and blogs on independence, separation anxiety, contributing to the home, and starting school.

Aid to Life Blog

Aid to Life Blog

Supporting the Natural Development of Children

A website that we find especially helpful for infant and toddler parents.

"Classroom Decorations Can Distract Young Students"

"Classroom Decorations Can Distract Young Students"

Scientific American

An article on a study in Psychological Science, finding that highly decorated classrooms aren’t good for concentration.

"Kids can, and should, help out around the house"

"Kids can, and should, help out around the house"

Inlander

An article describing the ways in which children can contribute in the home, and how starting early is best. 

"Dressing for Success"

"Dressing for Success"

Baan Dek Montessori School

A “how to” article on giving children the freedom to dress themselves, while setting clear limitations in order for them to be successful.

"Repetition and Patience"

"Repetition and Patience"

Villa de Maria Montessori School

A blog on the importance of repetition for children in mastering new skills.

"The Birth of the Scientific Mind"

"The Birth of the Scientific Mind"

Forest Bluff School

An article on introducing the child to science.

Elementary Years (6 to 12 years)

During the elementary years, children are developing their socialization skills and beginning to explore new hobbies and interests. Learn how to support their growing desire to interact with the world beyond your doorstep.

Below are a few articles on service, socialization, Montessori education, and STEM education. 

"How to Fall in Love With Math"

"How to Fall in Love With Math"

The New York Times

On the value of immersing students in mathematical ideas.

"Montessori Builds Innovators"

"Montessori Builds Innovators"

Harvard Business Review

An opinion piece on why Montessori classrooms helped to spark the innovative spirits of Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, Jimmy Wales, and Julia Child.

"Struggle Means Learning: Difference in Eastern and Western Cultures"

"Struggle Means Learning: Difference in Eastern and Western Cultures"

KQUED Public Media for Northern California (an NPR/PBS affiliate)

On benefits of allowing children to struggle.

"Parents and Teachers Pass on Math Anxiety to Kids Like a Virus"

"Parents and Teachers Pass on Math Anxiety to Kids Like a Virus"

A Mighty Girl

A look at the language we use around math in the home and at school.

"The Montessori Mafia"

"The Montessori Mafia"

The Wall Street Journal

An opinion piece on the importance of Montessori education.

"STEM Educational Initiatives and the Montessori Method"

"STEM Educational Initiatives and the Montessori Method"

Originally posted on NAMC Montessori Teacher Training Blog

An explanation of STEM initiatives in the Montessori environment.

Adolescence and Beyond (12+ years)

The adolescent years are full of physical and mental growth as your child transitions into early adulthood. Changing hormones, emotions, and energy levels are often new territory for many parents. Below are several articles to support you and your ever-changing adolescent. 

"Kindrid Spirits: Middle Schoolers and Toddlers"

"Kindrid Spirits: Middle Schoolers and Toddlers"

Montessori Rocks

The parallels between the middle school years and toddlerhood. 

"How to Connect with a Teen That Doesn't Want to Talk"

"How to Connect with a Teen That Doesn't Want to Talk"

Hand in Hand Parenting

The teen years are filled with growth, change, and often anxiety around parent connection. This article walks parents through ways to connect with a teen who doesn’t want to talk.

"Why Soft Skills Matter: Making Your Hard Skills Shine"

"Why Soft Skills Matter: Making Your Hard Skills Shine"

Mind Tools

An article on the importance of soft skills in the workplace and how to build them up. 

"Gender stereotypes are destroying girls, and they're killing boys"

"Gender stereotypes are destroying girls, and they're killing boys"

Originally posted on USA Today

A look at worldwide gender stereotypes and their impact on adolescents. 

"What it means to 'Be a Man': How Male Gender Stereotypes Try To Fit Growing Boys Into A Mold, And Fail"

"What it means to 'Be a Man': How Male Gender Stereotypes Try To Fit Growing Boys Into A Mold, And Fail"

Medical Daily

A look at male gender stereotypes in adolescence and what parents can do to support their adolescent into adulthood.

"How a Montessori Adolescent Program Prepares Students for High School"

"How a Montessori Adolescent Program Prepares Students for High School"

Montessori Rocks

Learn about how Montessori Adolescent programs prepare middle schoolers to transfer to high school.

Videos

Below are a few of the videos we love. Catch a glimpse inside of Montessori classrooms and learn more about what makes the Montessori approach different than conventional education.

Podcasts

For the parents who are on the go, we highly recommend these Podcasts. 

The Yes Brain: How To Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience In Your Child with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

The Yes Brain: How To Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience In Your Child with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Dr. Dan Podcast

Dr. Tina Payne, author of The Yes Brain, talks about how to encourage children to approach life with openness and curiosity.

Our Book Shelf

Below are a few of our favorite books on parenting, Montessori philosophy, and child development. Email us at inform@greenspringmontessori.org if you would like to lend a copy from our Library.

The Absorbent Mind

The Absorbent Mind

by Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori Method

The Montessori Method

by Dr. Maria Montessori

Montessori Madness

Montessori Madness

by Trevor Eissler

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

by Angeline Stoll Lillard

Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood

Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood

by Paula Polk Lillard

How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way

How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way

by Tim Seldin and Vanessa Davies

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