This is the best parenting book I've read so far. It's not only a great one-time read, but it's used as a sort of reference book in my home whenever I'm looking for ideas on activities to do with my toddler or thoughts on how to handle various aspects of toddler development. And as a plus, it's beautifully designed and has strong, thick pages, which is very helpful when my toddler grabs it!
This book offers straightforward, efficient, and well-organized information about how to apply Montessori principles to toddler life, how to guide your own thoughts on parenting a toddler, and how to involve your toddler in daily life in a way that minimizes stress for both you and them.
I read some of the other reviews, a few of which mention that the book's recommendations are out of reach for some families due to income, space, or ability, and I can understand how that could be felt when reading it, because it includes imagery of beautiful (and often expensive) high-quality wooden toys, discusses buying dedicated kid-sized furniture to be set up in a serene space of their own, and invites you to give your toddler difficult tasks really early on. But, if you look to this book as suggestions and guidelines on the "complete" way to do Montessori-style playtime/kid space design/etc, then there is nothing elitist about it. This book gives the "ideal-situation" suggestions, but every kid and parent is different, so take what you like and leave what you don't.
This book actually tells you to look outside the box of conventional consumerist-style parenting, to find inexpensive or natural elements or items you already own as you work with your kid's development. Of course we don't all have the time, money, or space to do the more specific suggestions perfectly all the time, but we can find helpful advice for how to slowly incorporate these principles into our kids' lives.
Take as much of it as you want and use it as a guide, do Montessori imperfectly or as much as you want to, and this book will help you immensely along the way. I'm very grateful I came across it.
The Montessori Toddler
4.8 | 10,113 ratings
Price: 17.5
Last update: 01-11-2025
Top reviews from the United States
sarahc
Extremely Helpful for All Aspects of Toddlerhood
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021V
A Must Read! Plus the Charts at the Back are Awesome!
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
V
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019
The author's charts in the back of the book are SO helpful! She has an "Instead of this, say that" section as well as a list of suggestions of activities for your child broken down by age. I will frequently be referencing back to both of these charts. I also loved all the books she referenced to throughout her book. The ones I haven't already read sounded so intriguing that I added them to my to-be-read list. Clearly my parenting style is very in line with the author's so I found it easy to love this book.
And finally, the chapter on "Putting it into Practice" was a gold mine. The author tackles subjects like feeding, sleeping, toileting, pacifiers, siblings, brushing teeth, getting dressed, sharing, hiting, biting, throwing, clingy stages, screen time, and even how to help build skills for an introverted toddler. There were times when I wanted more from the author on a specific topic, but in those times she generally referenced further reading which works well for me since I enjoy reading. She gives such a great over-view of each topic!
All in all, this book is excellent! I would highly recommend it for any parent or caregiver of toddlers.
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Autumn
So informative!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024Brooklyn W.
Excellent read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
Andy R
Love this book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
Andy R
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
It’s also very easy to read and just something useful to have on hand.
I totally recommend this book!
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Sarah Rose
Excited to Read andnLots of Information
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
Sarah Rose
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
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Shannon T
Great resource for parents and teachers!
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2020
Shannon T
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2020
I worked at a Montessori for 5 months in 2019 and I wished I read this book while I worked there! Everything makes more sense after reading this! I felt the educators were really rigid in their ways and overall felt that the center was not the right fit for me. I like some aspects of the philosophy such as hands on learning, following the interests of the child, and encouraging the independence of the child.
My baby is almost 9 months old, and I aim to use a Montessori and STEM inspired approach with her. I want to provide her a rich background of practical life skills and language (through books mainly as replicas get too expensive).
Not everything has to be implemented from the book.
Depending on the layout of your home, I know that not everyone can afford excessive shelving and high quality Montessori toys. However, I do like the tips that Davies provides (open ended toys, focusing on the process not product, aim to beautify your space, etc) but these are pretty standard of the Montessori philosophy. I agree with another reviewer who said that you should practice whatever tips that may work in your home or lifestyle. This is just a resource and not an absolute way to raise your children.
Overall, I highly recommend this book! It’s engaging, easy to follow, has beautiful pictures, and simply inspires you to practice the Montessori philosophy at home.
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