FAQs
We love questions so much
we save them here!
We may have the question already answered below,
but if we don’t, please ask away! We are happy to help.
Montessori parenting focuses on supporting a child’s independence, curiosity, and natural development. Instead of entertaining children constantly, Montessori environments are designed so toddlers can explore, practice real-life skills, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers experience a strong developmental drive for independence. Psychologists sometimes call this the autonomy stage, when children want to practice real-world skills such as dressing, eating, and helping with daily tasks. This is why many toddlers suddenly insist on feeding themselves or refusing help from parents.
Many toddlers struggle with independent play because their attention span and emotional regulation are still developing. Some toddlers also need a carefully prepared environment with simple activities they can explore on their own.
You can read more about this in our article on why toddlers don’t play alone and how to encourage independent play.
Food throwing is common between 12 and 24 months and often relates to cause-and-effect learning, curiosity, or communication when a toddler is finished eating.
Providing child-sized utensils and giving toddlers more control during meals can often reduce this behaviour.
Montessori toys are typically:
• simple
• made from natural materials
• designed for one skill at a time
Examples include stacking toys, threading beads, busy boards, and practical life activities.
Many families find Montessori environments helpful for neurodivergent children because they focus on calm spaces, sensory regulation, and self-paced learning.
You can read more in our guide to Montessori-inspired sensory toys for autistic toddlers.
Toddlers often ignore instructions because their brains are still developing the ability to control impulses and focus attention. This behaviour is usually related to developmental stages rather than deliberate defiance.
Our article Why Your 2 Year Old Ignores You explains the science behind this stage.
A Montessori-inspired newborn space focuses on simplicity, calm surroundings, and opportunities for early exploration. Instead of filling the nursery with many gadgets, Montessori environments typically include a safe sleeping space, a movement area on the floor, and a few simple visual elements that encourage a baby to observe and interact with their surroundings.
Many parents choose a floor-based movement space with a soft mat, a mirror, and a small mobile to support early sensory development and freedom of movement.
You can see a full example in our guide to creating a Montessori bedroom for a newborn.
Montessori principles can begin from birth, even though many people associate Montessori with preschool classrooms. In the early months, Montessori parenting focuses on preparing the environment so babies can move freely, observe their surroundings, and gradually participate in daily life.
As children grow into toddlerhood, Montessori approaches often include practical life activities, simple toys designed for concentration, and opportunities for independence in everyday routines like dressing, eating, and play.