Welcome to My Montessori Journey
Hi there! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. If you’re a parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the endless parenting advice out there, or if you’ve been searching for a more peaceful, intentional way to raise your children, you’re in the right place.
My name is Sarah, and I’m a parent, Montessori advocate, and lifelong learner dedicated to helping families embrace the beauty and simplicity of Montessori principles at home.
How It All Started
My Montessori journey didn’t begin in a classroom—it began in the chaos of early parenthood. Like many new parents, I was exhausted, uncertain, and drowning in conflicting advice about the “right” way to raise my child. Should I use time-outs or gentle discipline? Flash cards or free play? The endless toy options alone were enough to send me into decision paralysis.
Everything changed when I stumbled upon a quote by Dr. Maria Montessori: “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Those words stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had been unconsciously doing everything for my child—hovering, rescuing, preventing struggle—all in the name of love.
That moment sparked a deep dive into Montessori philosophy, and what I discovered transformed not just my parenting, but my entire perspective on childhood. I learned that children aren’t empty vessels to be filled, but capable, curious beings ready to explore and learn when given the right environment and the freedom to do so.
My Montessori Education & Training
Determined to understand Montessori principles beyond surface-level Pinterest activities, I pursued formal training and certification. I completed [AMI/AMS certification or relevant training program], which gave me a comprehensive understanding of child development from birth through adolescence.
But my real education came from implementing these principles at home with my own children, now ages 15 and 19. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, purchased toys that weren’t truly Montessori-aligned, and had moments where I completely abandoned the “follow the child” principle in favor of just getting through the day. And that’s okay—because Montessori parenting isn’t about perfection.
What You’ll Find Here
This blog is my way of sharing what I’ve learned, both from my training and from the messy, beautiful reality of raising children with Montessori principles. Here, you’ll discover:
Practical Implementation: Real strategies for bringing Montessori into your home, even if you don’t have a Pinterest-perfect playroom or unlimited budget.
Product Reviews & Recommendations: Honest assessments of Montessori materials and toys available on Amazon and beyond. I test everything with my own children and prioritize quality, purpose, and value.
Age-Appropriate Activities: Hands-on activities and ideas for children from birth through elementary years, organized by developmental stage and skill area.
Real Talk: The challenges, setbacks, and imperfect moments that come with Montessori parenting. I believe in keeping it real because glossy perfection doesn’t help anyone.
Child Development Insights: Understanding the “why” behind Montessori methods, rooted in research and observation of how children actually learn.
My Montessori Philosophy
I believe Montessori isn’t just an educational method—it’s a way of seeing and respecting children. At its core, my approach centers on these principles:
Follow the Child: Children are our greatest teachers. When we observe carefully and respond to their needs and interests, we create powerful learning opportunities.
Prepare the Environment: Our role isn’t to entertain or constantly teach, but to create spaces where independent exploration and discovery can flourish.
Respect and Trust: Children are capable of far more than we often give them credit for. Our job is to trust the process and resist the urge to rescue or rush.
Simplicity Over Excess: Less is truly more. A few purposeful, open-ended materials beat a playroom full of flashy toys every time.
Grace and Courtesy: These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential life skills that we model and practice daily.
Beyond Montessori: Our Family Life
When I’m not writing about Montessori or researching the latest educational materials, you’ll find me experimenting with sourdough baking, attempting to keep our herb garden alive (with varying success), and trying to practice the same patience with myself that Montessori encourages us to extend to our children.
We live in the Pacific Northwest, where we enjoy weekend nature walks, visiting local farms, and spending far too much time jumping in puddles. Our home is a blend of Montessori-inspired spaces and the delightful chaos that comes with real family life. You won’t find Instagram-perfect shelves here—just well-loved materials, works in progress, and the occasional mess that signals deep engagement in an activity.
My partner James has been incredibly supportive of our Montessori journey, even when it meant giving our toddler a real knife for food preparation or watching our preschooler struggle with a task for twenty minutes without intervening. It takes a village, and I’m grateful for ours.
Why I Created This Blog
There’s so much Montessori content online, but I noticed a gap between the theoretical, classroom-focused resources and the reality of implementing these principles at home as a working parent. I wanted to create a space that bridges that gap—a resource that’s:
- Accessible: You don’t need a dedicated playroom or hundreds of dollars in wooden toys to practice Montessori at home.
- Realistic: I share what works and what doesn’t, the failures alongside the successes.
- Comprehensive: From product reviews to philosophy to practical activities, I aim to be your go-to resource.
- Community-Oriented: Parenting can be isolating. I want this to be a space where we learn together and support one another.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear about your Montessori journey, your questions, and your challenges. This blog is as much for me to learn from you as it is for me to share what I know.
Feel free to reach out via the Contact Page.
A Final Thought
Montessori parenting isn’t about being perfect or having the ideal setup. It’s about shifting our perspective, trusting our children, and creating an environment where they can become who they’re meant to be. Some days you’ll nail it. Other days, you’ll default to screens and shortcuts. And that’s okay.
This journey is about progress, not perfection. I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside you.
With respect and encouragement,
Sarah S.
P.S. – Have a question about Montessori parenting or want me to review a specific product? Drop me a line at [email]. I read every message and do my best to respond to each one.
