Introduction. Let's change the way we see toddlers

Why I love toddlers

What we need to know about toddlers

Parenting the Montessori toddler

Getting the most out of this book

Introduction to Montessori. A brief history of Montessori

Traditional education vs. Montessori education

Some Montessori principles

Montessori activities for toddlers. Montessori activities for the whole child

What makes an activity Montessori?

How to show the child an activity

General principles to keep in mind

How to set up an activity

Types of activities. Eye-hand coordination ; Music and movement ; Practical life ; Arts and crafts ; Language

An extra note on the outdoors and nature

What about non-Montessori toys?

Setting up the home. Setting up Montessori-style spaces

Room by room. Entrance ; Living room ; Kitchen ; Eating area ; Bedroom ; Bathroom ; Arts and crafts area ; Cozy place for reading ; Outside

General principles to keep in mind. Tackling the clutter ; Making it cozy ; Setting up our home to save us work ; Sharing spaces ; Small spaces

The importance of the home environment

Home tour

Raising a curious child who feels seen and heard. Part one: Encouraging curiosity in our child

Five ingredients for curiosity. Trust in the child ; A rich learning environment ; Time ; A safe and secure base ; Fostering a sense of wonder

Seven principles for curious humans. Follow the child ; Encourage hands-on learning ; Include the child in daily life ; Go slow ; Help me to help myself ; Encourage creativity ; Observation

Part two: Accepting our child for who they are. Give toddlers significance, belonging, and acceptance for who they are

Be their translator

Allow all feelings, but not all behavior

Give our child feedback instead of praise

Roles and labels

Nurturing cooperation and responsibility in our child. Part one: Cultivating cooperation

Why the Montessori approach does not use threats, bribes, or punishments

Problem solving with our toddlers

Ways to involve our child

How we can talk to help them listen

Managing expectations

Bonus: write a note

Part two: Setting limits. It's okay to set limits

Be clear on the limits

Follow through with kind and clear action

Acknowledge negative feelings

Dealing with tantrums

Reconnecting once they are calm

Helping them make amends

Tips for setting limits

A handy checklist for limits

Putting it into practice. Part one: Daily care

Daily rhythm

Rituals

Getting dressed and leaving the house

Eating

Sleeping

Brushing teeth

Part two: Dealing with changes. Toileting

Saying goodbye to pacifiers

Siblings

Part three: Useful skills for our toddlers to learn. Sharing

Learning how to interrupt an adult

Skills for introverted toddlers

A hitting/biting/pushing/throwing phase

Building concentration

Dealing with frustration

When our child is clingy

Screen time

Bilingualism

Being the adult. Preparation of the adult

Physical self-care

Cultivate a learning mind-set

Start and end the day right

Practice presence

Observation

Fill our emotional bucket and our child's

Slow down

Be the child's guide

Use our home as a helper

Be honest

Take responsibility for our life and choices

Learn from our mistakes

Celebrate where we are

Self-awareness

Keep practicing

Working together. What about everyone else?

Parents are people, too

Preferring one parent

The key to working together as a family

Getting family on board

Grandparents and caregivers

When there is conflict in the family

Divorce does not have to be a dirty word

What's next. Getting ready for preschool/school

The coming years

It's time for a change in education

It's time for peace

Real stories: home tours and quotes from Montessori families

Australia. Kylie, Aaron, Caspar, Otis, and Otto ; How we Montessori

Mongolia. Enerel, Bayanaa, Nimo, and Odi ; Mininimoo

Canada. Beth, Anthony, and Quentin ; Our Montessori life

USA. Amy, James, Charlotte, and Simon ; Midwest Montessori

My family. Simone, Oliver, and Emma ; Australia and the Netherlands

My classroom. Jacaranda Tree Montessori ; Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Further reading

Thank-yous

Appendix. Instead of this, say that

Where to find Montessori materials and furniture

About Montessori schools. What to look for in a Montessori school ; What does a typical day at a Montessori school look like? ; Is Montessori suitable for every child? ; How does a child transition to a traditional school after being at Montessori?

Feelings and needs

Play-dough recipe

List of Montessori activities for toddlers

Index