Child of the Redwoods: Podcast

Do you feel like you give one child more attention over another? It feels awful, right? And yet sometimes simply because of the age and stage of your child, it is the instinctual way you parent.  Many Montessori mamas feel guilty for playing with the preschooler while the baby lays nearby on the floor or nursing the baby for house while the preschooler waits. Tips & healthy advice awaits you...

Do you feel like you are walking the Montessori journey alone? Are your family members still advocating for traditional parenting methods like spanking, time-out, bribing, or threatening? Are you looking for ways to help them learn about Montessori and gentle parenting?  In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to get family members on board with Montessori!  For a free Mini-Di...

Crash! There goes another plate, shattered on the floor. Whoever said Montessori children could handle glass must not have seen a real toddler!  In this episode, we take the story of the "throwing everything" toddler and break it down. This is not a plastic-versus glass story. It's a story about how to follow your gut instincts and trust the child.  Tips for throwing toddlers can be foun...

When you're trying to have an adult conversation for longer than 30 seconds or concentrate on a project, it can get pretty frustrating to have a little person constantly interrupting you.  In this episode, we dive into the reasons why the interruptions are happening and also give some strategies to help manage them. (Hint: it's all about the Montessori grace and courtesy lessons!) If you're a...

This episode is specifically for the parent who is worried about telling her young child that there are terrible things in the world. Murder, cancer, natural disasters, racism, and other topics are mentioned, along with an approach to understanding how to approach these topics with confidence through developmental stages.  White & privileged parents will be comforted by this gentle nudge. Spe...

One minute your child is playing with a toy. The next, he’s off into the kitchen for a snack! Toys forgotten, he runs outside to chase the butterflies in your backyard. It’s not you — your toddler really does have a short attention span. And it’s not all bad. Let’s uncover some of the possible biological reasons why your toddler is behaving so erratically and contemplate how the Montessori method...

How does a Montessori guide create a work for a child? Actually, there's a lot more to it than putting items on a tray and popping it on a shelf! Here are some tips to help you step up your design skills and entice your children to enjoy their prepared environment.  This episode comes with a free printable infographic to help you remember these tips when cultivating your spaces at home, and y...

Feeling overwhelmed? Out of control? Disorganized? Can't get the kids to settle down at bedtime either? I am giving a parenting tip today that has been instrumental in my own motherhood: hitting rewind.  Because it's FUN (and useful!), this podcast comes with an inspirational poster to stick on your fridge paste into your journal, or hang on your wall RIGHT HERE at Child of the Redwoods.com L...

New to Montessori or want to help a friend learn about Montessori? Welcome to an amazing way of life. Here are my tips for learning about Montessori without getting completely overwhelmed.  This episode comes with a free mini-dictionary of popular Montessori terms: Learn How to Talk Like a Montessori Parent . You can download it at ChildoftheRedwoods.com in the show notes of this episode.&nbs...

Minimalism can be a beautiful fit for a Montessori lifestyle! Join me and reject the snobby, elitist versions of each; embrace a more practical and self-compassionate way. The benefits are immense: your children will learn creativity, generosity, and responsibility as you incorporate the best of both lifestyles. Read the show notes and download your free checklist A Montessori Look at Minimalism R...

Of course it's not your fault! There are so many factors that come into play when children behave in challenging ways. But that doesn't mean you don't need to sit back while your child behaves aggressively. The hitting, kicking, and biting needs to stop. Here are some strategies that align with positive, gentle discipline to help guide you.  Join Find the Calm for a free, 5 day action plan.&n...

We're here today to talk about something that strikes a deep and unresolved fear into the heart of many a Montessori parent: screen time.   How much screen time is "too much" is something only you as a parent can decide. What I am delving into today is what to do when you decide it really is too much. Let's get that screen time usage under control!  Love,  Aubrey P.S. You can get th...

Here's something we don't talk about enough in Montessori: parenting children can be magical, but staying home to play with your children can also be...kinda boring...like when your child wants you to engage in pretend play all the time. In this episode we dive into what it means to be bored in the first place and offer some strategies to help you through these tough times.  Love,  Aubre...

Homeschooling in normal times: AWESOME. Homeschooling during a pandemic: NOT SO AWESOME.  Millions of families around the world have suddenly found themselves at home with their children full time (while working!). I don't have all the answers to how to do it right, but as a working, full-time homeschooler, I want to tell you about how our family is handling this. Maybe it will be interesting...

We’ve supercharged our handwashing routine. And I think that when it’s a cold and flu season, everyone should learn the Montessori way to wash your hands. It’s the BEST way to beat viruses. In fact, it's just exactly what the whole world needs right now.  Love,  Aubrey P.S. You can find the show notes plus a free lesson plan that goes along with this podcast at ChildoftheRedwoods.com &nb...

Did you know -- Montessori is for REGULAR people! NOT just rich people!  Oh, yes...it's true that many affluent parents have fallen in love with the Montessori method. It's so "haute" right now that sometimes it makes me want to throw up. These are strong words because my feelings are strong.  Because friends--Maria did not create a fancy pants method of education. She studied CHILDREN....

Wanna Montessori at home for ages 2.5-6? Wanna learn what to invest in or DIY first? This experienced Montessori homeschooler is going to lay out an easy starter plan for you!  Get your Montessori ON, as I list out at least 2 favorite materials per category (Sensorial, Practical Life, Language, Math, and Cultural) and explain why you're going to want to purchase or DIY them for your home.&nbs...

Kids do gross things, right? You know what I'm talking about. Nose picking, window licking, dirt eating, poop smearing...that kind of stuff we just wish we could forget EVER HAPPENED but in reality, it is happening to every parent you've ever met.  Is there a Montessori solution to these yucky issues?  You bet there is! Dive in as we talk about some of my favorites (least favorites?) bec...

Of COURSE you are capable! But if you're feeling the doubts, you can do something about it. Let me show you how.  Education is a journey we take with our children; that's my motto! This is how I put it into practice as a homeschooler: by re-evaluating my beliefs around my abilities. If self doubt creeps in for you, too, I have some tips for you!  Love, Aubrey P.S. You can find everything...

You're ready to investigate what Montessori program will be the best one for your family, but it all feels so stressful. Should you homeschool instead? Or is there a perfect Montessori school out there for your child? Whether you're touring private Montessori schools, applying to public Montessori charters, or wondering how to make your own homeschool "classroom" more aligned with the method, thes...

Don't feel like homeschooling is for you? Hey, you know what's right for your family...but put your skepticism aside and hang with me for a minute. Let's chat. When we clearly define what a quality education for human children encompasses, our understanding of what "school" is actually for begins to shift. Suddenly, the hours between 7am and 3pm seem like only part of the equation.  In this e...

Maria Montessori knew a LOT about education, but unfortunately, she wasn't sure that parents were willing and able to do what it takes to offer their children a prepared environment that fosters independence and resilience.  Well, guess what, Maria. We ARE! Using Montessori methods at home with our own chilldren is not only possible -- it's downright *magical*.  In this episode, we are h...

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." - The Princess Bride   It's true: there are many meanings to the word "magical" and when combined with "childhood", I see a lot of parents misinterpreting this common phrase.  Take a deep Montessori dive with me into the real magic that exists inside our little ones and how we can best tap into those innate abil...

Becoming a Montessori mama requires a true inner transformation. When you first discover the magic of Montessori, you might want to jump right to the end -- being able to implement all of the techniques immediately. Children grow up too quickly, don't they? We wish! It's a journey, friends. In this episode, my good friend Nicole Kavanaugh from The Kavanaugh Report and I share our Montessori journe...

Are you a parent who recently discovered Montessori? Maybe you have been amazed by this child-centered philosophy, but somehow you suspect you have already fallen short because you didn't know you were supposed to be doing all of these things with your child. Does the "sensitive period" strike fear in your heart? Are you worried that it's too late? You've already mucked it up for your child? In th...