Montessori Views on Infant and Toddler Behavior: A Parent and Caregiver's Role

Times have changed, and science has made great progress, and so has our work; but our [Montessori] principles have only been confirmed, and along with them our conviction that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems, among which most urgent are those of peace and unity, only by turning its attention and energies to the discovery of the child and to the great potentialities of the human personality in the course of its formation. ~ Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

Over time, we have received a few inquiries about managing toddler behavior. What we find most alarming in the nature of some inquiries is that what may be very natural behavior at this age is, at times, considered problematic. It seems that these inquiries focus on discipline and control of the child, when in fact it may be more appropriate to return to the principles of Montessori. This brings our attention to the very special role that parents, educators and caregivers have in the lives of very young children.