Conscious Parenting

I set out on a cold Spring morning to comb the beach for sea glass.  Although I patiently scanned the pebbles beneath my feet, I wasn't having much luck.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw a stronger-than-usual wave approaching the shore.  Not wanting to get my shoes wet, I turned and ran towards higher and dryer ground.  When I stopped and looked down, I found four pieces of sea glass within inches of my feet!  I laughed, picked them up, and said a silent "thank you" to the ocean.

I wouldn't…

Over the years of working in Montessori classrooms I've met many children who are eager to attend lessons, engage in follow-up work, and share their new knowledge.  And then there are the occasional "puzzles" (as my son's Primary guide once referred to him).  How do you know if you live or work with a puzzle-child? Puzzle-children are those for whom learning comes easily but who see most teaching as a hindrance to their own learning agenda. On a good day, they grumpily humor your agenda for a s…