Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong?

Perhaps your alarm didn’t ring, and you found yourself stuck in a traffic jam that felt like a scene from a sitcom.

Maybe the coffee shop served you a burnt brew, and as you spilled it over yourself while parking down the street—because someone else snagged your usual spot—you couldn’t help but think, “Why is today such a mess?”

It’s easy to let these little frustrations put us in a bad mood, isn’t it?

How everyday frustrations reflect a child’s world

Now, let’s take a moment to step into the shoes of a child. Imagine being just two years old. Your mum has had an unexpected sleep-in after the holidays (thanks to that pesky alarm). Suddenly, the house is a whirlwind of rushing and chaos. Breakfast? Forget the leisurely spread; it’s a hurried piece of toast with Vegemite. But what if you were hoping for jam or peanut butter? Not today, kiddo—we’re late!

You’re dressed in a way that feels more like a fashion disaster than an outfit, while your mum tries to sing your favourite song, toothbrush in mouth.

The scene is pure pandemonium. Stress levels are rising, and all you want is to put on your own shoes, but time is slipping away. The pressure builds, and before you know it, you’re in the midst of a meltdown—tears streaming, screams of frustration filling the air, and your little feet kicking in protest. Finally, you’re strapped into your car seat. You’re not happy about it, but a comforting cuddle from mum and your beloved comforter bring a glimmer of solace amidst the chaos.

Why behaviour challenges arise and how Montessori helps

This scenario illustrates how quickly stress and frustration can escalate for young children, often leading to behavioural challenges. Mornings like the one described are often unavoidable, but it’s essential to remember that as adults, we have the ability to be mindful of the young children in our lives and consider how we can best support them.

For many children, simply being at daycare can trigger a range of behaviours that challenge educators and may even lead them to question their career choices. Life can be tough for young children, even if we tend to forget that as we grow older. They face a multitude of emotions to navigate, social cues to interpret, and societal rules that often go over their heads. It’s a complex stage of life, especially without proper guidance. That’s where we come in.

Working in a Montessori classroom with young children is incredibly rewarding. It’s fulfilling, nurturing, and truly wonderful work. However, we must acknowledge that it’s also one of the most challenging roles within Montessori. Working with children under three years of age is particularly demanding, and Montessori emphasised the importance of the prepared adult in these environments. You might wonder, isn’t the prepared adult important in all Montessori settings? You’re correct, but the role of the directress (or director, educator, guide—whatever term you prefer) is highlighted in great detail in nearly all Montessori teachings related to adults in the 0-3 age group.

Preparation extends beyond the physical classroom environment; the human environment is the most vital element in a 0-3 classroom, as it includes the knowledge, guidance, and examples we offer to young children. Across all age groups, it’s essential to grasp Montessori’s theories on child development and behaviour, encompassing her decalogue, the significance of freedom and limits, as well as the concepts of normalisation and deviations.

Supporting young children through Montessori principles

Maria Montessori frequently discussed the concepts of Normalisation and Deviations. I must admit, these terms may not resonate as strongly in modern contexts, but the teachings surrounding them have helped Montessorians everywhere gain a deeper understanding of developmental behaviour. Montessori described Normalisation as a ‘normal’ developmental path, while deviations can be viewed as detours that arise along the way, causing a child to stray from their natural developmental trajectory. It’s vital for us to recognise that every child has a unique developmental journey, and we need to observe and analyse their previous path to help them return to the one that suits them best.

In navigating the complexities of childhood behaviour, it’s crucial to remember that our role as educators and caregivers is not just to manage these behaviours but to understand their roots. By fostering an environment that acknowledges the emotional landscape of young children, we can help them navigate their feelings and reactions more effectively. Every child’s journey is unique, and our understanding of their developmental needs can significantly influence their growth and learning. This is where the principles of Montessori shine, guiding us to create supportive spaces that encourage normalisation while addressing deviations with compassion and insight.

Take the next step in your Montessori journey

If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of these concepts and enhance your skills in managing behaviour in a Montessori setting, we invite you to explore our short course on behaviour. This course is designed to equip you with practical strategies and insights rooted in Montessori philosophy, helping you to support the children in your care more effectively.

Join us on this journey of learning and discovery, and empower yourself to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children. For more information, browse our courses and take the next step towards becoming a more informed and effective educator.

Until next time
The MECTA Montessori Millennial.