Sometimes you got to be the bad guy (or gal).

In today's Insta-worthy world, we tend to want to present things as always "perfect". But in what fantasy land do children, or us adults, never mess up?

The reality is, real perfection includes falling down. And that's why in Montessori it's OK for children to make mistakes along the way, like accidentally spilling things.

What a missing boy taught me about childhood

As a teacher, what to do with a boy who's cussing in the classroom?

Sandra Girlato's got a funny and super insightful story on that.

As a parent, what to do with a child who won't put on her shoes before leaving the house? Sandra got a story on that, too.

How to get children to eat any kind of food? She's got one on that.

How to help children care for others — genuinely, without lectures? She has a story around that, too.

If you don't know Sandra Girlato — mom; grandma; Montessori teacher; Director of Training at Canada's Foundation for Montessori Education, the organization founded by the late Renilde Montessori, Maria Montessori's youngest granddaughter — then it's time to get to know her.

Or at least to hear some of her awesomely insightful, and sometimes hilarious stories from over the last 30+ years of work with children.

"Remember that every day is a new day, and we can start again. Whatever you didn't like from the day before just change it the following day." Gaby Velazquez

Gaby is a longtime mom, AMI Montessori trainer for ages 0-3, and the guest on our latest episode of The Montessori Education Podcast.

A few of the topics/questions covered: ~"I just don't have time — what do I do?" ~"Is my child behind language wise, and how do I aid him?" ~"Montessori at home — what's that like?" ~"How do I help my child become a great eater?" "Did Maria Montessori herself have anything to say about early eating, e.g. baby-led weening?"

-What is a Montessori assistant -- what is his/her role? -What happens when an assistant disagrees with a head teacher or guide -- and what happens when real conflict arises between them? -Should assistants speak with parents, or is that solely the job of the head Montessori teacher or administrators?

These and other big questions about assistants in the Montessori classroom are asked and answered in this super practical yet also deep discussion about the job of an assistant.

Episode is especially for teachers and administrators (and curious parents) of children from birth through elementary.

Sometimes what we think is the problem is not really the problem.

Digging deeper into the things that might stress us out, that might bring on strong emotions.

"The real preparation for education is a study of one's self." Maria Montessori

"When you see good, collect yourself and absorb what you've witnessed. When you see what is ungood, allow yourself to feel the upset and then look within." -adaptation of Xunzi, student of Confucius

As a teacher or an administrator it's wonderful to hear a mom or dad say, "I want to go back to school here."

Today's guest Bridget Dangel — longtime Montessori educator, school owner, and mom — shares her experience running a chill, home-like Montessori school that no doubt often brought on this kind of parent feedback.

We're so focused on political life but what about our own personal lives?

As Maria Montessori said, "We all need to be changed."

#children #parents #teachers #knowthyself

So many parents choose Montessori school for their children's preschool and kindergarten years, but what about Montessori for elementary and beyond?