"Child Nature and Nurture" Part 1: A Plea for Reinstalling Every Child’s Human Heritage: Parents, Family, and Home By Miss Lena Wikramaratne

Understanding the Balance of Nature and Nurture in a Child’s Development

In Montessori education, we recognize that a child's development is shaped by both nature and nurture. Miss Lena Wikramaratne’s work, A Plea for Reinstalling Every Child’s Human Heritage: Parents, Family, and Home, emphasizes the importance of restoring a child’s connection to their fundamental human heritage—grounded in family, home life, and the natural world. This article explores how Montessori principles align with this perspective and how parents can cultivate a nurturing environment that respects both innate potential and external influences.

The Child as a Product of Both Nature and Nurture

Dr. Maria Montessori described children as "constructors of themselves," meaning they develop through interactions with their environment. While a child’s genetic blueprint (nature) provides the foundation, it is through experiences (nurture) that a child truly flourishes. Wikramaratne highlights that modern lifestyles often pull children away from their essential human heritage—disconnecting them from family bonds, meaningful work, and the rhythms of home life. She calls for a revival of these vital influences, reinforcing the idea that a stable, loving home is crucial to a child's emotional and psychological development.

The Role of Parents and Family in Child Development

Montessori philosophy places great importance on the role of parents as the child’s first educators. Wikramaratne urges parents to take an active role in shaping their child’s upbringing, not by controlling them, but by creating an environment where they can develop naturally. This includes:

• Providing Stability: A consistent home environment where children feel safe and loved is essential. Predictable routines and traditions offer children a sense of security.

• Encouraging Independence: Montessori encourages allowing children to take part in everyday tasks. Simple activities such as preparing a meal, caring for plants, or setting the table help children develop confidence and responsibility.

• Fostering Meaningful Connections: Time spent with family members—sharing meals, engaging in conversations, and telling stories—reinforces a child’s identity and sense of belonging.

  
  

The Home as the First Learning Environment

Before children step into a Montessori classroom, they absorb everything around them at home. The home should be a prepared environment that supports exploration and learning. Wikramaratne reminds us that:

• Simplicity is Key: Children thrive in uncluttered spaces with access to natural materials and purposeful activities.

• Nature is Essential: Exposure to nature—whether through gardening, outdoor play, or observing wildlife—fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for life.

• Emotional Nourishment Matters: A nurturing home, filled with love and respect, lays the foundation for a child’s emotional intelligence and social well-being.

  
  

A Call to Reconnect

Wikramaratne’s plea is a timely reminder that in our fast-paced, technology-driven world, children need meaningful connections to family, home, and nature. Montessori education supports this by fostering independence, respect, and curiosity, but it begins with the family. As parents and educators, we must ensure that every child receives the gift of a childhood rooted in love, stability, and the opportunity to explore the world in a meaningful way.