A Montessori Kid

To say that I have been enlightened by our new adventure at Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori would be an understatement.  A year ago, I would not have dreamed of letting Elizabeth use the iron.  But now that our household and school life is under the direction of the Montessori Philosophy, interesting events like this happen daily around here.  Elizabeth asked if she could iron the napkins. Let me emphasis, she ASKED if she could iron the napkins practically begged me. I instantly shot off an excuse.  "It's really hot today. Do we really want to make the house hotter?"  Then I thought there is something going on inside Elizabeth that I am not aware of that is asking her to iron these napkins.  Just give up the control.  That is what it is about.  Following my kids instead of imposing my parent agenda on them.  This kind of focused work does wonders for her.  When things start to get hairy around here, I will think of a focused work we could do together.  Not only are they happy they get to help with an 'adult' chore, they are ready for the rest of the day.  They want to be a part of what we are doing.  Toys don't bring them satisfaction.  We all love how we feel after a good days work.  Children feel the same way.  Here is a great website for some ideas of what children really are capable of For Small Hands.  If you have small children, you will be inspired!