Saturday, June 9, 2012

BACK OFF


A few days ago I read a blog story which renewed my hope for bullied children. The mother told of showing her almost two-year-old daughter how to step forward, raise her hand, and say “back off” when a bigger child pushed her around. This is a simple lesson, I know, but it got me to wondering how effective this act is, to show a child at this age how to defend herself? At first I thought it would make her aware of her space, hers and others, and she would grow up more conscious of herself and a life she could defend.

Maria Montessori’s theory explains that a child in the first stage of childhood, (0-3), is still operating out of their sub-conscious mind, a mind which is working to be conscious by absorbing its environment. This is a period of creation when their intelligence and will is being formed; so we have to consider what the child’s sub-conscious mind is absorbing as his senses take in the parent’s lesson of defense. Will the words and offensive movements be appropriate for a child of innocence? Would it be better for the parent to be with or nearby a child of two for protection?

By the time a child is three, his experiences and creative intelligence will guide him in defense of his space and self and encourage his freedom to be himself. An understanding of Maria Montessori’s method and materials is helpful toward this development. My book, Montessori:Living the Good Life, is a good introduction for parents new to Montessori philosophy. A recent website blog shows activities that reveal Dr. Montessori’s method for learning about space: http://carrotsareorange.com/montessori-play-learning-space/.

Have you read The Whole Brain Child co-authored by Dr. Tina Payne Bryson? Her research confirms Dr. Montessori’s theory about the child’s brain . . . more about this next time.


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