When children are young, they are naturally curious and eager to imitate the adults in their lives. While it might seem time-consuming, this is the perfect opportunity to nurture their innate desire to learn. What a child is capable of is incredible, and the Montessori method offers a wonderful example of this.
At a Montessori preschool, my children learned and had fun with practical life lessons. They enjoyed simple tasks like cleaning floors, washing dishes, tidying tables, and caring for plants. The environment was set up to be accessible for them, and with motivation and repetition, they thrived.
I quickly realized how much we, as parents, were doing for our children at home. I learned that these same practical life skills could be taught at home with a bit of planning and patience. For young children, these activities are fun and engaging. Even if it feels like more work in the short term, the long-term results are well worth it.
By the time children are older, their interest in helping around the house often wanes. This is when parents, frustrated with messy rooms and a lack of help, often complain. I invite them to reflect: How much time have you dedicated over the past decade to instilling these habits? We cannot demand what we have not patiently taught.
Based on my experience, many parents focus on making life easy and fun for their children, prioritizing academics and extracurricular achievements. Learning to care for themselves and their home is often seen as less important, but it’s not. It makes children feel useful, prepares them for life, and fosters a spirit of collaboration and gratitude.
Teaching children to be active around the house also serves as a powerful antidote to excessive screen time. Let’s keep them busy!
Pepa