Book Review: “The Montessori Toddler” by Simone Davies

Parenting a toddler can feel like navigating an emotional rollercoaster—one moment, they’re joyfully stacking blocks, and the next, they’re on the floor in frustration. Amidst the chaos, many parents wonder: Is there a way to encourage independence while fostering a peaceful home environment?

Simone Davies, a Montessori educator and mother, offers a refreshing perspective in The Montessori Toddler, a beautifully structured guide that helps parents understand their child’s developmental needs while introducing Montessori principles into everyday life. Whether you're new to Montessori or looking to refine your parenting approach, this book provides a clear roadmap to raising confident, curious, and capable toddlers.

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike traditional parenting books that focus on discipline and behavior management, The Montessori Toddler shifts the perspective—helping parents see the world through their toddler’s eyes. Instead of viewing tantrums as misbehavior, Davies explains them as a form of communication, inviting parents to approach challenges with empathy and patience.

The book is written in an engaging and accessible way, making it easy to digest even for busy parents. Filled with practical advice, real-life examples, and beautifully designed visuals, it provides step-by-step guidance on how to create a home and parenting style that aligns with Montessori principles.

Key Insights from The Montessori Toddler

1. Respecting the Toddler as an Individual

One of the foundational ideas of Montessori is that children are born with immense potential and a natural drive to learn. Davies emphasizes that toddlers are not miniature adults but rather individuals going through rapid developmental changes. By respecting their unique needs, preferences, and pace, we can foster a more harmonious relationship.

2. Setting Up a Montessori-Inspired Home

Davies provides practical tips on how to arrange a home environment that encourages independence. Some key takeaways include:

• Creating child-friendly spaces: Montessori encourages designing spaces where toddlers can access what they need without adult intervention. This includes using low shelves, child-sized furniture, and organizing toys and materials in an orderly way.

• Choosing developmentally appropriate activities: Instead of flashy toys, Montessori promotes open-ended play with materials that engage the senses, such as wooden blocks, puzzles, and real-life tools for daily tasks.

• Incorporating practical life activities: Allowing toddlers to help with everyday tasks—such as setting the table, watering plants, and putting on their own shoes—builds confidence and independence.

3. Encouraging Independence Through Daily Routines

One of the biggest challenges for parents of toddlers is balancing their growing independence with the need for structure. Davies suggests creating predictable routines that allow children to participate in daily life without frustration. For example:

• Setting up a self-serve snack station with healthy options so toddlers can choose what to eat.

• Using a low clothes rack to allow them to pick out their outfits.

• Providing a small pitcher so they can pour their own water.

By allowing toddlers to take charge of small tasks, they develop a sense of responsibility and confidence.

4. Managing Toddler Behavior with Patience and Empathy

Tantrums and defiant behavior can feel overwhelming, but Davies reframes these moments as opportunities for learning and connection. Instead of reacting with frustration, she advises parents to:

• Acknowledge their child’s feelings: Saying, “I see you’re upset because you really wanted to keep playing,” helps toddlers feel heard and understood.

• Offer choices: Instead of demanding, “Put on your shoes,” try, “Would you like to wear your red shoes or blue shoes?”

• Stay calm and model emotional regulation: Children learn how to manage emotions by watching adults. Taking deep breaths, using gentle language, and maintaining a calm presence helps toddlers develop self-regulation skills.

  
  

5. Nurturing a Love for Learning

Montessori education is built on the idea that children learn best when they are free to explore their interests. Davies encourages parents to:

• Follow their child’s natural curiosity instead of forcing structured learning.

• Provide open-ended materials like blocks, play dough, and nature-based activities.

• Allow unstructured playtime where children can use their imagination freely.

This approach helps toddlers develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Who Should Read This Book?

The Montessori Toddler is a must-read for:

✅ Parents who want a more peaceful, respectful approach to parenting.

✅ Caregivers looking for practical ways to encourage independence.

✅ Educators working with toddlers who want to integrate Montessori principles.

✅ Anyone curious about applying Montessori at home but unsure where to start.

Final Thoughts: A Parenting Game-Changer

Simone Davies has created a book that feels like a warm, reassuring guide rather than a set of rigid parenting rules. Her gentle, practical advice makes Montessori feel accessible, even for those who have never encountered it before.

By shifting the focus from controlling behavior to supporting independence, The Montessori Toddler offers a refreshing, empowering, and deeply insightful approach to raising young children. Whether you’re in the middle of the toddler years or preparing for them, this book provides invaluable tools to help you navigate this stage with more patience, understanding, and joy.

Have you read The Montessori Toddler? Share your thoughts in the comments below!