Whether it is a change in routine, family structure, a new home, or other circumstances, it can be difficult for our children to understand and handle change. Even something that seems small or insignificant to us (such as a new blanket at bedtime), can cause some children stress or anxiety. While older children may be able to verbalize their feelings, younger children may not. More often, younger children will show their unease rather than tell us that there is something wro

As a parent of an almost 7-year-old, I find myself in a myriad of conversations with said child about what’s fair. Scratch that. What’s unfair. There are moments when I run scenarios through my head trying to figure out how “fairness” even came into play. It’s easy for me to forget my child’s understanding of fairness is still a work in progress. Although a sense of fairness develops around the age of 7, his concept of fairness is still developing along with other social skil

"The reason for following Montessori ideas and practices, then, is not to be a better mother or father or to have a better child, or even because as a parent you love your child so much. It is because you respect your child and what he represents in the continuum of human life." -Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen, Montessori From The Start, 2003 These words struck a chord with me when I read them. So much so that I had to write them down. Then I had to read them aga

Respect for the child is one of the basic principles of the Montessori Method. Maria Montessori strongly believed that children should be treated with respect. Respecting a child helps develop trust, strengthen relationships, and build self-confidence. Here at OakHaven, we strive to demonstrate this in many ways. Every detail of every lesson is carefully designed for the child and his needs. Each word spoken to a child is carefully and respectfully chosen. Every aspect of the

I admit that I have a lot to learn about raising children. Like most of you, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve. So I’ll share with you what we’ve been doing at home that seems to be effective (and is still a work in progress!) In our culture I see many examples of adults who are teaching children to be guided by “external” motivators - a reward/punishment system. Some examples would be: - Reward - “Johnny, if you pick up your room like a good boy, I’ll let you ha