Episode 334: How to Raise Strong, Self-Reliant Children Using the Montessori Method w/ Anne-Laure Schneider

Many parents don't know which route to take when it comes to teaching their children how to become more independent and responsible. Is there a way to teach this from an early age without putting too much pressure on the child? How can we teach kids to see work from a different point of view? And most importantly, what should be our expectations regarding what our children can do given their age? In this episode, Anne-Laure Schneider speaks about how she became a Montessori educator and how the Montessori method can help you raise independent-minded children.

3 Things We Learned From This Episode

Takeaway 1 (05:18-06:40)

If we don't like the context, why not change it? If the schools our children go to aren't providing the level or the type of education our children need to grow, we have to become more proactive about it. This sometimes translates to teaching ourselves how to help our children improve their learning processes and become more independent.

Takeaway 2 (17:20-18:24)

The biggest misconception about the Montessori method is that it doesn't let children live out their childhood. But many children love to help their parents out, and pretend they want to feel like adults too. For them, it's all a game, even when they do chores. There are so many things children can do at an early age, but as parents we are afraid of seeing our kids grow up too fast.

Takeaway 3 (10:53-12:03)

Children can be easily taught to do their own things, like work on their own projects while we work as well. Empowering children to do some things on their own not only helps them become more confident in their abilities, but it also prevents them from constantly trying to get our attention while we do our chores.

Children are often underestimated. At times, the best way to teach them something is not to constantly nag them but to let them experience the consequences of their actions. And as parents this is tough because we have a tendency to be overprotective.

The Montessori method does the exact opposite. It allows children to make mistakes and gives them bit of responsibility around the house. All of this helps them prepare for adulthood.

Guest Bio- Anne-Laure Schneider initially started off as a scientist, with a degree in Logic from the University of Cambridge. But after she had her first child, she fell in love with the Montessori method, which was used at the preschool her child attended. This is how she started her journey to becoming a Montessori educator and getting certified. In the present, she helps moms by sharing her Montessori courses online so everyone can benefit from this teaching method without having to attend a school.