Encouraging Independence in Toddlers, the Montessori Way

Posted on 11/08/2017

mom helping small kids with projects

It's a strange thing, isn't it, the way these tiny human beings whose lives we nurture so soon come up with their own opinions and desires? While we sometimes wish for toddlers to be able to be more independent, we often inadvertently keep them from doing just that. After all, independence is exactly what they want, too. Of course, we often have to temper that desire in order to keep them safe, but other times we can encourage it with simple principles that Montessori educators embrace.

toddlers playing in large sandbox

Put Items at Their Level

Clothing, books, toys, and other items to which your child needs access can be placed at a level where your child can reach those items. Not only does this reduce your child's need to ask for your help, but it allows him or her the feeling of self-reliance and increases safety by reducing the temptation of climbing to reach desired items. In the bathroom, this might mean using a sticky-back hook to hang an extra hand towel where your child can reach it. In the kitchen, it may mean keeping some dishes and snack foods in a bottom cupboard or drawer so your child can set the table and get a snack on their own. Inside that cabinet, you may want to hang a pint-sized broom and dust pan so your child can clean up any messes that result as well.

toddler boy and girl reading a book

Provide Suggestions, Not Assistance

Of course, sometimes your assistance will be needed, but other times, your child can actually complete a task independently. What's needed? Usually, it's a little extra time. If you plan accordingly to allow extra time for self-care tasks and other jobs which your child can do independently, you might be surprised how much he or she improves, simply by being able to do things themselves. Instead of jumping in to help, offer gentle suggestions like, "If you sit down, that will probably be easier," or, "Try putting your coat on before your gloves, next time."

toddler girl riding a carousel

Offer Limited Choices

Toddlers want to be in charge. Of course, they can't be, but we can help them feel a little more in control of their own lives by offering limited choices. Perhaps they absolutely have to wear dress clothes to a particular function. Instead of telling them that (and risking a major power struggle), you could set out two possible outfits, and let them choose. Not only do they get to have that feeling of autonomy, but they also get to keep from feeling overwhelmed as they might if they had more choices in view.

These basic concepts can extend beyond your child's bedroom to every room in the house — but it certainly starts in the bedroom. With kid-friendly quality bedroom furniture from The Bedroom Source, you can encourage Montessori-inspired independence for your child.

Bedroom Source in Carle Place, NY

The Bedroom Source

Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children's and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable Smartstuff collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child's dreams.

Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by submitting our online contact form. We're a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you're dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Nassau, Suffolk, the 5 Boroughs, Southern Westchester, Southwestern Connecticut & Northern New Jersey.