A Book Review by Kelly Griffith-Mannion, M. Ed.<\/p>\n
As a Montessori mom, I’ve just found the perfect best friend \u2014 a well-informed, articulate “Montessorian,” always ready to give me succinct, detailed advice on how to pull off the best parenting job ever! Well, all right. My new best friend is an invaluable book from the Sandpiper Press:\u00a0.<\/em><\/p>\n This little list of inspiring ideas reminds me, in the midst of a full and busy life, what parenting is all about: the children! Who are they? Where are they in their development? We parents easily become so involved in what we are doing\u00a0for<\/strong>\u00a0the children or\u00a0to<\/strong>\u00a0them, we forget there’s a person in there. If, instead, you can “slow down and work at your child’s pace<\/em>” (Tip 25), decisions are simplified and the burden of trying to be the perfect parent is eased. We all want to understand each of our children and serve them well. These pithy tips help us keep the perspective we need to be successful \u2014 now that’s a gift for both parents and children!<\/p>\n Written in celebration of the Montessori Centenary and compiled from the suggestions of AMI teachers, this book is a great body of wisdom. The numbered tips are organized by age groups (developmental “planes” in Montessori-speak). Read it cover-to-cover and you’ll begin to see the common threads of what children need and how to best support those needs both practically and philosophically. Or keep your new “best friend” handy and find support whenever you want sound advice.<\/p>\n As I browsed the book, what really jumped out for me is how often I get busy and distracted and stray from these simple parenting principles. “Include storytelling in your family’s daily routine<\/em>” (Tip 58) is only a little more challenging than watching a movie together \u2014 it helps to be reminded just how much that little extra effort is worth! Reach for these core ideas in a moment of weakness and make sure it’s an easy resource to find when your real best friend wants some advice from an experienced Montessorian.<\/p>\n \u2014Kelly Griffith Mannion’s credentials include a Montessori Primary and a Lower Elementary Credential, as well as a Master’s of Education in Early Childhood, Montessori Education. Kelly has worn many Montessori hats, acting at various times as a teacher, administrator, teacher trainer, and board member. Her favorite and most challenging job is Montessori Mom and her current passion is founding a public program, River Montessori Charter School, in Petaluma, CA.<\/p>\n \u2014Originally Published 2009<\/p>\n