As parents to multiple neurodivergent children, Nicole and Morgan discuss how parenting with Montessori influences neurodivergent kids. We discuss a shift in our expectations toward our children, how we advocate for our children in schools, with therapists, or doctors. We finish by answering some listener questions about how we deal with specific situations.   Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/10/NeurodivergenceandMontessoriPodcast.html  ..read more

Montessori classrooms are filled with beautiful materials to engage children and spark learning opportunities. But, if your children are going to school, do you really need to own these materials at home? In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss some of the reasons you might consider owning Montessori materials and which to bring home. We also explore some reasons you might skip these materials altogether.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/10/UsingMaterialsAtHomeMontessori.html  ..read more

How do sports and Montessori mix? How to we reconcile the competitive nature of some children's sports with our desire to respect our children's developmental needs? How do we give our children new experiences and avoid over scheduling? In this much asked for episode, Nicole and Amy dive into their experiences with children's sports - the good and the bad. As Montessori parents, we share how we try to follow our children's interests but still provide balance and respect.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/10/Sports-and-Montessori.html  ..read more

Come along with us through our Montessori morning with our toddlers. Montessori morning routines look like activities, materials, outings, and the work of the adult all mixed together. This week Nicole and Amy focus on what it looks like in their Montessori homes to guide their toddlers. From school drop offs, to phone calls, and shelf work, get an in-depth look at how toddlers get their day started. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/09/Montessori-Toddler-Mornings-Podcast.html ..read more

We're back for season 4 of Shelf Help! Nicole and Amy are starting off this new season of our Montessori parenting podcast with some tips for a successful back to school. As Montessori parents, they share ways to help your children before school, tips on how to come home peacefully, and tips for you in dropping kids off at school for the first time.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/09/BackToSchoolMontessoriPodcast.html  ..read more

Artificial Intellegence technology is starting to influence many different areas of our lives. But what does AI think of Montessori?! And how much can AI get right?! In this week's Montessori parenting podcast, Nicole and Amy challenge AI in a true and false game. Listen to see how much we agree and disagree with AI created Montessori statements.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/07/MontessoriTrueFalseParentingPodcast.html ..read more

Amy is back with her BIG news and so in this week's episode we are talking about how to support children as we navigate big life changes. Whether it's a move, the end of a school year, or some other change, here are some practical tips for helping manage feelings, responsibilities, and logistics of a big life transition for your child. From the importance of practical life, to holding space for feelings and not leaning into perfectionism, let's help our children navigate changes to their world.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/06/ParentingPodcastSupportingLifeTransitio ..read more

It is normal for toddlers to have a lot of feelings. Sometimes they experience extreme joy, and other times it's frustration, anger, and sadness. In this Montessori parenting podcast, Amy and Nicole talk specifically about toddler tantrums. As the prepared adult, we need to respond to tantrums with respect and love. In this episode, we discuss how to address your child's emotions, how to approach an upset child, and the role that our environment plays in causing tantrums.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/05/MontessoriParentingPodcastToddlerTantrums.html  ..read more

For Nicole and Amy, spring is here and so is nicer weather. So they are getting outside with their Montessori kids as much as possible. In this week's mini-episode, Nicole and Amy share their top three favorite outdoor activities. These Montessori friendly choices are fun for kids of all ages and can be done in a variety of spaces to work for your climate and space.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/05/MontessoriHomeOurOutdoorFavoritesPodcast.html ..read more

It is our 100th episode of our Montessori parenting podcast! We want to thank all of you that have been with us over these last three years and celebrate with a listener Q&A! In this episode Nicole and Amy answer a variety of your Montessori parenting questions. We chat about everything from toddler mealtimes to swearing and our thoughts on the Montessori IG community.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2023/04/100EpisodesMontessoriPodcast.html  ..read more