Mommy Do It! Developing Perseverance In Young Children
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The development of perseverance as a life-long skill starts when children are very, very little. By offering opportunities for independence and assistance only when necessary, we guide our children along this path.
Child development, however, is never a linear process. Sometimes our children go through phases where they are begging for our assistance when we know that they are perfectly capable of doing the activity themselves.
What is a Montessori parent to do when there are multiple cries of “Mommy do it!” or “But I can’t….”?
In this episode, I read a letter from a mama who is worried that her previous use of praise, such as “Good job” and interrupting her child too often during work has led her child into feelings of incompetence.
Dive in as I offer some insight on typical child behavior at different stages of life and tips for effective parenting.
The Montessori Magic for today is an exploration into the classic dressing frames, a practical life activity.
Come join me as we find the calm and help our children learn and grow.
Parenting Tips for DEVELOPING Perseverance
Excessive praise, good jobbing, stickers, treats, and rewards can be addictive and can take away the intrinsic motivation for learning new skills.
The road to independence can take much longer than we would expect!
Children often have regressions in this area somewhere around age 3, during this transition time when they begin to understand the world in a more conscious way.
When your child says, “Mommy do it!” or “I can’t do it,” she might be asking for more emotional connection and reinforced attachment instead (i.e. it might not actually be about the skill itself).
Resistance to doing things alone is normal for all humans! When was the last time you asked a friend or spouse for support, even though you knew perfectly well that you were capable? Don’t we all need somebody to lean on?
DIY Dressing Frames
First, take a look at the classic set of Montessori dressing frames.
You can make your own dressing frames from a thrifted picture frame, a bit of fabric or thrifted clothing, and some basic crafting skills.
Even lower-budget: you can also drape a coat or piece of large clothing you already own over the back of a tall dining chair.
The skills you are teaching in an isolated manner might be buttoning, snapping, zipping, lacing, tying a bow, hook and eye (velcro)-ing, and/or buckling.
