22/03/2021
MONTESSORI MONDAY
💫Observation is the key to supporting the development of your child.
🧐Anyone can absorb information from a book, an online course, an article, a paediatrician BUT if you pay attention and OBSERVE your child’s play, eating habits, sleeping habits, and social habits, you may learn many new things about their development. This, in turn, will allow you to reflect on how you might best support them on their journey through childhood. ✌🏼
🧐While trying to engage with our children, it can be easy to fall into patterns in which we begin directing their play.
👉🏼Every once in a while, sit back and watch as your child plays. You may notice them using their toys in surprising ways, and this may give you insight to their interests and maturity.
🧐Similarly, it can be tempting to jump in and help any time your child spills something, falls down, or struggles to do something.
👉🏼Instead of rushing to the rescue, WAIT, see if their struggle turns into a need for help, or if they figure it out alone.
🧐Keep in mind that sometimes hard work takes a lot of effort and completing a hard task creates a great feeling of pride around it.
👉🏼While watching your child, keep an eye out for things that might unnecessarily cause difficulty, for example, your child will fully feel the satisfaction of completing a puzzle as long as none of the pieces are missing.
👉🏼They will build self esteem from their achievements as long as they are the ones who get to complete every step.
🧐 So when your child is playing or engaged in a task, try to get down on their level and watch.
👉🏼Are they concentrated?
👉🏼What is it that's drawing them in?
🧐Give them all the time they need to explore, repeat and try something new.
👉🏼Remember that your child has their own process and that the activity is fulfilling a need within them, even if you don't understand what that need is yet.
🤫Quietly retreat and observe from a distance or leave them to work alone.
🧐Watching to see what our children are capable of and nurturing their independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.💞
✌🏼 Slow down, observe, and enjoy those moments. 🙌🏼