“Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence.” ~ Maria Montessori
Little ones love helping around the house. Often some of their favorite activities include, but aren’t limited to, vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, wiping down the table after meals, helping hang up the laundry outside, folding laundry, making their own breakfast, cutting up vegetables during dinner preparation and playing waitress during certain lunch times (ie: taking the plates to the children sitting at the table).
Noo loved watering the garden. He had this tiny purple watering can that he would fill over and over again.
Koko loved to vacuum. He would ask to get the vacuum cleaner numerous times a day and vacuum till his merry little heart was content (which could last up to an hour).
Fifi loved washing dishes, she still does. We had a helper when she was tiny and she would get on her chair and help her with the dishes if the opportunity presented itself.
Pixie loves to cut up mushrooms. They are soft enough for her to cut them with a butter knife, yet hard enough to offer some resistance. I buy mushrooms especially for her to cut. She stands on her little chair at the kitchen counter, pulls out her pink cutting board and will ask for her knife and mushrooms. She does a pretty good job cutting them.
Remember that teaching children these tasks from a young age will help build up their self esteem and independence. As parents we want to do everything for our toddlers because they are still little, but letting go is good for both parent and child. All 4 my children, the younger 3 especially, are very independent and love to do things on their own. Giving them the opportunity to discover the freedom that independence affords them is something that should not be neglected.
I highly recommend Maria Montessori’s two books, The Absorbent Mind and The Montessori Method {Affiliate links}.
Visit my Pinterest board to find more Montessori inspired activities
