bring into focus this new life we have brought into the world. Let's look to our baby to see what their unique needs are; what they want to learn; and how we can support them in a more mindful, slower way.
What if we handled babies with respect and learned to ask their permission before handling them?
What if we observed our baby first, rather than rushing to fix things?
What if we saw babies as strong and capable, discovering the world around them like explorers, seeing everything for the first time?
What if we realized that babies are already taking in everything from birth (even from in utero) with all their senses?
Some of the ways we can slow down with our babies are:
Using slow, gentle, and deliberate hands when handling them ⚫ Speaking slowly and clearly so that they can hear each syllable Waiting for their response after we speak to them .
Letting them move by themselves and do things by themselves, regardless of how long it takes. We can take these moments to observe them and marvel.
Stopping to observe before reacting when they struggle or fall, or when we are tempted to intervene Stopping for them to stare at things that catch their attention, regardless of how long it takes Taking slow walks that allow both baby and us to enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of nature Doing nothing while baby naps. Not trying to catch up on laundry, not catching up on our emails, just sitting in the silence and enjoying it.
Making some of the baby's materials by hand. There are so many options for materials available commercially, but there can be something soothing and special about making something for our baby by hand. We could sit next to our baby's movement mat while we are working, so they can see us while they do their own explorations.
THE PATH TO PEACE
Back in the first chapter, we referred to our baby as a hope for the future. Yet we are not waiting for them to solve the problems that we have helped create.
It is together, with our baby, our child, our teenager, our young adult, that we can create a better world.
If we can raise them with this love, respect, and gentle hands, this is how they will learn to treat others. They will love, not hate; they will build bridges, not walls; they will work with nature, not use it up or destroy it.
Let's walk together with our family, with the next family, with our neighbor, with someone who thinks differently. Let's see and accept each other. Let's find ways to work together to meet all our needs.
Let's join Dr. Montessori in her wish for peace in all humankind.
"I beg the dear all-powerful children to unite with me for the building of peace in Man and in the World."
-inscription on Dr. Maria Montessori's grave in Noordwijk aan Zee, the Netherlands
"Montessori is a lifestyle; if used properly, it can help establish a healthy bond. My advice to new parents would be to live what you want your children to learn."