Parent Workshops
Join us for workshops that bring Montessori parenting to life.
A Word to Begin
“I do not believe there is a method better than Montessori for making children sensitive to the beauties of the world and awakening their curiosity regarding the secrets of life.” — Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Peace Prize winner
Here you’ll find a gathering of articles and resources written for parents — current and prospective — exploring Montessori philosophy as it reaches beyond the classroom into your home, your limits, and your everyday relationship with your child. We draw on a century of Montessori thought, from Dr. Maria Montessori herself to contemporary writers, to support you in the vital work of nurturing your child’s development.
From the Parents Corner Library
Dr. Maria Montessori: A Historical Perspective
“To aid life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself, that is the basic task of the educator.” “My experiments, conducted in many different countries, have not been going on for forty years (ed. now eighty-five years), and as the children grew up parents kept asking me to extend my methods to the later ages. We then found that individual activity is the one factor that stimulates and produces development, and that this is not more true for the little ones of preschool age than it is for the junior, middle, and upper school children.”
Brief Answers: What Do Montessori Schools Mean by “Normalization”?
“Normalization” is a Montessori term that describes the process that takes place in Montessori classrooms around the world, in which young children, who typically have a short attention span, learn to focus their intelligence, concentrate their energies for long periods of time, and take tremendous satisfaction from their work. Written by K.T. Korngold.
What Makes a House “Montessori”?
A mother reflects on how Montessori philosophy can shape home environments, making your home more compatible with your child’s Montessori experience. Written by Kathryn J. Kvols.
101 Things Parents Can Do to Help Children
Practical actions you can take at home to support your child. Written by Barbara Hacker.
Limits: What Are They?
Limits tell your family under what conditions you are willing or unwilling to do something — where you “draw the line.” They tell what you will or will not tolerate; their purpose is to take care of you. Written by Kathryn Kvols.
9 Things to Do Instead of Spanking
Research from Dr. Murray Straus at the Family Research Laboratory affirms spanking teaches children to use aggression and violence to solve problems, perpetuating more violence and linking to low self-esteem, depression, and lower-paying jobs as adults. Written by Kathryn Kvols.
An Open Letter to Parents: The Importance of Montessori
Dr. Riane Eisler, best-selling author and internationally acclaimed expert on human rights and human possibilities, writes that over a century ago, Dr. Montessori discovered children are not empty vessels but intrinsically motivated doers — and that hands-on environments valuing choice, concentration, collaboration, community, curiosity, and real-world application produce lifelong learners. Written by Maren Schmidt.
The Santa Claus Question
“I’ve never gotten a present from Santa Claus,”said Iliana, my 12-year-old seatmate on an east coast flight. “My parents thought I should only be given verifiable facts. They told me there is no veracity in Santa Claus.” A reflection from the Parents Corner on imagination, honesty, and what children take from the stories we tell.
A Scenario Worth Considering
Mom is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Ten-year-old Ryan comes in and asks for a candy bar. How do you respond — with a limit, a redirection, or a connection? Moments like these are where Montessori parenting is lived. When you know your limits and your child’s deeper needs, the everyday becomes a chance to guide rather than to command.
Questions Parents Ask
What do Montessori Schools mean by “normalization”?
“Normalization” is a Montessori term that describes the process that takes place in Montessori classrooms around the world, in which young children, who typically have a short attention span, learn to focus their intelligence, concentrate their energies for long periods of time, and take tremendous satisfaction from their work.
What are limits?
Limits tell your family under what condition you are willing or unwilling to do something. They tell your family where you “draw the line.” They tell them what you will or will not tolerate. Their purpose is to take care of you.
Why avoid spanking?
Research from Dr. Murray Straus at the Family Research Laboratory affirms that spanking teaches children to use acts of aggression and violence to solve their problems — it only teaches and perpetuates more violence. It further shows children who have been spanked are more prone to low self-esteem, depression, and accept lower paying jobs as adults.
Go Deeper with Our School Community
Parent-Teacher Association
Connect with other families and support our school community.
The Owl News
Read our school newsletter for updates and parenting insights.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Partner with your child’s teacher during our conference schedule.
Bring Montessori Home
Explore our workshops and resources, or talk with us about your child’s journey at The Montessori School of Hamilton.
Parent Workshops