FYI: I purposely did not answer any discipline-related questions in this video, because I will be addressing the topic of discipline in a new upcoming video!! :)

1:47 What does a Montessori day look like with a younger baby? 6:23 Is shelving and display of toys/activities necessary when babies are still immobile? 9:15 How will you handle your kids being influenced by other kids not raised with Montessori practices? 11:00 Which Montessori principle changed your view or expectations on parenting the most? 14:09 Tips on cooking and doing chores while having a 12 months old? 16:21 How do you deal with toddlers wanting to have tons of toys their friends have? 17:56 Thoughts on the Pickler Tringle? 19:02 How to choose the right activities for a baby or toddler that are interesting and challenging? 20:47 What to do if we do not have a Montessori daycare available where we live? 21:40 My 15 month old is missing out on so many experiences due to covid. Any advice? 24:12 How to not feel so judged by other moms that you're doing everything wrong? 25:55 How can Montessori work with older kids and teenagers? 27:46 How much time do you spend on shelf work with a two year old? 29:50 Is there anything about the Montessori method you don't like? 33:25 Should we focus on one language at home? 36:20 How do I help my child concentrate or participate? 40:14 How to deal with Santa's existence or how to explain it to toddlers? 42:59 How do kids handle the transition from Montessori school to regular school? 44:39 I introduced the object perm box to my child and she doesn't get it even after I demonstrated. What can I do? 47:55 Do you ever loose your cool as a parent?

You are such a great teacher! I love how eloquently you explain your answers and describe the montessori philosophy.

I can imagine your girls older cooking and preparing meals for their family when they are older. Aww I have mommy happiness for you 🥰

I was terrified of the idea of Santa (and the toothfairy, easter bunny etc.) as a kid. I finally learned he wasnt real when I was about 5 and I remember being SO relieved that there really wasnt some man breaking into our house at night 😂

I love the idea of giving a child freedom ❤️

Hi! I'm 10 weeks pregnant first time mom and I'm so happy I found your channel ! You are so insightful and so honest and love your approach where it doesnt perfectly lining up with Montessori rules. You are making it easy to access an information I can easily present to my husband and know we both get a lot of good info which makes our journey as future parents become clearer and clearer. Ofcourse there is a lot unpredictability but having this mind set to start with will give us some healthy direction to fall back on anytime things dont go by the rules. Thank you so much and we appreciate your educational videos about Montessori

You answered my questions and every other question, beautifully!! Super helpful, thank you!! I love these long Q&A’s!!

Thank you so much for your last point! Sometimes I have a tough time watching your vlogs because I (wrongly) compare my daughter to Kylie and I feel like I must be doing everything wrong parenting. While I obviously don't want to see the tough moments, it makes me so relieved to know they do happen even when the vlogs feel so fun and perfect. This was a wonderful Q&A, thanks again!

Hello from Kazakhstan! Thank you so much Ashley for your videos. You’ve introduced to me Montessori approach and I love it. My baby girl is 11 month old now and I’m very happy that I accidentally watched you video for the first time when she was 6 month old and find out about this philosophy. Before that time I was lost in parenting, but now I’m sure I’m trying and giving the best I can to my child. Also I wanted to say that I think you’re wonderful mama! Your girls just awesome and cutest! Just remember that over the ocean and thousand miles away from you some mama keep learning and trying to be the best for her baby due to your videos, knowledge, experience and advises.

At about 8 years old my mom told me Santa wasn’t real and I remember being so distraught and so mad at my mom for lying to me all of those years. Even though that happened I’ve still been unsure what I will tell my kids once they are at the age where they learn about Santa. I think your method of letting them “play Santa” is a really good idea, that way they still feel that magic but aren’t being lied to

Thanks for not answering questions on this video that have the answer in other videos !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

You, little miss, are incredible. I just learned about Montessori today at 13 weeks pregnant, I'm obsessed. I've been watching your videos nonstop all day. You are such an inspiration! THANK YOU!

You are such a refreshing parenthood channel !!!!! Merci beaucoup Ashley ! I’ve started Incorporating Montessori principles thanks to you. Hello from Canada and France 🇫🇷

I now have a label to my parenting style. I was too learnt all three of babies could self engage in their home environment and to the rhythm of my day. I laid my babies on the floor, gave them time to play with out districting them before they nodding of to sleep. I had no loud background noises or device to preoccupy my attention, but always present with my children needs or discoveries. They are teenagers now and are very independent, they have after school jobs and all have saved and bought their own cars. They cook, clean after themselves and I have so much time to chat and hang out with them. A truly responsible way of raising children…the Montessori way.

I actually love this. And the way you explain the developmental stages whereby they need to do something in particular really hooked me on Montessori. The concept really clicks as something that helps adults to be more curious of their children than judgemental. I also believe the most beautiful part of being a parent is to get to know WHO is the soul they brought into this world. And support them to come into their own fully.

I remember feeling so betrayed and losing all my trust in my parents when I found out about Santa, so I love this approach of telling them from the begging that he's not real and it's pretend play people like to do.

I love how you follow your own convictions, in reference to fictional books. Some people are probably steered away if they don't feel like they can get behind this philosophy, fully. Again, thank you for your honesty and transparency.

How do you find the time to create an orderly environment. I find that it’s impossible to keep things orderly abs tidy on a constant basis. Maybe it’s because I have a back injury.

I’ve been watching your Montessori at home series since September and have been so glad to find so many videos that I can share with clients! I’ve been working in this field for about 25 years and it’s rare that I find resources that I can so confidently pass along without any qualifiers, ha! The realization that I was interrupting babies was one of the most profound. It was about 10 years ago, and I had just discovered Magda Gerber’s work. It takes so much practice to change the way we do things, but it’s so worth it. Thank you for your invaluable contribution!

Wow, you were thorough and during the holiday season! Good for you to draw us into focus.

I look forward to discipline related video💕.... Even though I have watched videos from you discipline related🤗

Great video! It’s nice to hear you’re human, I feel guilty for losing my cool, even though I do try to be positive and do positive discipline. I’m 3-6 Montessori trained, and this is great! It’s nice to visit other Montessori moms. I also allow pretend In our home as my 3 year old loves Disney Princesses. We do tell her when things are not real, and she will ask “is this real?” She has even asked if we are real, so I do hope it’s not to confusing for her! She knows dogs don’t talk even though she has watched a show with them talking. Thanks for the reminder that doing chores around my kids is good ! I will sometimes feel guilty for not playing or engaging them but this all goes along with giving them space to play, explore, and observe. I, of course, do give them my 1:1 attention daily as well.

Thank you for your videos, incredibly informative and entertaining! I'm probably 3-6 years away from having children, but rather be prepared early. 😅

Love your channel! Thank you for the great information, I’m a new mom of a 6 month old baby girl and I’ve been watching you since she was born. You’ve inspired me to use Montessori methods in our home greatly!

I was inspired to use a floor bed because of you! I just did a video on how it is going-I would love to be able to pick your brain about it!

I speak English to my kids and my husband speaks Polish to them. My three year old is highly verbal and now delightfully fluent in both languages without us doing anything special except speaking to her in our own respective languages as we go about our days together. Works like a charm!

I'm watching this in bits as I have time- two littles and I really want to absorb the information- so I may make another comment before I'm done. But, I love the "less is more" idea! When I was teaching I always kept my room welcoming but simple. My kids were overwhelmed by too much decor and too many items, so I tried to keep mine simple. It also helped my kiddos focus, many of them really struggled with sustained attention. (I taught middle school special education.)

I really like your videos. Everynight before going to bed I see your old videos, these are like stress reliever for me.Thank you so much

1 language per parent method works in my house! I was just about to ask you how to explain about Santa when you mention fantasy, thanks for covering that question!

Sending my love to you and your family 💖

I don't think I've ever been this early 😂This is a great video!

Your video and what you have to say -- Amazing. I have a 2 and 3 year old its a been a slow 6 month transition over to the Montessori lifestyle and I have been feeling less overwhelmed and hectic every day. Thank you for all your content and your videos

I had a swing and never used it either. I always just put her on the floor on front of me. It's so crazy seeing the difference in my parenting to others. I let my daughter do her own thing. Most parents I know follow their children around and don't let them explore/learn freely. This just came naturally for me. My daughter is always at the dishwasher. Been obsessed with it since was 6 months. It's so funny to me.

Play is the work of the child 🥰

Thank you so much with the subtitles because I'm from France and sometimes I don't understand very well all the things you're saying. Anyway I love your videos, having a little one I was questioning about Santa and how to explain to him that it's not real. Wishing you the best!

Oh my gosh! We are so blessed to have your videos, your wisdom and flexibility. I dunno what it was about your answer about Santa that almost made me teat up 🤣 in a good way! I guess ive just felt the same way, like i dont want to lie to my kids but at the same time i didnt want them to not be able to experience the whole Santa situation if they wanted to. That was a beautiful response 🤣🥰♥️

Thank you for answering the last question the way you did! Much love

Always so informative and insightful!! ❤️ love you guys

Here's hoping you're still making these videos /e-courses when your girls are teenagers :) Would love to see

So many great questions and answers from everyone! Thanks for taking the time sharing your opinions 💛

Thank you for answering my question! :)

Although I am waiting for a reply of my question, I loved every bit of this video. Beautifully answered. Thank you

Thank you for discussing Santa. I don't want to do Santa and I've been thinking of how I will explain to my daughter that it's pretend.

What?! Talking animals not okay for Montesorri? No Beatrix Potter? CS Lewis? Grimm’s Fairy Tales? Aesop?!!! As an artist and poet, I can’t imagine not encouraging my girls to love these things. Some of the greatest minds and creators of culture have embraced and created these kinds of fantasies. They teach moral lessons and simply inspire the heart. I’m loving what I’m finding out through incorporating Montessori techniques with my toddlers but I will always want to foster in them a love - which is so natural - of these great aspects of human expression. So long as they are meaningful, morally good, and have stood the test of time. “Art is a lie that tells the truth” after all. I hope my kids will have poetic hearts, too. As for Santa, we have no problem. We explain that St. Nicholas is a holy Bishop from a long time ago in Turkey who did very good things. As Catholics we believe St. Nicholas is alive and in heaven with Jesus and all the saint. He can indeed see us and hear our prayers along with all the saints and angels in heaven. We honor him and he continues to pray for us. Later they will understand that “Santa” is a symbol of that man who loved and still loves God so much. We will definitely continue to embrace our Catholic (and American) culture in our home in a way that works for our values. I think of many of these things as expressions of love that point to deeper truths. Children grow to appreciate the reality behind them as they become more mature. I definitely did. Fantasy is not a lie; it’s a figure thar points to the truth.

This is a beautiful video q&a, super helpful!! I would be interested in a video on the art of observing our kids, truly seeing their needs and interests, seeing where they are at in their learning. It's not of an art than a skill. Some of it has to do with resisting the "urge" to push for more more more for us as parents. Another video, maybe shorter than normal, about your whole view on the ins and outs of respecting children as full little humans. I kind of have down, but this is just a topic not present enough in the world and I would absolutely love to hear your words and passion on this ❤

Yayy! First one to comment and like! 💕 I LOVE your content!

I messed up. I was the mom always in my child's face showing them toys, singing, playing, books all the time. I thought I was doing the right thing always socializing with them. Now I have two children ages 2 and 4 who do not know how to play independently! What can I do about this now?! I have barely any time for chores and cooking is always with them clinging to me. So stressful. Help. Just found your channel and subscribed. LOVE how you give real life situations!

Your videos are always informative and enjoyable. Thanks so much!

I love your videos...its so insightful

Hello,Hapa family. You are the best❤️ I just had a conversation with my husband and I realised I've not been paying enough attention to my children's social skills. Maybe even sabotaging them a little,by not permitting them some things that other children do. What is your opinion on this subject? All the best to you and your lovely family from Serbia 😘

We decided last year not to do Santa and had a conversation with my stepson about how Santa is a fun game parents like to do but he's not actually real. His mom was very upset with us (I'll admit we maybe should've given at least a heads up to her on what we were going to do in hindsight" but we knew we weren't going to lie to him about it. This year right before Christmas we were having a conversation about the importance of honesty and how lying damages trust, and he came out with "well you're lying to me because you said Santa's not real but he IS!" Yikes 😬 needless to say it'll be interesting to see how this plays out over the years! Other than when we first told him we never bring it up unless he does so hopefully that'll take any extra drama out of the situation.

In my expirance fictional stories makes your child more imaginative which is great💕

U deserve more subscribers ! ❤️❤️❤️💕

I was raised "one language one parent" (although my mom didn't live with us after I was 8) so I was speaking German to my dad and English at school. I am 29 and function at roughly the level of a junior-high aged native speaker, which is pretty good considering I haven't really kept it up much!

The Santa thing makes me so sad. My parents were honest with me about Santa from the very beginning and I can say that it really stole the magic of Christmas from my childhood. I remember so many years of feeling totally heartbroken and jealous that other children got to enjoy it. We still celebrated and did all the 'pretend' Santa stuff but it just wasn't the same.

With covid going on, I'm ok with quite a bit more screen time for my 14 month old because we watch it together and she learns new words and concepts. Last time I counted at her 1st birthday she signed over 50 words independently. (Dad and I both know asl) We can't go to the zoo but she can watch a nature show and and will sign all the animals names. We dance to her favorite elmo songs and she can watch Daniel tiger go to school. We of course read books too but libraries are closed, books are expensive and pbs kids is free and has no commercials.

So torn with how to manage the whole Santa/Easter bunny/Tooth fairy thing. On the one hand as you say, don't want to be 'lying' to them. And I do remember at school learning that Santa wasn't real, and then having this weird divide im my mine between me and my mum, that she was continuing this facade which I knew to be false. But, I also remember Loving the magic of Santa and (in particular) the tooth fairy. So...Im not sure. Perhaps I will still have it until they are approaching school age, so at least I know I will be the one to explain it properly, rather than them finding out elsewhere...Yeah still not sure. :)

I think letting them help with chores is great but I say danger when it comes to taking things out of the dishwasher. The first thing I think of is a knife

wow, gréat. Loved this real video,

Cooking with a one-year-old...learning tower! If he cant touch what I'm cooking, he gets his own bowl and spoon next to me, but my 15 mo stirs (cooked) meat on the hot stove and he knows not to touch the pot!

So very helpful. Thank you!

8:00- 3-4 things available for them to play with

Hi Ashley! I've been listening to your videos over again while setting up my 15 month old and 3 month old's space in our new home. The biggest issue I'm having is with my 15 month old and the shelving system. He loves helping out around the house, but he enjoys taking everything off his shelf (we have a 6 compartment KALLAX set up in our living room) and the activities just get mixed up on the floor. My husband and I are both WFH, and every opportunity we have we try to show him the steps - remove the tray from the shelf, bring it to the floor, finish the activity, return it to the shelf...however, he doesn't follow through without instruction every time. Do you think this is just an age thing and will go away eventually with constant reinforcement? I just feel alone having this issue and haven't read about anyone else going through it!

Loved the advice!👌

Yeah pandemic made us to get confined to home. I don't even dare to think of taking my baby(23m) on to the road coz of people without masks/socialdistancing. I feel bad about that. Luckily my cousins live next door n they have a toddler of Kylies age and they sometimes have a play date.

Thank you Ashley! That is all :-)

I want to have a montessori home envirnment. I just feel a lot of pressure in the sense that i have a ring stack and it isnt wooden and basic. Its soft and has crinkly. And part of me is thinking oh i have to throw every item out!! That isnt wooden and plain color. It doesnt seem right. Help! Im new to this. I think im over thinking it in that sense.

thank you. i love video

Thank you. Great video :)

Love from India

Long-time memory only develops around 4 years old, so it's no wonder that we do not remember anything from when we were 3 or younger. ;)

Great video 💛 thank you 💛

Very helpful!

I am so glad you don't lie to your kids about Santa! When my dad realized Santa was not real, he was very upset that his parents had lied to him. For this reason, my parents told me the truth from the start. I am not a parent yet, but I think talking about Santa would be a great way to foster critical thinking in children. Talk to them about how he can't be real because reindeer don't fly, he wouldn't be able to visit every house in one night, not every house has a chimney, etc. It teaches them that not everything they hear is true and that we don't need magic to enjoy life.

Any activity suggestions for a 1-year-old baby who is interested in anything and everything that rolls (he'll turn his toy car over and spin the wheels, he'll chase balls around the living room, he'll turn nobs)? It's the ONLY thing he's interested in right now!!!!

Hi!!! I love your Chanel and the way you explain it all. I’m having quite a lot of self doubt and I can’t be constant with some things depending on the day. Plus I’m the one that works in the family so the question is this. Can I educate my 19months toddler girl the Montessori style if my husband doesn’t follow what I tell him the ‘Montessori’ way is? I find it exhausting and it makes no sense to me that we teach her different things. Should I be concerned? Is this even worth the extra effort? Thanks a mill. I really feel frustrated and overwhelmed sometimes. But mainly I feel so so confused. Thanks again!

Absolutely loved this video. Montessori is very interesting to me. I’m not a Montessori mom but I like some of the Montessori ways of teaching. What’s your advice on starting when your children are in my case 6 yrs old and super spoiled with toys and does nothing for her self? I know it’s my fault but I struggled for hrs to have a baby and when I finally did boy did I spoil and baby her. I have a newly turned 1 yr old and I’m very interested in doing things differently with him as well as doing things differently with her. The change is probably not gonna go smoothly. Any tips?

*** I have learned so much from you already through your vlogs however, I am just starting to learn Montessori. What books do you recommend I start reading. Could you suggest a few. In order of which to read first. Please and thank you!

happy

Hey Ashley I would like to ask what do we use as nappies for new born babies. I have a 20 day old baby and I am eager to know the Montessori way to it

Sorry if this has been asked, but just watching through. When you gave up baby sitting devices, would you include baby carriers in that? I love attachment patenting and having my baby close as much as possible. We love baby wearing. Is that going to hinder them later on or during their processes of learning?

Question, pls: How does Montessori habdle religion? Because, just like Santa, that is a believe too.

How much socialization does a toddler need if they are in a home Montessori environment?

What if they have a lot of toys that grandparents, ect buy them? What do you do with all the other toys that aren't displayed neatly / in the current rotation?

Hi I enjoy so much watching your videos and learned a lot. I tried to get rid of most of the devices that contains my 8 mo old son, except the car seat, the stroller and the high chair. I heard that you got rid of the high chair as well. I have a dog that sits right next to us when we eat and wait for the food to be dropped. The few times that I fed the baby on the floor I had to leave the dog outside. Also my son is super active and energetic if he’s not in his high chair while eating he would crawl/climb around for 5 minutes between each bites. Do you have any idea on how I can feed him in a Montessori way? Or What would you do? Also I do the baby led weaning, so for the most part he eats on his own except some foods that has to be given by spoon like his am oatmeal. Thank you in advance

How did your first daughter adapted to montessori approach since she wasn't used to it from the start? I do little steps with my 4 month old son and I am sad for doing everything the opposite from the start. Now I think he is already used to me being the main entertainer.

I never ever heard about the baby holding stuff. SO interesting!! What did you use in leau f the high chair?

It's been a while since you posted this video. I got to it later. I would have a question to you, maybe you can help. I have been into Montessori and there are things that we do at home. My toddler is 21 months old and since he was under 1 year old he was into spinning objects. Following my child's need I provided some car toys and some days I have the feeling that nothing else would interest him. I am a bit worried that there might be skills that he will not aquire due to the fact that he focuses on play with cars. Any advice on this matter?

Please tell us, how you prepared play dough

I love and understand the freedom of movement thing for babies but it’s so hard and feels impossible for us. :( I have a 4 year old, 3 year old, and 9 month old. We have a small house and the play space is shared. When my older two are trying to play, for example build something with blocks, he crawls right to them and gets it and messes them up unless I find a way to keep him from it :( Also with this age how do you deal without a high chair since he’s eating foods but not able to handle sitting in a little chair yet without falling off? Love your videos!!

I need help my 2year old likes wining when his dad is around doesnt want him to move always to be carried by him or daddy play with me all the time.He is so frustrated

Go grocery shopping anyway with them. That's what I do but I'm a single mom of twins

My baby is 14 months old and he doesn't want to stay inside home he wants to go out and I have to carry him all over the day . What can I do for him?

Do you have any videos about setting up a shared space for your toddler and newborn? I am expecting in a couple months and have no idea how to create a Montessori space. My toddler will be 24 months and she loves little toys and lots of them (ex: tea set, play food, doll accessories, peppa pig characters, etc.). I’ve tried the traditional Montessori toys and she does not care for them at all. Anyway, we only have one space to play so how do I safely let the baby roll around on the floor when the toddler’s tiny toys are all around??!!

My 13month boy constantly gets up from his table in between bites (IF HE EATS) please help!?!!!

14:00

This is rly not related but do u have tips for when kids go through big changes in their life? My 14month old will be starting daycare 2 days a week in jan and at the end of Jan we’re also moving house.

31:00 could you give a list of books you recommend

Mottesorrie for elementary school