The Montessori math curriculum is one incredible part of a Montessori education. From concrete to abstraction, children use hands on mathematical materials to learn the ins and outs of mathematics. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy dive into the world of Montessori math explaining a little about how it works, why it works, and how we support our children's mathematical minds at home. 

Find show notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-help-ep-32-beauty-of-montessori.html

Nicole and Amy are back from fall break to talk about the holidays! In this week's episode, we are catching up and sharing how we approach Santa in our homes. While every Montessori family will find their own rhythm when it comes celebrations. We also address the Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny. Honest Santa discussion starts at 23 minutes. Show Notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-ep-31-our-approaches-toward-santa.html

Nicole and Amy are celebrating 30 episodes of Shelf Help this week with a question and answer session. We are answering a bunch of questions about budgets, getting spouses on board with Montessori, sound games, and so much more. 

Find Show Notes Here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/10/shelf-help-ep-30-your-questions-answered.html Shelf Help will return from fall break on October 26.

Amy is feeling really pregnant lately, so this episode, we check in about how she is preparing for baby. From the perfect age gaps between children to baby must haves, Nicole and Amy discuss the things you need and don't need for baby. This discussion includes our Montessori thoughts on baby bath tubs, socks, sleep sacks, and more traditional "must haves." 

Find show notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/10/shelf-help-ep-29-preparing-your-baby.html

Sometimes it's important as a parent to let go of a little control and say yes to your kids. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about the power of saying yes as Montessori parents. We explore the benefits, challenges, and opportunities that come along with really and deeply following your child. 

Show Notes can be found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-28-being-yes-parent.html

How do open ended toys fit into a Montessori home? What is the deal with pretend play? What kinds of open-ended toys are best? What should you look for when considering adding open ended toys? In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy answer these questions and dive into the world of pretend play and open-ended toys. 

Show Notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-27-montessori-and-open.html

Toddlers are so different from babies, and their environment needs to change to meet their needs. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about the transition into toddlerhood and children's changing needs as they turn 1-year-old. From gross motor needs, to practical life and toys, we explore everything you need to know for your young toddler. 

Show Notes Here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-26-transitioning-to.html

It can be a huge challenge to balance work and parenting. Parents can feel so much guilt being pulled between their children and their work. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss working motherhood. We address how we balance work, children, housework and relationships in our Montessori home. And, share our experiences with working both inside and outside our homes.  

Find show notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-25-balancing-parenting.html

A capsule wardrobe is a small and intentional wardrobe for each member of your family which can align well with Montessori parenting. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss why they have decided to use capsule wardrobes with their children. They give tips on how they create their capsules, including how laundry works, and the number of options they need. 

Find Show Notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/08/shelf-help-ep-24-using-capsule-wardrobe.html

An important part of parenting is dealing with big feelings and emotions from your children, especially around limit setting. In this week’s episode, Nicole and Amy discuss limit setting in Montessori environments and how they gently and respectfully respond to big feelings and limit testing in their homes.They give some examples of how to respond to tantrums, hitting, and sass around limits. 

Find Show Notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/08/shelf-help-ep-23-handling-big-emotions.html