Maria Montessori believe the 0-6 age group was absolutely crucial in the grand scheme of human development. She felt that the impact of nurturing this child was key to their ability to become a fully realized adult.

In her time, this was a revolutionary idea! Most educators placed very little emphasis on the development of the very young child, and instead focused more on education starting in the elementary years. She often said with a huff, “People think of children as little nothings!” It infuriated her that young ones were often sent away to play while other people did “real work.” She felt that this was a true and deep disservice to the child, who just wanted to be with adults, watching and doing the same things.

The Casa Is Born

Her answer to this problem? Maria created a special prepared environment for children, which she called the Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House.

She did believe that a home environment was the best environment for the child. And yet, she also believed that the parents of her time period were incapable of catering to children and giving them the freedom and attention they needed to develop into their best selves — either because of societal norms, or just because they were too busy. She felt children needed school in order to ensure they had the type of space children need in order to learn and engage deeply. 

Was Maria Right?

If you mean right about children needing a prepared environment in order for them to flourish, I raise my hands and give her a double high-five! Modern neuroscience research has proven her educational methodology correct.

Are parents as feeble-minded as she seemed to think?

Sorry, Maria, but no. We’re not.

Across the globe people are flocking to Montessori principles, not just because of the pretty toys, but because it is now common scientific knowledge that the first 6 years of life are crucial. We get it. And we’re doing our part to make it happen.

There are non-profits a-plenty devoted to early childhood education, and parent coaching and courses are readily available online. It’s even more evident in the evolution of how parents discipline their children, as positive, gentle discipline techniques become the norm and generally accepted best practice.

It is more than apparent that parents are capable of giving that loving, freedom-based, prepared environment to their children at home.

A Legitimate Option: Homeschooling

As a trained and experienced Montessori guide, I chose to educate my own children at home. There were a lot of factors that went into this decision (financial and otherwise). As a parent coach, I get letters every week from parents who are debating whether they can provide their children the same benefits as typically received in a Montessori school.

I keep reaffirming: you don’t have to put your child in a Montessori school to allow them to flourish in a Montessori life.

This is not to devalue the Montessori classroom or the work of certified educators in any way; I love Montessori schools! Peaceful, prepared child-friendly spaces with respectful, thoughtful adults available to guide them are wonderful, healthy places for children to learn. If your child is joyfully enrolled in a Montessori school, please don’t ever feel pressured to leave behind that experience.

This article is to encourage the parents who aren’t certain they are capable of learning these skills and implementing them in their home.

Trust the Child, Trust Yourself

We always say in Montessori that you should trust the child, and follow the child’s lead. This is true! It’s also true that as a homeschool parent, you have to trust yourself. It’s just as important that you trust your instincts as it is that you trust your child. It is a piece of the equation that I think is missing from so many Montessori conversations.

This is one of the biggest reasons that I spend so much time chatting with parents and encouraging them to own and trust their journey. Trust that you know the right path for your child, and trust that you know the right path for yourself. It’s right there… you just have to tap into that magic!

It takes deep work and intentional living, plus meditation on goals and dreams, but that’s all part of the journey.