Montessori Dad with J.D. Murgolo

I write a letter to my kids about a moment I almost interrupted…them lost in a world of Legos. It wasn’t just play; it was deep focus, flow, and creativity unfolding quietly in front of me. This letter explores Montessori’s idea of uninterrupted work , the importance of protecting those moments when children dive deep, so their concentration can build and blossom. It’s also a reflection on how oft...

In this weeks journal entry, I write a letter to my kids about something I almost missed: the quiet confidence with which they moved through their day, trying, failing, trying again. No ask for help. No need for guidance. Just deep trust in their own process. This is about learning to step back. To observe instead of direct. To listen instead of fix. And to trust that our children are led by somet...

This weeks journal entry, I reflect on a quiet, ordinary moment — watching my children stack wooden blocks with calm and care. It’s in these small, slow spaces that I’m reminded of what Montessori teaches us: to respect our children’s process, to trust their timing, and to meet them where they are — not where we wish they were. Patience isn’t just something we give to our kids. It’s something we g...

In this weeks entry, we’re looking at the emotional world of children—not through the lens of control, but through the lens of connection. So often, we think our job is to manage our kids’ emotions: to fix the crying, calm the tantrums, or talk them out of being upset. But what if our real role is to model emotional regulation, not micromanage their experience? This is about what it means to be re...

In this journal-style reflection, I explore what it means to truly trust in play—not as a break from learning, but as the learning itself. So often, we find ourselves packing every minute of our kids’ days with structured activities, worried they’ll fall behind or miss out. But what if the very thing we’re skipping—the unscheduled, open-ended, magical nothing time —is actually where the most impor...

In this episode, I share a moment that started with a simple sock and turned into something much deeper—a lesson in patience, trust, and what it really means to raise capable kids. When our children try to do something hard—like get dressed, make their own breakfast, or zip up their coat—we often rush in. Not because we don’t believe in them, but because we’re tired, running late, or worried they’...

What do birds sitting on wires, squirrels without hats, and early-morning curiosity have in common? They all showed up before 9am. In this episode, I reflect on a real-life, journal-style morning where my child asked 27 “why” questions before breakfast—and how I nearly missed the moment by trying to survive it instead of engaging with it. This isn’t just a story about being a tired parent (though,...

Ian Standard, a new dad and someone who really understands the emotional intelligence side of life skills and why those small moments of independence aren’t just about tasks, but about trust, resilience, and building a strong inner voice in our kids. My guest this month is: Ian Standard Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Comment on this...

This week we’re talking about daily routines like pouring milk, folding towels, loading the dishwasher, and why those small, often frustrating moments are actually where emotional development and confidence get built. And yeah, we'll talk about how to hand over control without the whole house burning down in the process. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start yo...

This weeks journal entry is a bit of a pause button. We’re talking about what it really means to slow down—not just for our kids’ sake, but for our own. And what might happen if we stop dragging them through our timelines, and start walking with them at theirs. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Subs...

Regulating emotions can be a challenge. Have you ever seen what it looks like when someone tries to though? I did, and it was my 4yo son. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more....

 Alyssa Carlene chose the path of healing. Not for a neat ending, but for a beginning. She became the mother she never had piece by piece, breath by breath. My guest this month is: Alyssa Carlene Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up he...

Little humans, big emotions. What does that look like when a 2yo breaks a 4yo’s heart by denying a before bedtime hug? Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and si...

Experience the world through a child’s eye they say. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠ We...

Celebrating my birthday is different when you’re kiddo actually knows how to count. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter HERE Start your own journal HERE Leave a comment about the episode on Substack HERE Support the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Le...

For much of my life, I was brought up in an environment where the phrase “follow the child” is the guiding principle. My guest this month is: Rhalyn David Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sig...

This week I discuss the fear of losing connection with my children as they grow up Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HERE Start your own journal HERE Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here....

This week I explore the meaning of a parenting quote I stumbled across that hit me deep. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HERE Start your own journal HERE Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up...

My kids ask if they can keep me forever, if I can be their friend, and what my favorite character in Star Wars is. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn mo...

Yelling doesn't teach; it creates a cycle of negativity. My guest this week is: Kirk Martin Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠ We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To...

I often forget what it must be like to see things for the first time. My kids like to remind me of that on a regular basis and this week they’ve done that at the dinner table. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Communit...

How do we define masculinity and why should be viewing it differently? My guest this week is: Steph McFarland Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠ We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠...

First journal entry for the new season and for this episode we’re talking about those profound and existential questions from a toddler. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠ We als...

New journal entries and interviews begin February 3. Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠ Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠ Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠ We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠ E...

In the realm of parenting, it is natural to experience a range of emotions, both positive and negative. While it is common to feel love, joy, and pride, there are times when frustration, anger, and fear can arise. However, when it comes to responding to our children's behaviors, choosing compassion and grace over fear and anger is of paramount importance. My guest this week is: Sam Morris Say hell...