[Blog] Become A Montessori Parent ft. Ankita Chandak
Learn from a certified Montessori educator
Are you interested in Montessori parenting but don’t know where to start? Do you wonder how it can help your child become independent, confident, and self-driven?
In this episode of The Modern Indian Parent, we sat down with Ankita Chandak, a certified Montessori educator and positive parenting coach, to explore the fundamentals of Montessori and how parents can integrate it into their daily lives.
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
Understanding Montessori: More Than Just a Teaching Method
Montessori is not just an educational philosophy; it’s a way of life. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this method encourages children to explore their surroundings, develop their skills, and learn at their own pace.
Unlike traditional teaching, where children follow rigid lessons, Montessori adapts to the child's natural curiosity.
Key Features of Montessori:
✔️ Self-Directed Learning – Instead of memorizing facts, children explore and understand concepts on their own.
✔️ Hands-On Exploration – Learning happens through movement, touch, and real-life tasks.
✔️ Freedom with Structure – Kids make their own choices within safe boundaries.
💡 “Montessori follows the lead of the child. Children learn beautifully when they explore their own interests instead of being forced into traditional methods.” – Ankita
The Importance of Following the Child
A core principle of Montessori is “Follow the Child.” Instead of forcing structured learning, parents and teachers observe a child’s interests and provide the right materials.
🔹 A child who loves playing with kitchen tools is learning about physics, balance, and measurement.
🔹 If your toddler insists on putting on their own shoes, they are developing fine motor skills and independence.
🔹 A child who is fascinated by animals might be naturally inclined toward biology or empathy development.
Why It Works
Montessori encourages parents to trust the child’s process rather than rush them. Every child develops at their own pace—and forcing early academics may actually harm their natural curiosity.
💡 “Trust your child’s process. They will learn when they are ready. Our job is to provide an environment that allows them to thrive.” – Ankita
Key Concepts of Montessori Parenting
Montessori learning is built on three key pillars:
1️⃣ The Prepared Environment
A Montessori home is organized, simple, and accessible, encouraging children to be independent.
✔️ Child-sized furniture – Tables, chairs, and shelves at their level
✔️ Minimal clutter – Fewer, high-quality toys allow for deeper concentration
✔️ Open shelving – Toys and materials are displayed neatly for easy selection
2️⃣ Prepared Materials
Montessori materials are designed to be hands-on and sensory-based, helping kids develop focus and problem-solving skills.
✔️ Sandpaper letters – Build muscle memory for writing
✔️ Pouring stations – Improve coordination
✔️ Wooden puzzles and bead chains – Teach early math concepts
3️⃣ A Prepared Adult
Parents and teachers serve as guides, not instructors. The focus is on observing rather than controlling.
✔️ Offer choices instead of demands
✔️ Encourage independence in small tasks
✔️ Use respectful communication – “Would you like to wear the red sweater or the blue one?” instead of “Put on your sweater.”
💡 “The biggest missing link in Montessori is the prepared adult. Are we nurturing our child's mental abilities or just making sure they eat and sleep well?” – Ankita
Getting Started with Montessori at Home
Many parents assume Montessori requires expensive materials or sending children to special schools. But you can start at home with simple changes.
Easy Ways to Begin Montessori Parenting:
✅ Talk to Your Baby Respectfully – Say, “I am going to pick you up now,” before lifting them.
✅ Encourage Life Skills – Let toddlers pour their own water, dress themselves, and help with household chores.
✅ Provide Limited Choices – Instead of “Eat your food,” say, “Would you like to eat your carrots first or your rice?”
✅ Create a Calm Space – Keep a few high-quality toys on an open shelf instead of overflowing toy boxes.
✅ Avoid Interrupting Play – If your child is deeply focused, let them finish their activity before redirecting.
📌 Tip: Start small! Choose one or two areas—like meal times or toy organization—and build from there.
Why Does Montessori Receive Criticism?
Despite its benefits, Montessori often faces skepticism because of misunderstandings.
Common Myths About Montessori:
🔸 Children don’t start writing early – Montessori focuses on pre-writing skills like hand strength before using pencils.
🔸 Too much freedom? – Montessori is structured; children learn within set boundaries.
🔸 It’s expensive – Montessori isn’t about buying things—it’s about changing mindsets.
💡 “Montessori is about providing the right environment, not spending money on fancy materials.” – Ankita
Baby-Led Weaning the Montessori Way
Montessori and baby-led weaning (BLW) go hand in hand.
✔️ Babies Self-Feed – No force-feeding or distractions like screens.
✔️ Exploration is Key – Let them touch, smell, and play with food.
✔️ Use Real Plates & Cutlery – Child-sized, but not plastic!
✔️ Trust the Process – Mess is learning!
📌 Tip: Set up a weaning station with a small table and a cup they can hold.
Conclusion: Montessori Starts with Mindset
Montessori isn’t just about fancy wooden toys or special schools—it’s about respecting your child’s natural abilities.
✔️ Follow their lead – Let them explore what interests them.
✔️ Encourage independence – Let them do small tasks on their own.
✔️ Prepare the environment – Make your home child-friendly.
📺 Watch the full episode here:
➡️ Stay tuned for Part 2, where we discuss:
🔹 How to implement Montessori if your family isn’t on board
🔹 The role of community in Montessori parenting
🔹 Can you do Montessori if your child attends a traditional school?
🔹 How to start Montessori if your child is older
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
Is Montessori for Every Child?
Montessori can benefit all children, but the biggest challenge isn’t the child—it’s the parents.
💭 Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I comfortable letting my child make choices?
✔️ Can I accept that my child may start writing later but have stronger pre-writing skills?
✔️ Am I okay with messy learning (pouring water, cleaning up spills, cooking experiments)?
If you answered yes, Montessori can work beautifully for your family. If you’re hesitant, start small and ease into the philosophy gradually.
📌 Tip: Montessori is not an "all or nothing" approach. You can pick elements that suit your lifestyle.
How to Implement Montessori If Your Family Isn’t on Board
Many Indian families live in joint households, where grandparents and extended family may not understand Montessori.
Instead of arguing, lead by example:
✔️ Model Montessori principles – Show, don’t tell. If they see your child thriving, they’ll be more open to it.
✔️ Educate gently – Explain why you’re making changes. “We let him pour his own water because it builds motor skills.”
✔️ Compromise where needed – If grandparents insist on helping with everything, give them a role (e.g., preparing materials).
✔️ Set clear boundaries – If they keep saying, "Let me do it for you," gently say, "We’re teaching her to do it herself."
💡 “Families don’t always need to agree with your choices. Just focus on what works best for your child.” – Ankita
Can You Do Montessori at Home If Your Child Attends a Traditional School?
Absolutely! Montessori is not just for Montessori schools.
🔹 At Home: Encourage self-care, independence, and hands-on learning.
🔹 At School: Let them adapt to structured learning while balancing it with Montessori activities at home.
🔹 In Daily Life: Use Montessori-inspired activities like cooking, cleaning, and nature walks.
📌 Tip: Don’t stress about mixing methods—many parents blend Montessori with traditional schooling successfully.
💡 “Montessori isn't just about school—it's about respecting your child’s ability to learn at their own pace.” – Ankita
The Importance of a Montessori Community
Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially if no one around you follows Montessori.
Finding a Montessori community can be a game-changer.
✔️ Follow Montessori educators on Instagram.
✔️ Join local or online Montessori groups.
✔️ Find parents in your area who follow Montessori at home.
📌 Tip: If you don’t know anyone, start small—attend a Montessori playgroup or follow blogs for support.
💡 “Having a like-minded community makes Montessori parenting much easier.” – Ankita
How to Start Montessori If Your Child Is Older?
It’s never too late to introduce Montessori principles.
✔️ Encourage independence – Let your child take ownership of small tasks like setting the table or organizing toys.
✔️ Introduce Montessori concepts gradually – Start with one aspect (e.g., allowing choices, setting up a dedicated workspace).
✔️ Create a structured yet flexible environment – Allow freedom but with clear expectations.
✔️ Allow hands-on learning – Engage them in real-life activities like cooking, gardening, and DIY projects.
💡 "Montessori isn't just about early childhood. It’s a lifelong approach to learning and independence." – Ankita
Conclusion: Montessori Is a Mindset, Not a Schooling System
Montessori isn’t just about toys or schools—it’s a philosophy that can be adapted to any home, regardless of your child’s age or schooling system.
✔️ Follow their lead – Observe what interests them.
✔️ Encourage independence – Let them do things for themselves.
✔️ Prepare the environment – Make everyday objects accessible and meaningful.
📺 Watch the full episode here:
Would you try Montessori at home? Let us know in the comments! 👇