Montessori at Home

5 Simple Ways to Support Your Child’s Independence

Our top 5 tips for families with children 0 – 6

At Melbourne Montessori College (MMC), we believe a Montessori education extends beyond the classroom and into the home.

We recently spoke with our Early Learner Educator, Leanne Tarran, who shared some valuable insights on how parents can support their child’s development through the Montessori at home approach.

Drawing from her extensive background in early childhood education, Leanne emphasises the importance of creating an environment that nurtures independence, self-expression and a love of learning.

In Montessori, the guiding principle is ‘Follow the child’. But what does that really mean for parents? It’s about observing your child’s interests, tuning into their needs, and providing the right balance of support and space to foster their growth.

Here are 5 ways in which you can bring these principles into your home.

1. Create a Montessori-friendly environment

One of the best ways parents can support their child’s Montessori journey is by setting up their home environment to encourage exploration and independence. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how children experience the world around them.

Organise for independence

• Low shelves and accessible tools: A key part of Montessori at home is creating an environment where children can access toys, books and materials independently.  Storing items on low shelves where your child can reach them encourages autonomy and sufficiency.
• Child-sized furniture: Whether it’s a low table and chair for meals or a floor bed for sleep, providing furniture that fits your child’s size helps them feel more in control of their environment and encourages independent actions.

The power of choice

Montessori encourages children to make choices based on their developmental stage. Offering simple, age-appropriate choices empowers children and gives them a sense of agency.

• Food choices: Instead of offering only one option for meals, provide a selection of healthy snacks for them to choose from.
• Clothing options: Let your child choose between a few outfits, allowing them to express themselves while learning to make decisions.

2. Establish daily routines: teaching independence through practice

The beauty of Montessori at home is its approach to daily routines—these moments can be opportunities for your child to practice essential life skills.

Encourage self-help skills

• Self-feeding: Provide your child with age-appropriate utensils, like a small spoon or a bowl with straight sides, which are easier to manage. Give them plenty of opportunities to practice feeding themselves.
• Dressing: Encourage your child to dress themselves, even if it takes longer. Little steps like putting on socks or a jacket can be empowering.

Supporting nappy changes

When it comes to nappy changes, try using a standing position where the child actively participates. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of responsibility and helps your child feel they are part of the process.

3. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities

At Melbourne Montessori College, we understand that mistakes are an essential part of the learning process. Allowing your child to try new things, even if they don’t get it right immediately, helps them develop resilience and a love of learning.

Practicing through repetition

Children thrive on repetition. As part of Montessori at home, allow your child to practice an activity, such as spooning or watering plants, as many times as they need to feel confident. One child spent 15 minutes spooning objects from one dish to another in a Montessori playgroup. The parent later shared how much more capable the child had become in using a spoon at mealtimes. Repetition leads to mastery and self-assurance.

Learning from mistakes

Whether it’s creating a small puddle of water from overfilling a watering can or spilling food while practicing self-feeding, Montessori encourages a calm, supportive response. These moments are opportunities to practice responsibility and problem-solving and this builds confidence in young children.

4. Implement Montessori practices beyond the classroom

Montessori isn’t just about activities or tools—it’s about the values we instil in children. Parents can apply Montessori principles at home by fostering respect, kindness and understanding in everyday interactions.

The role of calm and connection

Young children need support in managing their emotions. When they feel safe and understood, they are more likely to self-regulate. As part of the Montessori  at home approach, parents are encouraged to remain calm and composed, as children are highly sensitive to adult emotions. Your calm presence helps create a secure environment where children feel supported.

Respecting the child’s autonomy

At the heart of Montessori is the child’s need for autonomy. Whether it’s choosing their activities, making decisions about their day, or solving problems on their own, fostering independence is essential. When children feel respected and trusted, they develop a strong sense of self.

Guiding your child with kindness and consistency

Montessori encourages a balance of kindness, firmness, and consistency. As Leanne explained, “We are always bigger, stronger, wiser and kind.”* Parents can follow their child’s lead but also provide necessary guidance and limits to ensure a safe and nurturing environment.

We are always bigger, stronger, wiser and kind.

Providing loving guidance

While we want children to explore and grow independently, they also need gentle, consistent guidance. This balance of autonomy and structure is key to helping children thrive.

5.  Adopt the Montessori motto: “Help me to do it myself”

At the core of Montessori is a child’s inner drive for independence. The Montessori motto, “Help me to do it myself,” captures this desire. By embracing Montessori at home, parents can provide the right environment, support and encouragement, you help your child build the skills, confidence, and self-awareness they need to grow.

—

About Leanne Tarran

Leanne Tarran is an Early Learner Educator at Melbourne Montessori College. She is passionate about early childhood development and supports parents in nurturing their child’s independence through Montessori principles. In addition to her Early Childhood Degree and Montessori 0-3 Diploma she has also studied RIE and the *Circle of Security approach and continues to be a lifelong learner.