The Montessori Toddler

This book has changed our lives for the better, pretty much overnight. I have an especially strong willed 16 month old, and while I feel I've been coping ok with some of the big toddler themes (ie. strong emotions, increasing autonomy) I've had a nagging sense that things didn't have to be quite so hard and that I wasn't really meeting my daughter's needs. This book has given me the tools to do exactly, and to meet my own needs as well. It's helped me to see how I can reorganise our home and life to make things more harmonious for all of us, and given me some very simple but incredibly effective techniques for dealing with some of our biggest challenges (such as nappy changes). It's beautifully written and put together - it really felt like a treat to read - and (like many of the best books about parenting, see also Philippa Perry) has given me some profound and constructive insights into myself as well as my daughter. After all, we're pretty much all toddlers on the inside, right? I don't think I had any idea how capable my child is before reading this book, nor how fun and satisfying both of us would find collaborating together on small everyday tasks. Today, for instance, we worked out how my daughter could climb into her big chair by herself, and used a stepladder, a small chopping board, a spreader and a (not very sharp) knife to make lunch together. Yes we had some tears and yes we had some wilful contrariness but these are part of the normal toddler experience. What we did not have is horrible meltdowns over unavoidable issues (nappy changes again) that left both of us feeling awful. And both of our overall moods seemed better throughout the day. This book has also helped me to understand and appreciate what she does at nursery more. I really love its emphasis on bringing your life into sync with your toddler's interests and growing abilities in small and sustainable ways. And the information is presented in such a memorable way - while I"m sure I'll read it again and again, I'm amazed at how much I've remembered and how easy it has been to implement the advice in all sorts of challenging toddler situations. Ok I've said enough but seriously - don't deliberate, just get this book.

This book has really enthused me to re-frame the way I look at a lot of my parenting skills for my nearly three year and one year old it really is eye opening. I have read it cover to cover this week and have truly found it life changing - sounds dramatic I know!! I have been falling into a lot of traps recently and this gives me a clear and straight forward path to improve the connection I have with my children and raise children who feel seen and know how to find satisfaction from within. I had fallen into the trap of saying good girl or well done in every sentence and now looking back it was hollow and vacuous. I’m now really observing my kids, I’m feeding back on what they have done not praising with every sentence as I want them to do the right thing as they understand that it feels better for them not to please me. It’s weird but this book has touched on everything I am struggling with right now and gives direct feedback on how to change - no waffle! Gosh I could go on and on but if you are feeling disconnected, frustrated and like you have a short fuse with your toddler I implore you to read this and feel refreshed, revived and ready to face another full on day with two tantrumming toddlers! I reallyHope she writes a follow on book for children aged 4 upwards as I would love to have that at the ready as my two change and develop. Best (and only) parenting book you need I’d you have toddlers!! I’ve never actually made it through others as I zone out with all the text but this is so direct and beautifully presented I couldn’t put it down.

obsessed with this book!! Just finished and could easily read it again, it’s changed so much of my parenting style and allowed me to relax and approach things in a totally different perspective. Has encouraged me to give my child more independence and generally I just feel like a better human for having the knowledge this book has given me! I’ve become really into child development after reading this! Hugely recommend! Even for grandparents etc!

Some good ideas to entertain your little one. Had to ignore or adapt a few for various reasons (lack of resources/ child not interested etc) but the basic idea is to offer variety to build skills while having fun

Good and fast

I am currently half way through reading but have already learnt so much! It is a visually beautiful book, filled with practical advice as well as easy to understand information about the ‘why’ behind the method. Many of the activities so far are aimed at children 18 months and up - my daughter is only 10 months currently but this book is still very helpful to read ahead of time so I can understand how to help guide her through her next life phases. I highly recommend this book.

Gift for a friend homeschooling her child. Mum was very happy with the book.

Was tinkering with the idea of Montessori in the home. So glad I found this book. So practical, beautifully put together and an easy read. I bought the follow on book for Child as a result.